I see what you mean in the sense that 3 of the first 5 or so songs on the new one are called " 'x'...on fire". But ive always felt the lyrics were a secondary concern, i often dont care what the lyrics to a song are if its a good enough song.

I like the album from listening to it a couple of times but ive not really made up my mind, i shelled out an extra £5 (which i cant really afford to do at the min) for the "special edition" and it really wasnt worth it.

didnt you say you like spacemen 3 earlier?

ladies and gentlemen
electric mainline
live at albert hall
lazer guided melodies
songs in a & e

everything else...

in that order....

Saw them live about three weeks ago and musically the band were stronger than the Albert Hall album which I love. Lots of noisy meltdowns, couple of backing singers handling the gospel stuff and Jason with his huge shades, not moving a muscle more than was necessary to play the stuff. Great first twenty mins, quite dull middle and a last 40 mins which envied many gigs I've been to in quite some while. Stunning version of Take Your Time, lovely Think I'm In Love, Come Together, nice Let It Flow.
But they didn't do Cop Shoot Cop. Blues for me.
The new stuff (haven't heard the album) sounded like most of the older stuff but much more focused and tight, especially when compared to Amazing Grace. There were people in the audience crying during Lord Can You Hear Me?
I didn't think it was that bad.
I'll get the album when it's cheaper. What can he do, as Yeats asked, but enumerate old themes?

I saw them for the first time on letterman and really enjoyed it. Songs in A and E was my first exposure and i loved it. Its a perfect late night record. wish i knew about it earlier so i could have seen them live.

Saw them last week and they were fucking amazing, far better than I was expecting (and I've seen 'em at least 4 or 5 times previously).
As Semperet said above, the last third or so of the set was one of the greatest things I've seen all year. I honestly thought there was no way they could follow up the massive fuck-off finale to Come Together so was all set to leave, only for them to come back on for the most beautiful version of Lord Can You Hear Me I've ever heard. And to think I nearly didn't bother going...

i was way disappointed in a&e, although i saw them this summer and it was good times.