"Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts", released in 1999, was the second album by the iconic British band, Kula Shaker. This album marked a significant milestone in the band's career, showcasing their unique blend of psychedelic rock, Indian classical music, and Britpop influences.

Kula Shaker, formed in 1995, gained instant fame with their debut album "K," which became the fastest-selling debut album in the UK since Oasis' "Definitely Maybe." With "Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts," the band aimed to further solidify their position as one of the leading acts of the late '90s alternative rock scene.

The album's title itself is intriguing, representing the diverse themes explored throughout its tracks. "Peasants" symbolizes the band's connection to their roots and the working-class ethos that influenced their music. "Pigs" refers to the greed and corruption prevalent in society, and "Astronauts" alludes to the band's fascination with space exploration and the unknown.

One of the standout tracks from the album is "Sound of Drums," a politically charged song that criticizes the commercialization of war and the manipulation of the masses. This song, along with the album's other tracks, showcases the band's ability to blend thought-provoking lyrics with infectious melodies.

Another notable song from the album is "Great Hosannah," which incorporates Indian classical music elements, featuring sitar and tabla. This fusion of Eastern and Western influences was a trademark of Kula Shaker's sound and set them apart from their contemporaries.

"Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts" received mixed reviews upon its release, with some praising the band's experimental approach, while others found it to be too ambitious. However, over time, the album has garnered a cult following and is now regarded as a significant and influential release in the band's discography.

Despite the album's critical reception, it achieved commercial success, reaching number nine on the UK Albums Chart and spawning several successful singles, including "Mystical Machine Gun" and "Shower Your Love."

In conclusion, "Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts" was the second album released by Kula Shaker in 1999. This album showcased the band's unique fusion of musical styles and thought-provoking lyrics, solidifying their position as one of the leading alternative rock acts of the late '90s. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the album achieved commercial success and has since become a cult favorite among fans.

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