Just how good is Sun Ra? I've only heard three albums so far

Space is the Place
My Brother The Wind Volume II
The Solar Myth Approach

and they are all totally different and totally ace. I don't know too much about jazz, but when there are crazy noises, cool basslines and people singing 'space is the place, spaaaace is the plaaaace' over and over I can dig it. Oh yes.

He might be an influence on all of the noise stuff (eg most of the ATP lineup) about today. The track 'Realm of Lightning' makes me think of a man being stalked by tigers in the jungle. I don't even think that tigers live in the jungle so this stuff must be good.

Anyone else a fan? Where to next with Mr Ra?