- Audio CD (Mar 5 2012)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Label: Thrill Jockey
- ASIN: B000056O2R
- Other Editions: Audio CD
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #51,294 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Product Details |
Track Listings
| 1. Seneca |
| 2. Eros |
| 3. Benway |
| 4. Firefly |
| 5. Sixpack |
| 6. Eden 2 |
| 7. Monica |
| 8. Blackjack |
| 9. Eden 1 |
| 10. Speakeasy |
Product Description
From Amazon.com
Tortoise formed in Chicago in the early 1990s from a pool of musicians most of whom had spent time in bands concerned with aggressive, guitar-centric rock. From the outset their aesthetic was crafted partly in opposition to that. Relying mostly on drums, vibraphone, two basses, keyboards, sparing use of guitar, and being attuned to the many strains of electronic dance music that developed throughout the decade, the ensemble quickly established a distinctive sound that caught a lot of people's attention. But it was a couple of years before their compositional skills caught up with their sonic inventiveness. John McEntire's crucial role in shaping the sound of the last couple of Stereolab records has been mirrored on his own group's records, and by the time TNT was released, they'd put all the pieces together to create a record that lived up to their reputation. And Standards is at least as good if not better. Having made their declaration of independence from rock, the roiling drums and guitar distortion at the start of "Seneca" are as near a return to it as they've made. However, after a couple of minutes they settle into a funky groove with half a dozen short interlocking melodies, and it eventually dissolves into a percussive wash and segues into "Eros," which starts with one of Dan Bitney and John Herndon's signature Steve Reich-ian mallet instrument patterns. There's an effective compositional tension throughout in which particularly abstract electronic passages will suddenly yield to surprisingly pretty melodies before heading back out to space. Those who've followed the band this far are going to be very happy, and anyone who has been hesitant would do well to take the plunge. --Bob Bannister
Album Description
The fourth full length from Tortoise, boldy announces their return following 1998's TNT. The leader's of innovation in a lot of ways, John McEntire and his clan continue with an excellent album. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Post-Modern White Kid Loves Fake Genius,
By
This review is from: Standards (Audio CD)
Yo, a couple of people obviously don't really have a problem so much with this record itself, but the "demographic" who listen to it. Well, my friends, the question is not about who listens to this, but about what kind of music the musicians themselves are making.Actually, I was very disappointed with this album when it first came out. Being an enthusiastic fan of "Millions Now Living..." and "TNT", I believed that Tortoise had lost their epic and experimental flair. Well, give it a little while to find its way into your happy place - I'm a believer now. The virtue of Tortoise's past records was all of the divergent paths that the band tried on for size. Whether it was the pastoral sonic poetry of "I Set My Face to the Hillside" or the floating "Glass Museum", Tortoise seemed to have a real flair for a sort of meditative instrumental rock. Well, "Standards" is a vastly different affair. On the whole, the sound is extremely focused, as close to a truly conventional album as Tortoise has ever come. Also, I'd say there's a bit more emphasis on American music styles, a la free-form Jazz, Funk, R&B, etc. However, the songs also tell a clearer story this time around. I know that sounds pretentious, but it wasn't until I realized that that I was able to relish this album. On the whole, it's hilarious that some people hate this music (the people who listen to this music) so much that they have to completely trash it because of the people who listen to it. I personally bought this because of my love for Tortoise's back catalogue. I suspect Tortoise is just a group of guys who enjoy making music, just like any other hard-working band. So judge them based on their records...that being said, given time, this stands strong with the rest of their work.
5.0 out of 5 stars
TORTOISE @ THEIR BEST!!!,
By
This review is from: Standards (Audio CD)
This is what I always imagined Tortoise to be. This album completes their sound more than any of the others. "Tnt" and "Millions Now Living..." are great on their own but do not have the strength and the drive of this album. This feels like Tortoise 10 times magnified. The jazz elements are really strong. This disk kicks with beats and bounce!! and Tortoise ambiance. Their other albums were created so they could reach this point. If the next one from them maintains this direction it should be equally AMAZING!! And if they never record another disk again I'll understand why.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Listen with an open mind,
By steve (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Standards (Audio CD)
This was the first Tortoise album I was introduced to. Right away, it was catchy and different. It took about 3 full listens, but the album truly grows on you and I highly recommend. Some parts may appear slow, but once you familiarize yourself with it, it becomes much more listenable.I actually worked my way backwards in discography to TNT - one of their earlier albums - and while different (less electronica), an excellent album. I enjoy TNT just as much as Standards, despite the differences. Even though some reviewers will share they are not as pleased with the new sound, you gotta respect Tortoise's efforts to push the envelope on new sounds. Fantastic CD. Recommend you give it a chance - will be a keeper in your CD collection.
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