Name: Standards
Brand: Tortoise

Tax rate EU

Default:19

Supplier EU

375 Media

Total Cap

Format detail

Colour details

Discogs ID

Limited edition

Colour

Format Music EU

Extended format

Extended format: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Download code

Download code: Yes

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Release date

2001-02-20

Format multiplier

Catalogue number

5191871

UPC / Barcode

790377008913

Artist

Tortoise

Label EU

Thrill Jockey

Genre EU

Classic

Tortoise is a post-rock band from Chicago known for their almost entirely instrumental music that defies easy categorization. With roots in the city's fertile music scene, the group incorporates styles closer to Krautrock, dub, minimalism, electronica, and various jazz styles into their sound. Some consider Tortoise as one of the prime forces behind the development and popularity of the post-rock movement. Their music has also been described as heavily indebted to progressive rock.

Formed in the late 1980s by Doug McCombs and John Herndon, Tortoise initially envisioned themselves as a freelance rhythm section similar to reggae legends Sly and Robbie. However, their interest in grooving rhythms and recording studio trickery led them to collaborate with drummer John McEntire and bassist Bundy K. Brown (both formerly of Bastro) before adding Dan Bitney to complete the lineup. While all members contribute to songwriting, McEntire is often seen as the group's guiding force due to his role as recording engineer and mixer.

Tortoise has released records on Thrill Jockey label and is associated with other groups such as The Sea and Cake, Brokeback, Slint, Isotope 217, and the Chicago Underground Duo.

Thrill Jockey is an American independent record label that was established in 1992 by Bettina Richards, a former A&R representative at Atlantic Records. Originally based in New York City, the label relocated to Chicago, Illinois in 1995.
With over two decades of experience, Thrill Jockey has become a prominent force in the music industry. Known for its diverse roster of artists and commitment to artistic integrity, the label has consistently released groundbreaking and innovative music across various genres.
Thrill Jockey's catalog includes a wide range of critically acclaimed albums from both established and emerging artists. From experimental rock to electronic music, jazz to folk, the label continues to push boundaries and support unique voices within the industry.

Newest Listed Items

LP version pressed on limited red vinyl with white splatter packaged with an artworked inner sleeve and free download card in custom silk-screened PVC outer bag. Chicago's post-rock godfathers Tortoise use 'Standards' as an opportunity to scale down from the computer-based constructions of their previous 'TNT'. Instead of incorporating their former cut-and-paste method of composition on their fourth full-length album, the quintet return to playing and interacting with each other in a live setting, resulting in a much more organic feel. The opener 'The Benway' begins standards auspiciously, with rubato bursts of distorted guitar and free-floating drums, in an homage to jazz-rock guitarist Sonny Sharrock. From here on anything goes, as plaintive analog synth melodies vie with electronically processed percussion, Jeff Parker's trademark angular guitar riffs, and some of the trashiest-sounding drums this side of nuggets. As ever, Tortoise incorporates elements of electronic music, modern classical, experimental / avant garde, and hip-hop in a format that references the group's rock roots without ever bowing to rock convention. 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.

Standards

Music EU