Beacons of Ancestorship

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Beacons of Ancestorship: A Tortoise Album That Traverses an Encyclopedia of Styles and Reference Points

Tortoise is a band that defies easy categorization. Formed in Chicago in 1990, the group has been crafting their unique blend of post-rock, jazz, electronica, and experimental music for over three decades. Their sixth album, Beacons of Ancestorship, originally released in 2009, is a testament to their ability to create something truly unique and groundbreaking that defies categorization.

The album is now available as a re-issue pressed on high quality virgin vinyl and presented in an old-style tip-on gatefold jacket with art worked inner sleeve and free download card. This release is not only a testament to the enduring appeal of the band’s sound but also a testament to the enduring appeal of physical music formats like vinyl.

Beacons of Ancestorship is a characteristic Tortoise album. It traverses an encyclopedia of styles and reference points, a document of where musical intersections and dialogues are occurring at a given moment in time. From techno to punk, electro to lo-fi noise, cut-up beats to heavily processed synths, and mournful, elegiac dirges, the album has it all.

The opening track, «High Class Slim Came Floatin In,» is a perfect example of the band’s ability to combine disparate styles into a coherent whole. Clocking in at eight minutes, the song playfully references the world of ecstatic rave and dance culture with a curiously ambivalent, multi-part suite overlaid with robotic, machine-sounding melodies that stop and start in several different time signatures before the song’s ultimate resolution.

Elsewhere on the album, tracks like «Yinxianghechengqi» showcase the band’s ability to blend complex rhythms and melodic ideas into a cohesive and powerful whole. The song starts as a straightforward up-tempo math-rocker before steadily accelerating into a wall of fuzzy atonal sqwonk.

One of the standout tracks on the album is «Prepare Your Coffin.» The song is a slow-burning, atmospheric piece that builds to a haunting, melancholy climax. The use of acoustic guitars, subtle synthesizers, and distorted drum loops creates an evocative and cinematic mood that is both beautiful and unsettling.

Another standout track is «Charteroak Foundation.» The song is a heavily atmospheric, percussive piece that features tribal rhythms, swirling synths, and jazzy horn lines. The use of a live drummer, in conjunction with electronic beats, gives the song a unique blend of organic and synthetic textures.

It’s impossible to discuss this album without mentioning the exceptional musicianship of the band members. The five-piece ensemble features Dan Bitney on drums, John Herndon on drums and percussion, Doug McCombs on bass, Jeff Parker on guitar, and John McEntire on drums and percussion as well as keys and electronics. Each member brings their own unique perspective and skill set to the band, creating a collective sound that is greater than the sum of its parts.

In conclusion, Beacons of Ancestorship is a must-listen for anyone interested in post-rock, jazz, electronica, or experimental music. It’s a testament to Tortoise’s ability to create something truly unique and groundbreaking that defies categorization. The album is now available as a re-issue pressed on high quality virgin vinyl and presented in an old-style tip-on gatefold jacket with art worked inner sleeve and free download card. This release is the perfect way to experience the enduring appeal of one of the most innovative and vital bands of the last three decades.
1) ¿Qué es «Beacons of Ancestorship»?
R: «Beacons of Ancestorship» es el noveno álbum de estudio de la banda de rock experimental Tortoise.

2) ¿Cuándo fue lanzado el álbum?
R: El álbum fue lanzado el 23 de junio de 2009.

3) ¿Cuál es la duración total del álbum?
R: La duración total del álbum es de 49 minutos y 26 segundos.

4) ¿Cómo definirías el estilo musical de «Beacons of Ancestorship»?
R: «Beacons of Ancestorship» presenta influencias de géneros como el post-rock, la electrónica y el jazz.

5) ¿Cuál es la canción más larga del álbum?
R: La canción más larga es «Yinxianghechengqi», que tiene una duración de 7 minutos y 32 segundos.

6) ¿En qué sellos discográficos fue lanzado el álbum?
R: El álbum fue lanzado en los sellos Thrill Jockey y Spunk.

7) ¿Cómo fue la recepción crítica de «Beacons of Ancestorship»?
R: En general, «Beacons of Ancestorship» recibió críticas positivas de la prensa especializada.

8) ¿Quiénes son los miembros de Tortoise?
R: Los miembros de Tortoise son Dan Bitney, John Herndon, Doug McCombs, John McEntire y Jeff Parker.

9) ¿Qué otros álbumes famosos ha lanzado Tortoise?
R: Algunos de los álbumes más famosos de Tortoise son «TNT», «Millions Now Living Will Never Die» y «Standards».

10) ¿En qué ciudad se formó Tortoise?
R: Tortoise se formó en la ciudad de Chicago, Illinois, en 1990.