Tortoise - Rhythms, Resolutions & Clusters (Gold Vinyl)

Tortoise has spent nearly 30 years making music that defies description. While the Chicago-based instrumental quintet has nodded to dub, rock, jazz, electronica and minimalism throughout its revered and influential discography, the resulting sounds have always been distinctly, even stubbornly, their own. One of the throughlines that create that distinctive sound is what might be called a pervasive element of group play, or ensemble-mindedness, as opposed to emphasis on a virtuoso soloist or frontman. Rhythms, Resolutions and Clusters follows in this line as Tortoise turned their iconic early songs over to their friends to play with. The remixes by other legends including Bundy K. Brown, Steve Albini, Jim O’Rourke, Brad Wood (Liz Phair), Casey Rice, Mike Watt (Minute Men), and Rick Brown (75 Dollar Bill) create a sense of community, and unlimited creativity. It’s been out of print since 1995.

1. Alcohall (Remixed by John McEntire)

2. Your New Rod (Remixed by Rick Brown)

3. Cobwebbed (Remixed by Casey Rice)

4. The Match Incident (Remixed by Steve Albini)

5. Tin Cans (The Puerto Rican Mix) (Remixed by Brad Wood)

6. Not Quite East of the Ryan (Remixed by Bundy K. Brown - Deep Space Mischief by John Herndon / Also on board: McEntire, Wood & Bitney)

7. Initial Gesture Protraction (Remixed by Jim O’Rourke)

8. Cornpone Brunch (Remixed by Mike Watt)