What makes Action Jazz by The Thing notable?

Action Jazz was well-received by critics, highlighting its inventive approach to jazz that pushes boundaries. The album contributed to The Thing's status within the avant-garde jazz movement and remains influential among contemporary jazz musicians seeking to explore improvisational techniques. Released in 2006, Action Jazz is The Thing's fifth album, following their critically acclaimed record, Garage. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their reputation as a leading force in the European jazz scene, known for their dynamic live performances and collaborations.

Who is Action Jazz for?

Action Jazz works well if you're into vibrant bursts of improvisational energy, short tracks for quick engagement and dynamic shifts in rhythmic patterns.

How many songs are on Action Jazz?

Action Jazz has 9 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Action Jazz

The Thing

49 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of free jazz and avant-garde energy, showcasing improvisation against a backdrop of intricate rhythms.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Better Living — This track exemplifies The Thing's signature sound with its complex layers and spontaneous energy, making it a standout representation of their artistic vision.
→
Danny's Dream — The interplay between the instruments creates a dreamlike atmosphere that showcases the band's ability to fuse structure with freeform exploration.
→
Strayhorn — Named after the iconic composer Billy Strayhorn, this track pays homage while demonstrating the group's innovative take on his influences through modern jazz expression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate rhythms and improvisation, marking it as a strong entry in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections, with each track averaging over six minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt transitions between contrasting musical ideas, enhancing the avant-garde feel.
The use of unconventional instruments alongside traditional jazz elements adds to the album's distinctive sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

vibrant bursts of improvisational energy
short tracks for quick engagement
dynamic shifts in rhythmic patterns
playful experimentation with sound structures

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward melodic lines
seek predictable song formats

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2006, Action Jazz is The Thing's fifth album, following their critically acclaimed record, Garage. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their reputation as a leading force in the European jazz scene, known for their dynamic live performances and collaborations.
Stylistic neighbors: The Necks· Sonny Simmons· Peter Brötzmann

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Sounds Like a Sandwich 2:04
2 Chiasma 4:58
3 Broken Shadows 2:28
4 Ride the Sky 2:13
5 Better Living 7:25
6 Danny's Dream 7:33
7 The Nut / The Light 6:38
8 ... Through BBQ 9:10
9 Strayhorn 7:02

What to play next

Listen next

The Thing

2000

Full The Thing discography Artists like The Thing

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata