Attention Span
John Zorn · 1990
45 min · 32 tracks · avant-garde jazz
A frenetic collage of micro-compositions that challenge the listener's attention span through abrupt shifts and experimental textures.
Why this album works
- Best for
- fragmented bursts of sound attention-demanding micro-compositions frequent abrupt shifts in pacing
- Context
- Released in 1990, 'Attention Span' marked John Zorn’s foray into more concise forms of avant-garde composition, following his influential works like 'Naked City' (1989). At this point in his career, Zorn was establishing himself as a leading figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, experimenting with sound structures and brevity.
- If you like
- avant-garde jazz
Attention Span is an album by John Zorn, released in 1990. A frenetic collage of micro-compositions that challenge the listener's attention span through abrupt shifts and experimental textures. 'Attention Span' is significant for its role in defining the genre of avant-garde jazz through its experimental approach, paving the way for future artists. The album has been praised for its innovative structure and has influenced a range of genres beyond jazz, including noise and contemporary classical music. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Attention Span sound like?
A frenetic collage of micro-compositions that challenge the listener's attention span through abrupt shifts and experimental textures. Rooted in avant-garde jazz.
What makes Attention Span by John Zorn notable?
'Attention Span' is significant for its role in defining the genre of avant-garde jazz through its experimental approach, paving the way for future artists. The album has been praised for its innovative structure and has influenced a range of genres beyond jazz, including noise and contemporary classical music. Released in 1990, 'Attention Span' marked John Zorn’s foray into more concise forms of avant-garde composition, following his influential works like 'Naked City' (1989). At this point in his career, Zorn was establishing himself as a leading figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, experimenting with sound structures and brevity.
Who is Attention Span for?
Attention Span works well if you're into fragmented bursts of sound, attention-demanding micro-compositions and frequent abrupt shifts in pacing.
How many songs are on Attention Span?
Attention Span has 32 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Power Standout 1:07
- 2 Paper Jam 0:16
- 3 Warning 0:25
- 4 And Gate 0:10
- 5 Necker Cube 0:56
- 6 Fold 1:06
- 7 Ebb Tide 0:51
- 8 Marketing Research 0:21
- 9 Fixed Resistor 0:17
- 10 Radiant Power 1:14
- 11 Depth Reversal 0:21
- 12 Dangerous Zone 0:37
- 13 Hit The Road 0:21
- 14 Smoking 1:55
- 15 Waiting 1:31
- 16 Electric Flux 0:36
- 17 Cocktail Lounge 0:35
- 18 Coat Check 1:05
- 19 Detour 0:24
- 20 Meter 0:59
- 21 Circuit Breaker 1:11
- 22 Surge Impendence 0:40
- 23 Vision 1:57
- 24 Black, To A Chimp 0:20
- 25 Neon Standout 1:00
- 26 Emergency Shop 3:14
- 27 Flame 1:54
- 28 Bone Standout 5:39
- 29 Jolt 6:03
- 30 Bolt 4:37
- 31 Loops 0:56
- 32 Drowning Offshore 2:43
Release Date
January 1, 1990
Artist Origin
United States
Runtime
45 min 37 sec
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