Buy
James Chance and the Contortions · 1979
39 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A frenetic blend of punk energy and avant-garde jazz, colliding in a cacophony of horns and distorted guitars.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Contort Yourself — This track encapsulates the album's spirit with its relentless energy and chaotic instrumentation, becoming an anthem for the no wave movement.
-
→
Design to Kill — Opening with a punchy saxophone riff, this song exemplifies Chance's bold approach to blending punk and jazz influences, setting a provocative tone for the album.
-
→
My Infatuation — This track showcases a more melodic side of Chance’s songwriting amidst the disarray, highlighting his unique ability to juxtapose tenderness with harshness.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's chaotic structure and unique sound mark it as a significant entry in the no wave genre.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, blending vocalizations with instrumental chaos rather than traditional singing.
- The album's final three tracks are live recordings that maintain the frenetic energy but introduce audience reactions into the mix.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- frenetic bursts of chaotic energy
- short tracks with unpredictable twists
- live performances that amplify urgency
- playful irreverence in lyrical themes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer smooth, steady rhythms
- seek melodic, soothing sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon its release in 1979, 'Buy' marked James Chance's debut album with the Contortions, solidifying his position as a pioneer of the no wave movement. The record followed the band's early performances in New York City's downtown scene, where they gained notoriety for their chaotic live shows and innovative sound. This album served as a critical launching pad for Chance's career, showcasing his unique fusion of styles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dna· James Blood Ulmer· The Lounge Lizards
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Design to Kill 2:49
- 2 My Infatuation 2:22
- 3 I Don’t Want to Be Happy 3:23
- 4 Anesthetic 3:55
- 5 Contort Yourself 4:26
- 6 Throw Me Away 2:45
- 7 Roving Eye 3:11
- 8 Twice Removed 3:06
- 9 Bedroom Athlete 4:17
- 10 Throw Me Away (live) 3:05
- 11 Twice Removed (live) 3:12
- 12 Jailhouse Rock (live) 3:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.