Destroy All Nels Cline
Nels Cline · 2001
75 min · 9 tracks · indie rock
An adventurous fusion of improvisational jazz and experimental rock that stretches the boundaries of sonic exploration.
Top tracks — play these first
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Spider Wisdom — This track opens the album with an intricate interplay of guitar textures and rhythmic complexities that set the tone for the entire project.
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Chicacoan — A mesmerizing exploration of dynamics, this track showcases Cline's ability to fuse melody with dissonance, creating an immersive listening experience.
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As in Life — At over fourteen minutes, this expansive composition exemplifies Cline's skill in building tension through gradual shifts in mood and intensity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases innovative structures and textures, marking a significant step in Cline's career.
What we noticed
- The album features extended tracks that often exceed six minutes, allowing for lengthy improvisational sections.
- The use of layered guitar effects and feedback creates a dense sonic texture that evolves throughout the tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- extended improvisations for deep listening
- gradual build to climactic moments
- reflective mood for quiet evenings
- kaleidoscopic sound exploration
- unexpected twists and turns
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2001, Nels Cline was establishing his reputation as a versatile guitarist, having previously gained attention with his work in the avant-garde and indie rock scenes. 'Destroy All Nels Cline' marked his solo debut, showcasing his unique blend of jazz influences and experimental approaches while paving the way for his future contributions to Wilco and other projects.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jeff Parker· Bill Frisell· Tortoise
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Spider Wisdom 7:32
- 2 Chicacoan 6:28
- 3 The Ringing Hand 9:10
- 4 Talk of a Chocolate Bed 9:58
- 5 After Armenia 5:59
- 6 Progression 4:56
- 7 As in Life 14:42
- 8 Friends of Snowman 4:38
- 9 Martyr 12:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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