Earth Rot
David Axelrod · 1970
28 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A lush tapestry of orchestral jazz fused with progressive elements that captures nature's rhythms and human emotions.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Warnings, Part I — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its haunting arrangement and intricate melody, encapsulating Axelrod's signature style of blending jazz with orchestral depth.
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The Warnings, Part III — This section showcases a climactic build-up with dynamic shifts, demonstrating Axelrod's talent for creating tension and release through layered instrumentation.
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The Signs, Part I — With its rhythmic groove and melodic hooks, this track exemplifies Axelrod's ability to weave complex arrangements into accessible forms, making it a standout piece on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's orchestral jazz structure and thematic development create a distinctive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album is structured into two main suites, 'The Warnings' and 'The Signs', each divided into four parts that develop thematic material across their sections.
- The tempo varies significantly between parts, with some sections featuring slow, contemplative passages while others build to more dynamic climaxes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- gradual builds and payoffs
- immersive listening sessions
- contemplative mood exploration
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Earth Rot was David Axelrod's fourth studio album, released in 1970 during a period when he was establishing himself as a significant figure in the fusion of jazz and orchestral music. Following his acclaimed albums like Song of Innocence and Songs of Experience, this project further showcased his innovative approach to production and composition.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Charles Stepney· Quincy Jones· Gil Scott-Heron
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Warnings, Part I 2:52
- 2 The Warnings, Part II 4:27
- 3 The Warnings, Part III 5:06
- 4 The Warnings, Part IV 3:11
- 5 The Signs, Part I 3:43
- 6 The Signs, Part II 3:43
- 7 The Signs Part III 2:36
- 8 The Signs, Part IV 3:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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