What makes Human Music by Jon Appleton notable?

Human Music is significant for its pioneering use of electronic soundscapes coupled with acoustic instruments, influencing future generations of experimental musicians. The album received attention for its innovative approach to composition, showcasing the potential of synthesizers in music production during a time when such technology was in its infancy. Released in 1970, Human Music was Jon Appleton's debut album, marking his entry into the realm of experimental music. At this point, Appleton was a relatively unknown composer, having worked primarily in academia before venturing into the recording industry.

How many songs are on Human Music?

Human Music has 6 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Human Music

Jon Appleton · 1970

46 min · 6 tracks

An avant-garde fusion of electronic sounds and acoustic textures that challenges traditional music forms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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BOA — This opening track exemplifies the album's experimental ethos, blending free-form improvisation with structured electronic sequences to create an immersive listening experience.
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OBA — Featuring rhythmic complexities and dynamic shifts, OBA highlights Appleton's ability to weave intricate patterns that challenge listeners' expectations of rhythm and melody.
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ABO — ABO stands out for its haunting tonalities and atmospheric depth, illustrating the juxtaposition between human emotion and machine-like precision.
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BAO — This track showcases Appleton's unique approach to sound manipulation, using layering techniques that create a rich tapestry of sonic textures.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Foothills

Higher than 29% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative blend of electronic and acoustic elements creates a unique sound that stands out in its genre.

What we noticed

Each track features a distinct combination of electronic sounds and acoustic instruments, creating a varied sonic landscape.
There is minimal repetition of themes or motifs across the tracks, emphasizing exploration over traditional structure.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 BOA 13:11
2 OBA 7:29
3 ABO 10:55
4 BAO 9:42
5 DON 2:10
6 JON 2:33

What to play next

Go back to

Appleton Syntonic Menagerie

1969

Full Jon Appleton discography Artists like Jon Appleton

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata