Locus Solus
John Zorn · 1983
68 min · 38 tracks · avant-garde jazz
A frenetic collage of avant-garde jazz that dances between chaos and structure in short, intense bursts.
Why this album works
'Locus Solus' is significant for its pioneering blend of genres and techniques, influencing the avant-garde jazz movement. It received critical acclaim upon release and helped establish Zorn as a key figure in experimental music, leading to increased interest in unconventional compositions and improvisation practices.
- Best for
- fragmented bursts of intensity short tracks demand quick attention chaotic yet structured exploration
- Context
- Released in 1983, 'Locus Solus' was John Zorn's debut album, introducing his innovative approach to avant-garde jazz. At this point in his career, Zorn had been actively involved in New York's experimental music scene but had not yet achieved widespread recognition. This album marked the beginning of his prolific output and set the stage for his future explorations in various musical forms.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Christina Aguilera· Diana Ross· Madonna· Prince· George Benson· Chicago· Bob Dylan· Barbra Streisand
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Bass and the Treble Standout 2:57
- 2 The Acquisition & Control of Fire Standout 1:33
- 3 Honey-Cab 2:33
- 4 Switch 2:15
- 5 Juan Talks It Out of His System 2:11
- 6 The Wish 2:02
- 7 A Case Arose 1:59
- 8 The Elf 1:41
- 9 Getting Curly 1:51
- 10 Don’t Switch 1:50
- 11 Smooth Cheeks of a Big Ego 1:51
- 12 Add Water 2:15
- 13 Cold 1:31
- 14 Friar T. 0:58
- 15 Too Me 2:16
- 16 You Rang? 1:17
- 17 Self-Satisfied 1:22
- 18 Agora 1:10
- 19 Dot Dot, Dot 1:14
- 20 Moi non plus 1:43
- 21 Liver 1:49
- 22 “The Footman’s Eyes Get Crossed” 1:04
- 23 Heike Cipher Mystery 1:47
- 24 Jedi Mind Trick 1:06
- 25 Mysterious Island 2:11
- 26 You Only Live Twice, Mr. Bond 1:59
- 27 When Arrows Meet 1:38
- 28 Never Say Never Again 1:45
- 29 Sign of the Four 2:13
- 30 Locus Solus, Parts 1 & 2 2:11
- 31 Where Are My Victims? 2:06
- 32 Disco Volante Standout 2:06
- 33 Kaiser in Borneo 1:48
- 34 The Saint 1:40
- 35 The Violent Death of Dutch Schultz 1:23
- 36 Thunderball 1:43
- 37 White Zombie 1:30
- 38 The Slaves of Vesuvius 2:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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