Manhattan Research Inc.
Raymond Scott · 2000
122 min · 69 tracks · jazz
A whimsical blend of electronic jazz and experimental soundscapes, echoing the playful innovation of mid-20th century advertising.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lightworks — This track encapsulates Scott's ability to blend intricate electronic sounds with jazz elements, showcasing his pioneering spirit in early electronic music.
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“Don't Beat Your Wife Every Night!” — This piece exemplifies Scott's satirical take on societal norms through sound, juxtaposing catchy melodies with provocative titles that challenge listeners.
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IBM MT/ST: "The Paperwork Explosion" — In this track, Scott’s use of synthesized sounds mimics the mechanical nature of bureaucracy, providing a humorous critique on corporate culture.
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"The Pygmy Taxi Corporation" — This lengthy composition showcases Scott’s experimental side, mixing various audio clips and musical motifs into a narrative about urban life.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's playful fusion of electronic jazz and jingles creates a distinctive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a series of short tracks, many under two minutes, creating a rapid-fire sequence of ideas.
- Each track blends electronic sounds with jazz instrumentation, often incorporating playful melodies and quirky rhythms.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
- quirky sound bites for fun
- short tracks for quick bursts
- playful nostalgia in audio form
- experimental sounds with whimsy
- background ambiance for creativity
Maybe skip if you
- seeking cohesive long narratives
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2000, Manhattan Research Inc. marked Raymond Scott's return to the music scene after decades, showcasing archival recordings from the 1950s and 60s. Originally a pioneer in electronic music, Scott had been relatively inactive in the mainstream since the rise of rock and pop influenced his earlier style. This album reintroduced his innovative compositions to a new generation, blending nostalgia with contemporary appreciation for avant-garde sounds.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Henry Mancini· Thelonious Monk· Sun Ra
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Manhattan Research, Inc. Copyright 0:11
- 2 Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. 1:14
- 3 Bendix: “The Tomorrow People” 1:06
- 4 Lightworks 1:52
- 5 The Bass-Line Generator 3:10
- 6 “Don't Beat Your Wife Every Night!” 1:44
- 7 “B.C. 1675” 3:16
- 8 Vim 0:59
- 9 Auto-Lite: Sta-Ful (instr.) 0:47
- 10 Sprite “Melonball Bounce” 1:01
- 11 Sprite “Melonball Bounce” (2) 1:01
- 12 “Wheels That Go” 0:53
- 13 “Limbo: The Organized Mind” 4:33
- 14 “Portofino” #1 2:13
- 15 County Fair 1:01
- 16 Lady Gaylord 1:02
- 17 Good Air 0:38
- 18 IBM MT/ST: “The Paperwork Explosion” 4:31
- 19 Domino 0:33
- 20 Super Cheer 0:34
- 21 Cheer: Revision 3 0:39
- 22 “Twilight in Turkey” 1:34
- 23 Vicks: Medicated Cough Drops 1:36
- 24 Vicks: Formula 44 0:46
- 25 Auto-Lite: Spark Plugs 1:00
- 26 Nescafe 1:06
- 27 Awake 0:35
- 28 Backwards Overload 6:06
- 29 Bufferin: “Memories” (original) 1:01
- 30 Bandito the Bongo Artist 1:30
- 31 “Night and Day” 1:45
- 32 Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. (“395”) 1:07
- 33 K2r 0:19
- 34 IBM Probe 1:56
- 35 GMGM 1A 1:49
- 36 The Rhythm Modulator 3:37
Disc 2
- 1 Ohio Plus 0:17
- 2 “In the Hall of the Mountain Queen” 0:49
- 3 General Motors: Futurama 1:04
- 4 “Portofino” 2 2:14
- 5 “The Wild Piece” 4:07
- 6 “Take Me to Your Violin Teacher” 1:40
- 7 “Ripples” (original soundtrack) 0:59
- 8 Cyclic Bit 1:04
- 9 “Ripples” (montage) 4:06
- 10 The Wing Thing 1:00
- 11 County Fair (instrumental) 1:00
- 12 “Cindy Electronium” 1:59
- 13 “Don’t Beat Your Wife Every Night!” (instrumental) 1:45
- 14 Hostess: Twinkies 0:32
- 15 Hostess: Twinkies (instrumental) 0:32
- 16 Ohio Bell: Thermo Fax 0:24
- 17 “The Pygmy Taxi Corporation” 7:11
- 18 Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. (announce copy, take 1) 0:29
- 19 Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. 0:44
- 20 Lightworks (slow) 1:40
- 21 IBM MT/ST: “The Paperwork Explosion” (instrumental) 3:39
- 22 Auto-Lite: “Ford Family” 1:03
- 23 Auto-Lite: “Ford Family” (instrumental) 0:54
- 24 Auto-Lite: “Wheels” 1:50
- 25 Bufferin: “Memories” (demo) 0:44
- 26 “Space Mystery” (montage) 5:11
- 27 “The Toy Trumpet” 2:15
- 28 “Backward Beeps” 1:05
- 29 Auto-Lite: Sta-Ful 1:36
- 30 Lightworks (instrumental) 1:29
- 31 “When Will It End?” 3:14
- 32 Bendix 2: “The Tomorrow People” 1:03
- 33 Electronic Audio Logos, Inc. 5:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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