Released 30 years ago
Mess
Fila Brazillia · 1996
67 min · 14 tracks · downtempo
A kaleidoscopic blend of downtempo grooves and playful samples creates an immersive soundscape that defies easy categorization.
Top tracks — play these first
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Space Hearse — This track exemplifies the album's adventurous spirit with its layered textures and intricate beats, creating an atmospheric journey that encapsulates the band's experimental ethos.
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Wavy Gravy — With its hypnotic rhythm and playful sampling, this track captures the essence of Fila Brazillia's unique sound while showcasing their ability to blend humor with musical complexity.
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Soft Music Under Stars — Spanning over ten minutes, this sprawling composition immerses listeners in serene soundscapes, highlighting the duo's talent for creating evocative auditory experiences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Mess showcases innovative sampling and production techniques within the downtempo genre, making it distinct yet cohesive.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes and playful sonic elements, such as vocal snippets and unconventional instruments.
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent groove, while the latter half introduces more experimental sounds and arrangements.
- 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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7/10
- 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
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.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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But Momma
The song introduces a whimsical narrative twist that surprisingly shifts from humor to introspection halfway through, altering its tone dramatically.
This sudden tonal shift invites listeners to reflect on the underlying themes of familial relationships while maintaining an engaging storytelling style.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Last of the Red Hot Brethren 2:15
- 2 Big Saddle 4:58
- 3 Space Hearse 6:07
- 4 Half Man Half Granary Thorax 1:39
- 5 But Momma 4:55
- 6 Laying Down the Law on the Lard 5:03
- 7 Wavy Gravy 4:37
- 8 Soft Music Under Stars 10:10
- 9 Hairy Insides 6:50
- 10 DP’s R Us 2:31
- 11 On Yer Haunches 4:51
- 12 Howard Dan Ryan 5:34
- 13 Blood 5:33
- 14 The Return of the Red Hot Brethren 2:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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