Top tracks — play these first
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Djed — As the album's centerpiece, this nearly 21-minute track encapsulates Tortoise's signature blend of intricate rhythms and layered textures, showcasing their ability to create an immersive listening experience.
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Glass Museum — This track features an interplay of minimalist motifs and lush instrumentation, highlighting the band's knack for creating evocative atmospheres while maintaining a sense of movement.
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Dear Grandma and Grandpa — With its concise structure and melodic simplicity, this piece contrasts with the longer tracks on the album, demonstrating Tortoise's range and ability to convey emotion in shorter forms.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's intricate compositions and seamless blending of genres mark it as a significant post-rock work.
What we noticed
- The album features lengthy tracks, with 'Djed' clocking in at over 20 minutes and evolving through multiple sections.
- The transitions between tracks are fluid, with some pieces bleeding into one another, enhancing the overall atmospheric experience.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- long atmospheric soundscapes to explore
- patient rhythmic explorations that unfold
- introspective moments of quiet reflection
- detailed listening for sonic layers
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- want immediate gratification from music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Millions Now Living Will Never Die is Tortoise's second album, released in 1996, following their self-titled debut. At this point in their career, Tortoise was solidifying their role as pioneers of the post-rock genre, having gained critical acclaim for their innovative blend of styles. The album showcased a more cohesive sound and deeper experimentation compared to their earlier work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Battles· Godspeed You! Black Emperor· The Sea and Cake
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Djed 20:57
- 2 Glass Museum 5:29
- 3 A Survey 2:52
- 4 The Taut and Tame 5:01
- 5 Dear Grandma and Grandpa 2:49
- 6 Along the Banks of Rivers 5:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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