Is Music and Its Double a good place to start with John Zorn?

Yes, Music and Its Double is recommended as a starting point for new John Zorn listeners. An intricate tapestry of avant-garde jazz interwoven with experimental soundscapes and ritualistic elements. By the time of its release in 2012, John Zorn had established himself as a pioneering figure in avant-garde music, known for his prolific output and diverse collaborations. 'Music and Its Double' arrived after his celebrated works like 'Masada' and 'The Dreamers', showcasing a continuous evolution in his compositional style and thematic exploration.

Who is Music and Its Double for?

Music and Its Double works well if you're into steady pacing with gradual build, immersive ritualistic soundscapes and thoughtful exploration of textures.

How many songs are on Music and Its Double?

Music and Its Double has 8 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Released 14 years ago today

Music and Its Double

John Zorn · 2012

42 min · 8 tracks · avant-garde jazz

An intricate tapestry of avant-garde jazz interwoven with experimental soundscapes and ritualistic elements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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À rebours Start here — Opening the album, this track sets the stage with its complex arrangements and dynamic shifts, encapsulating the essence of Zorn's avant-garde vision.
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Ceremonial Magic I — This piece introduces an ethereal quality and ritualistic atmosphere that permeates throughout the album, highlighting Zorn's unique blend of improvisation and structure.
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La Machine de l'être: Tetème — Serving as a pivotal moment on the record, this track combines intricate rhythms with haunting melodies, illustrating Zorn's skill at creating immersive auditory experiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

69 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate structure and unique sound blend establish it as a notable work in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

Each of the 'Ceremonial Magic' tracks employs varying instrumentation and textures, shifting from sparse arrangements to dense clusters of sound.
The final three tracks in 'La Machine de l'être' utilize a more rhythmic approach, contrasting with the abstract nature of earlier pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing with gradual build
immersive ritualistic soundscapes
thoughtful exploration of textures
in-order listening for cohesion

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — The album features a deliberate fusion of avant-garde jazz and ritualistic elements.
Career context: By the time of its release in 2012, John Zorn had established himself as a pioneering figure in avant-garde music, known for his prolific output and diverse collaborations. 'Music and Its Double' arrived after his celebrated works like 'Masada' and 'The Dreamers', showcasing a continuous evolution in his compositional style and thematic exploration.
Stylistic neighbors: Mike Patton· The Thing· Merzbow