Naked City cover

Naked City

John Zorn · 1990

55 min · 26 tracks · avant-garde jazz

A frenetic collision of genres, blending avant-garde jazz, grindcore, and cinematic themes into a chaotic tapestry.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with surprises
  • dynamic exploration of themes
  • short bursts of chaotic energy
  • engaging headphone detail hunting
  • cathartic bursts of intensity

Maybe skip if you want

  • seekers of consistent flow
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on February 16, 1990, 'Naked City' marked John Zorn's emergence as a key figure in the avant-garde jazz scene. This album followed his acclaimed work 'The Big Gundown' (1985), showcasing his increasingly eclectic style and willingness to experiment with extreme musical forms.
Stylistic neighbors
Mike Patton· The Thing· Merzbow

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Batman 2:03
  • 2 The Sicilian Clan 3:33
  • 3 You Will Be Shot 1:31
  • 4 Latin Quarter 4:11
  • 5 A Shot in the Dark 3:13
  • 6 Reanimator 1:43
  • 7 Snagglepuss 2:20
  • 8 I Want to Live 2:12
  • 9 Lonely Woman 2:45
  • 10 Igneous Ejaculation 0:23
  • 11 Blood Duster 0:16
  • 12 Hammerhead 0:11
  • 13 Demon Sanctuary 0:41
  • 14 Obeah Man 0:20
  • 15 Ujaku 0:30
  • 16 Fuck the Facts 0:14
  • 17 Speedball 0:43
  • 18 Chinatown 4:28
  • 19 Punk China Doll 3:05
  • 20 N.Y. Flat Top Box 0:45
  • 21 Saigon Pickup 4:50
  • 22 The James Bond Theme 3:06
  • 23 Den of Sins 1:14
  • 24 Contempt 2:53
  • 25 Graveyard Shift 3:32
  • 26 Inside Straight 4:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata