The Bribe cover

The Bribe

John Zorn · 1998

78 min · 26 tracks · avant-garde jazz

A kaleidoscopic blend of avant-garde jazz and experimental soundscapes that defy traditional structure.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic exploration of themes
  • wave-like pacing throughout album
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • kaleidoscopic soundscapes to dissect
  • late-night listening with curiosity

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer predictable song structures
  • seek instant gratification from music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1998, 'The Bribe' marks John Zorn's continued exploration of genre boundaries following his acclaimed works in the 1990s. By this time, Zorn had established himself as a pivotal figure in avant-garde music, building on the success of albums like 'Naked City' (1989) and 'Masada' series. This album showcases his signature eclecticism and ability to weave complex narratives through sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Mike Patton· The Thing· Merzbow

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Gill's Theme 2:08
  • 2 Hydrant of the Vogue 0:41
  • 3 The Big Freeze 1:01
  • 4 Meters 2:24
  • 5 The Bridge / Cocktails 4:06
  • 6 The Willies 1:01
  • 7 The Taxman Cometh 1:16
  • 8 Night Walk 1:09
  • 9 Skit Rhesus 2:43
  • 10 The Boxer 0:59
  • 11 Trick or Treat 3:22
  • 12 The Latin Trip / Gill's Theme 3:34
  • 13 A Taste of Voodoo 3:20
  • 14 Inhaling the Image 1:49
  • 15 City Chase 3:27
  • 16 Dreams of the Red Chamber 11:38
  • 17 Rash Acts 1:30
  • 18 Chippewa 1:24
  • 19 The Hour of Thirteen 0:47
  • 20 Radio Mouth / Gill's Theme 3:01
  • 21 Midnight Streets 3:58
  • 22 Victoria Lake 3:12
  • 23 Strip Central 5:26
  • 24 Pink Limousine 9:18
  • 25 Skyline 3:19
  • 26 Ordinary Lies / Gill's Theme 2:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata