The Dreamers
John Zorn · 2008
52 min · 11 tracks · avant-garde jazz
A vibrant tapestry of avant-garde jazz laced with Middle Eastern influences and whimsical melodic motifs.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mow Mow Start here — This opening track sets an energetic tone with its playful rhythms and bold instrumentation, encapsulating the album's whimsical spirit.
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Anulikwutsayl — With its expansive duration and complex structure, this track showcases Zorn's ability to weave intricate narratives through sound, highlighting his compositional prowess.
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Exodus — This piece combines haunting melodies with dynamic shifts in tempo, reflecting the overarching themes of transition and journey present throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases complex compositions with unique influences, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate Middle Eastern scales and instrumentation, creating a distinct cultural flavor that permeates the compositions.
- The arrangements often layer multiple melodic lines, allowing for intricate interplay between instruments, which creates a rich tapestry of sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with peaks
- surreal ambiance for deep listening
- intricate melodies inviting exploration
- engaging soundscapes for reflection
Maybe skip if you
- linear song structures preferred
- instant gratification seekers
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents Zorn's artistic ambition with unique soundscapes and intricate arrangements.
- Career context
- When 'The Dreamers' was released in 2008, John Zorn was already a prominent figure in the avant-garde music scene, known for his eclectic style and innovative compositions. This album followed his earlier works, including the acclaimed 'The Gift' and showcased Zorn's continued exploration of diverse musical traditions, blending them into a cohesive narrative.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mike Patton· The Thing· Merzbow
Tracklist
- 1 Mow Mow Start here 3:03
- 2 Ullwati 3:37
- 3 A Ride on Cottonfair 4:22
- 4 Anulikwutsayl 9:02
- 5 Toys 2:46
- 6 Of Wonder & Certainty 4:30
- 7 Mystic Circles 6:08
- 8 Nekashim 3:56
- 9 Exodus 7:02
- 10 Forbidden Tears 3:07
- 11 Raksasa 5:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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