What makes The Epiphany of Glenn Jones by Cul de Sac notable?

This album garnered critical acclaim for its innovative blend of genres and was influential in shaping the post-rock movement. It is often noted for its intricate compositions, earning praise from notable publications like The Wire, which highlighted its artistic vision and depth. The Epiphany of Glenn Jones is Cul de Sac's third studio album, following their 1996 release, Robotic World. By this time, the band had established themselves within the post-rock genre, refining their experimental sound and expanding their musical palette with diverse instrumentation and structures.

How many songs are on The Epiphany of Glenn Jones?

The Epiphany of Glenn Jones has 10 tracks, running approximately 73 minutes.

The Epiphany of Glenn Jones

Cul de Sac · 1997

73 min · 10 tracks · post-rock

A sprawling exploration of textures and melodies, blending post-rock with world music influences in a meditative soundscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Gamelan Collage — This track exemplifies the band's fusion of Western rock elements with traditional Indonesian gamelan music, creating an immersive auditory experience that defines their experimental ethos.
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Tuff — Opening the album with a dynamic rhythm and layered instrumentation, this track sets the tone for the exploration of sound that follows, showcasing the band's unique approach to structure.
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Magic Mountain — A lengthy piece that evolves through shifting motifs, demonstrating Cul de Sac's ability to build atmosphere and tension over extended durations, making it a standout representation of their style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate compositions and diverse influences create a unique soundscape within post-rock.

What we noticed

The album features extended tracks that often build slowly, layering instruments and textures over time.
Several tracks incorporate non-Western instruments, creating a diverse sonic palette that shifts throughout the record.
The last three tracks gradually decrease in intensity, with 'Nothing' ending on a sparse arrangement that leaves the listener in silence.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Tuff 5:05
2 Gamelan Collage 10:10
3 The New Red Pony 5:51
4 Maggie Campbell Blues 3:16
5 Our Puppet Selves 8:20
6 Gamelan Guitar 5:27
7 Come On In My Kitchen 4:06
8 Magic Mountain 9:00
9 More Nothing 6:37
10 Nothing 15:49

What to play next

Listen next

Crashes to Light, Minutes to Its Fall

1999

Go back to

China Gate

1996

Full Cul de Sac discography Artists like Cul de Sac

post-rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata