What makes The Future Crayon by Broadcast notable?

The Future Crayon received positive reviews from critics, with publications like Pitchfork noting its inventive approach to sound collage and pop music. The album helped to further establish Broadcast as a pioneering act in the electronic music scene, influencing later artists with its innovative use of vintage sounds and modern production techniques. Released in January 2006, The Future Crayon is Broadcast's first compilation album, following their critically acclaimed 2003 release, Tender Buttons. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound, blending experimental pop with electronic elements while retaining a distinctively British sensibility. This compilation showcases their evolution and diverse range of tracks from previous albums and singles, demonstrating their artistic depth.

Who is The Future Crayon for?

The Future Crayon works well if you're into surreal soundscapes for daydreaming, nostalgic melodies for quiet moments and haunting tunes for reflective moods.

How many songs are on The Future Crayon?

The Future Crayon has 18 tracks, running approximately 69 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

The Future Crayon

Broadcast · 2006

69 min · 18 tracks · electronic music

A kaleidoscopic blend of electronic textures and ethereal vocals creates a dreamlike soundscape that is both haunting and whimsical.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Illumination — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its shimmering synths and dreamlike quality, encapsulating Broadcast's signature aesthetic.
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Still Feels Like Tears — Combining poignant lyrics with lush instrumentation, this track highlights the emotional depth present throughout the album while showcasing the band's melodic sensibilities.
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Hammer Without a Master — With its rhythmic pulse and intricate layers of sound, this track exemplifies Broadcast's experimental approach to composition and texture.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

surreal soundscapes for daydreaming
nostalgic melodies for quiet moments
haunting tunes for reflective moods
playful experimentation with structure
subtle shifts in emotional tone

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy dance tracks
prefer straightforward song formats

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 2006, The Future Crayon is Broadcast's first compilation album, following their critically acclaimed 2003 release, Tender Buttons. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound, blending experimental pop with electronic elements while retaining a distinctively British sensibility. This compilation showcases their evolution and diverse range of tracks from previous albums and singles, demonstrating their artistic depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Stereolab· The United States of America· Air

Tracklist

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

1 Illumination 3:15
2 Still Feels Like Tears 3:41
3 Small Song IV 3:39
4 Where Youth and Laughter Go 2:43
5 One Hour Empire 1:42
6 Distant Call 3:33
7 Poem of Dead Song 2:30
8 Hammer Without a Master 4:59
9 Locusts 5:00
10 Chord Simple 4:38
11 Dave's Dream 4:01
12 DDL 2:28
13 Test Area 5:53
14 Unchanging Window / Chord Simple 6:59
15 A Man for Atlantis 3:15
16 Minus Two 4:16
17 Violent Playground 2:11
18 Belly Dance 4:48

What to play next

Listen next

Broadcast and The Focus Group Investigate Witch Cults of the Radio Age

2009

Go back to

Tender Buttons

2005

Full Broadcast discography Artists like Broadcast

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata