2012.08.29 Tortoise - Standards

Color: Transparent Red

Released: 2001, February 20 (2008 Reissue)

Label: Thrill Jockey

Favorite art on a Tortoise record. Or did I say that already? If I did, I take it back… this one’s my fave as far as the art goes. Half-toned flags collaged into one big gestalt… clear bag with white screen printed text encasing it all…? Finished off by a gorgeous slab of transparent red wax. Sexy packaging, for sure! This maybe has some of the band’s best and weirdest tunes. Opener “Seneca” (and its accompanying video, if you get the chance to see it) is one Tortoise’s finest moments. Third track “Benway” takes its sweet ass time to make it’s point, but when it does - it’s a solid two minutes of smile-inducing noise from these gents. “Six Pack” has the same effect but gets down to business right away. Never a misstep from these Chicago pioneers.