The Unstable Molecule [Extra tracks] [Import]

1. Kryptonite Smokes The Red

2. Beneath The Undertow

3. La Jettee'

4. Phonometrics

5. Prince Namor

6. Audio Boxing

7. Ode To Philophony

8. Expedition Rhombus

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Japanese edition of 1998 side-project album by Tortoise members Dan Pitney & John Hoendon with two unmarked bonus tracks added: 'Ode To Philophony' & 'Expedition Rhombus'. Eight tracks total. Digipak. A Thrill Jockey Records release.

The Unstable Molecule,Isotope 217,Thril,Jazz

Jazz

Music

jazz

Tracks:

Kryptonite Smokes The Red Line
Beneath The Undertow
La Jetee
Phonometrics
Prince Namor
Audio Boxing

Customer Reviews:

a very stable molecule............2001-01-11

.....i really like this cd a lot. it combines very heavy free jazz with the universal indie rock sound of chicago. although i could pretty much guess what this sounded like before i heard it, i'm very excited about the outcome. it's very laid back and soothing while at the same time exciting and new. i love the usage of the bass in these songs. some even have really kickin' beats(always a plus for me). this music sounds like what a lot of dj's try to portray when they spin, but you get it here in a live band. check out the songs, "kryptonite smokes the red line" for it's mellow drones and cool vibes. "la jetee" for it's smooth beats and nice groove. "phonometrics" for the funk. all in all a very solid album. give it a try, you won't be let down.....

Sorry, but I just can't get that excited by this!.......2000-12-12

I'm happy that the reviewers here find so much in this release but I think it needs a contrasting review to warn others (like me!) who might be tempted to dive in based solely on their recommendations.

If you (like me!) are old enough to have lived through the courtship of jazz and rock in the late sixties, this release does not sound that special. To give you some signposts, I am reminded at various times of Zappa's "Eric Dolphy Memorial Barbecue", King Crimson's "Happy Family" and Manfred Mann Chapter Three's first album. All of these, interestingly, date from 1969/70. There's even some wah-wah guitar on one track.

There are some modern touches, of course; the overall feel is probably best described as "post-jazz" in the same way that the laid-back "noodle-music" Thrill Jockey tends to release is categorised as "post-rock". At this stage, I can't accept this as a milestone release musically. That's not to say that it may not be influential in some way, of course.

I've docked them an extra star for the length - 31 minutes for an effectively full price release. I see the Japanese version manages to include two more tracks which double the album length! What's the story?

accesible, brilliant, and fun.......2000-08-12

this cd has basically all the good qualities of a high-quality jazz album with all the brilliance of the percussion that we have come to expect from tortoise. even if it is only 31 minutes long, it is the type of album that catches your ear the first time you hear it and then continues to impress you for years to come, as its more subtle elements will impress you ever time you listen to it. even if you don't like jazz, think tortoise are excellent but boring musicians, and hate instrumental music, you will still enjoy this record because it is just that good. a warning in closing; the other two albums by isotope 217 are NOT as accesible as this one, so although i would advise you to buy this one without even hearing it first, borrow the others from someone first (or listen to them quite a few times from this site) because they do not have the immediate album of this album even though they are equally good.

Another approach to revitalize the Jazz idiom.......2000-03-31

Isotope 217, another outfit coming from the incredibly fertile grounds of Chicago, offers in this release a near-perfect formula to translate the vast Jazz heritage to contemporary styles. The mix of intimate, confessional jazz passages with electronic collages met a rare balance in this recording, thanks to an extremelly competent production. Rob Mazurek's work on cornet only enhances the final product, and the transitions between old an new are seamless. This proves that bringing jazz to new audiences can be done without the poor pastiche concocted by the mundane acid-jazz crowd. Give it a try, you'll be surprised.

Better than Tortoise.......2000-01-13

And that's saying a lot! Isotope 217 includes members of Tortoise as well as others and the sound is vaguely similar, although much more jazz-slanted, especially on this debut. The free-jazz sounds of the first track along with its tension chords make it a great opener, but it's really "La Jetee" that makes this essential: purely blissful, laid back listening. Those into the post-rock scene will not be disappointed by this release as Isotope 217 are among the best out there.

Average customer rating:

Bonus Tracks = Smiles
Very good album

The Unstable Molecule
Isotope 217
Manufacturer: Thril
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000006EA4
Release Date: 1998-03-10

Tracks:

Kryptonite Smokes The Red
Beneath The Undertow
La Jettee'
Phonometrics
Prince Namor
Audio Boxing
Ode To Philophony
Expedition Rhombus

Album Description

Japanese edition of 1998 side-project album by Tortoise members Dan Pitney & John Hoendon with two unmarked bonus tracks added: 'Ode To Philophony' & 'Expedition Rhombus'. Eight tracks total. Digipak. A Thrill Jockey Records release.

Album Details

Japanese Exclusive Release featuring Bonus Tracks. Isotope is a Side Project of Tortoise Members Dan Pitney and John Hoendon.

Customer Reviews:

Bonus Tracks = Smiles.......1999-11-25

The bonus tracks on this version of The Unstable Molecule nearly double the length of the domestically available version (for those of you who cant get enough Isotope!). There are two... one is about 8 minutes and the other clocks in around 24. They are both outstanding (what else would you expect). Sorry I dont have the disc in front of me or else I would give you titles. So pay the extra cash for the import its well worth it!

Very good album.......1998-09-11

A fantastic album of post jazz music, a pure moment of grace!!!

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

jazz music