TNT

Released

Tortoise’s aesthetic was well established by the time of their third LP, which made TNT feel less novel than their first two full-lengths, but equally satisfying in its vivid escapism. Pieces like “Swung From the Gutters” here refined the proggy chamber-fusion that the band dialed in on Millions Now Living Will Never Die, while “Ten-Day Interval” furthered their fascination with Steve Reich–ian mallet-percussion minimalism. Elsewhere, dubbed-out electronica and windswept Morricone-isms fleshed out what felt like an expertly curated sampler platter for indie-rock fans whose record collections were rapidly expanding right alongside those of Tortoise’s sonically omnivorous members.

Hank Shteamer

Suggestions
Clear Spot cover

Clear Spot

Captain Beefheart & the Magic Band
DJ-Kicks cover

DJ-Kicks

Juan MacLean
The Biz cover

The Biz

The Sea and Cake
Allelujah! Don’t Bend! Ascend! cover

Allelujah! Don’t Bend! Ascend!

Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Technodelic cover

Technodelic

Yellow Magic Orchestra
Hollinndagain cover

Hollinndagain

Animal Collective
When Will the Blues Leave cover

When Will the Blues Leave

Paul Motian, Gary Peacock, Paul Bley
Breakthrough cover

Breakthrough

The Gaslamp Killer