An unsung classic of the avant-garde music scene, No Age is, on the surface, simply a compilation of experimental instrumental music. The difference, though, is that most of the musicians who participated on the album came not from the jazz world, but from punk rock or an underground even the most adventurous listeners rarely visited. It's easy to forget that for most people in 1987, instrumental rock music often meant little more than recycled '60s surf. With the increasingly widespread popularity of Black Flag and Hüsker ...
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An unsung classic of the avant-garde music scene, No Age is, on the surface, simply a compilation of experimental instrumental music. The difference, though, is that most of the musicians who participated on the album came not from the jazz world, but from punk rock or an underground even the most adventurous listeners rarely visited. It's easy to forget that for most people in 1987, instrumental rock music often meant little more than recycled '60s surf. With the increasingly widespread popularity of Black Flag and Hüsker Dü, however, Greg Ginn and SST were in a unique position to shatter that impression, and did so admirably with this double-LP set. Though SST is a California label, there is little evidence of the reverbed Stratocasters and dance party music of old. Instead, the listener finds a cornucopia of melodic, rhythmic, harmonic, and most importantly, sonic textures that constantly challenge and surprise. The variety here is nothing short of stunning, from the Don Henley-meets-"sheets of sound"-era John Coltrane guitar stylings of Glen Phillips to the spastic, densely polyrhythmic Synclavier hammering of Henry Kaiser. Other important elements of No Age are the sequencing and track choice, which are both first-rate. For those who tire easily of completely improvised, aimless noodling, there are several pieces based on more traditional melodic and harmonic concepts. For those looking for complete freak-out music, that's here too. In some ways, this album is one of the most successful comps of all time in that it effectively presents a cohesive yet comprehensive overview of an incredibly diverse genre, all the while remaining eminently listenable. Overall, No Age is an absolute must-have for any fan of left-of-center music that has heart and soul. ~ Pemberton Roach, Rovi
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Add this copy of No Age to cart. $21.00, fair condition, Sold by Streetlight_Records rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Cruz, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1990 by Sst Records.
Add this copy of No Age: a Compilation of Sst Instrumental Music (Sst Cd to cart. $26.95, very good condition, Sold by 86 Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Maplewood, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 1990 by SST.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good. Size: 0x0x0; SST CD 102; a couple of dings to booklet; bend to lower right corner of rear cover art; jewel case is in excellent condition; disc is mint/near mint; because we care that your order arrives in the condition stated, we have additionally sealed the case in bubblewrap for added protection during shipment.