Tortoise's almost entirely instrumental music defies easy categorization. … Read Full Bio ↴Tortoise's almost entirely instrumental music defies easy categorization. The group gained significant attention from their early career. The members have roots in Chicago's fertile music scene, playing in various indie rock and punk groups. Formed in 1990, Tortoise was among the first American indie rock bands to incorporate styles closer to Krautrock, dub, minimalism, electronica and various jazz styles, rather than the standard rock and roll and punk that had dominated indie rock for years.
The group's origins lie in the late 1980's pairing of McCombs and Herndon, who imagined themselves as a freelance rhythm section (like reggae legends Sly and Robbie). That idea never saw fruition but in the summer of 2007 they formed the group Bumps and released a record with the same name on indie hip-hop label Stones Throw records, their interest in grooving rhythms and recording studio trickery led to McEntire and Brown (both formerly of Bastro) joining, followed by Bitney. Though songs are credited to all the musicans, McEntire quickly became, if not the acknowledged leader, then the group's guiding force, at least via media perception. In reality his extra contributions mainly took the form of being the recording engineer and mixer.
Their first single was issued in 1993, and their self-titled debut album followed a year later. Instrumental and mostly mid-tempo, Tortoise slowly garnered praise and attention, due in part to the unusual instrumentation (two bass guitars, three percussionists switching between drums, vibraphones and marimbas). A remix album followed, Rhythms, Resolutions and Clusters.
Brown left and was replaced by Pajo (formerly of Slint, who plays mostly bass, but offers Tortoise's first recorded guitar, as well) for 1996's Millions Now Living Will Never Die, a breakthrough, both in quality and attention. The album blended many genres, yet never seems like a pastiche. Millions showed up on many year-end best of lists, and the 20 minute Djed was described by critic John Bush as proof that "Tortoise made experimental rock do double duty as evocative, beautiful music."
In 1998, Tortoise released TNT, arguably their most jazz-inflected album. Pajo had been replaced by Parker, who has a strong jazz background. 2001 led to Standards, where Tortoise incorporated more electronic sounds and post-production into its music than in previous works. 2004 saw the release of It's All Around You, and in 2006 they collaborated with Bonnie 'Prince' Billy on an album of covers titled The Brave and the Bold.
Other groups related to Tortoise include The Sea and Cake, Brokeback, Shrimp Boat, Isotope 217 and the Chicago Underground Duo. Tortoise records on the Thrill Jockey label.
Website links:
Band Website: http://www.trts.com/
Band myspace: http://www.myspace.com/trts
The group's origins lie in the late 1980's pairing of McCombs and Herndon, who imagined themselves as a freelance rhythm section (like reggae legends Sly and Robbie). That idea never saw fruition but in the summer of 2007 they formed the group Bumps and released a record with the same name on indie hip-hop label Stones Throw records, their interest in grooving rhythms and recording studio trickery led to McEntire and Brown (both formerly of Bastro) joining, followed by Bitney. Though songs are credited to all the musicans, McEntire quickly became, if not the acknowledged leader, then the group's guiding force, at least via media perception. In reality his extra contributions mainly took the form of being the recording engineer and mixer.
Their first single was issued in 1993, and their self-titled debut album followed a year later. Instrumental and mostly mid-tempo, Tortoise slowly garnered praise and attention, due in part to the unusual instrumentation (two bass guitars, three percussionists switching between drums, vibraphones and marimbas). A remix album followed, Rhythms, Resolutions and Clusters.
Brown left and was replaced by Pajo (formerly of Slint, who plays mostly bass, but offers Tortoise's first recorded guitar, as well) for 1996's Millions Now Living Will Never Die, a breakthrough, both in quality and attention. The album blended many genres, yet never seems like a pastiche. Millions showed up on many year-end best of lists, and the 20 minute Djed was described by critic John Bush as proof that "Tortoise made experimental rock do double duty as evocative, beautiful music."
In 1998, Tortoise released TNT, arguably their most jazz-inflected album. Pajo had been replaced by Parker, who has a strong jazz background. 2001 led to Standards, where Tortoise incorporated more electronic sounds and post-production into its music than in previous works. 2004 saw the release of It's All Around You, and in 2006 they collaborated with Bonnie 'Prince' Billy on an album of covers titled The Brave and the Bold.
Other groups related to Tortoise include The Sea and Cake, Brokeback, Shrimp Boat, Isotope 217 and the Chicago Underground Duo. Tortoise records on the Thrill Jockey label.
Website links:
Band Website: http://www.trts.com/
Band myspace: http://www.myspace.com/trts
Stretch
Tortoise Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'Stretch' by these artists:
50 Cent I take grams of coke, Mix it with lactose, that's what…
Ajda Pekkan Stretch me up Maceracı ruhum var benim Kendimi tanıyorum…
Bantu Drip wet look like Bellagrino From the jungle but we're in…
bitch and animal I am on the road to somewhere out there I don't…
Cog He stands alone In a world made of steel Chances were low …
Common Kings Don't need no trainin' girl you see Im the only workout…
Curved Air Stretched a mile this morning when I got me out…
Dragon Tales Come on everybody we're gonna get up and Stretch! Reach you…
Freesscape Something's hanging round the corner and I think its got…
Ian hunter I tried, but I could never, I tried but I…
jimmy and the teasers Oh yeah Feelin stressed So compressed Need a rest If you're …
Leon Vegas Yeah, ayy Bitch, I'm the WORST, you lucky you not The kid…
Louise I'm gon' make you work out If you wanna work my…
M-Burb Stay true and real even thru chaos and hate Most of…
Manboy I am alone In here Nothing is said or done today Plenty …
Murda Y-Y-Y-Yung Felix Zo min mogelijk, zo min mogelijk (Aah) Als…
Red Hot Chili Peppers Stretching out your tightness Good enough to make you grow …
Red Hot Chili Peppers - "My Friends" Single (One Hot Minute) Stretching out your tightness good enough _________ grow St…
Ryan Montbleau Band Take me under and make me understand. Block my lungs off…
Sam MacPherson She'll race the counter on the crosswalk Float right off the…
Scaterd Few (Stretching till the end of time) Has anybody seen my despe…
Tamela Mann I’ve come to get my blessing I’ve gotta get my breakthrough …
The Proclaimers Struggling to pull down his cagoule A silent scholar leaves …
Travis Greene I'm stretching out From where I am, to where He's taking me …
Travis Porter (Cook that shit up Quay) Yeah I need my ladies fine Yeah Str…
Will Reagan Where would you go if you couldn't return To your home?…
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