The Disintegration Loops

William Basinski - The Disintegration Loops
Critic Score
Based on 1 review
User Score
Based on 650 ratings
2002 Rank: #36
Liked by 112 people
2002 / Release Date
LP / Format
2062 / Label
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UltimateLifeFrm
100

You know an album is something special when the cover is an accurate representation of the overall tone of the experience you're going to be in for.

Another record I found through browsing RYM, The Disintegration Tapes is a 73min Ambient / Drone album from 2002 that is regarded as one of the best of these genres.

Throughout the 80s, Basinski recorded from found sound sources, shortwave radio and delay systems, influenced by musicians like Steve ... read more

Supertartory
89

This is the kind of record you hear once and go "holy shit"... then don't really come back to it much

Now I loved this experience for sure, it was one of a kind and left me feeling bleak and empty afterwards, but I do feel it is slightly a one-trick wonder in which, you have your first captivating listen but then don't really come back that often, due to the sheer magnitude of the album, specifically the first song. It definitely remains memorable but... why? That's something I can't ... read more

lachlantula
90

Basinski's opus is one of the most important releases in ambient's history, and it's very challenging to describe what makes it enjoyable, in spite of it's ultimate simplicity. Listening to these incredibly beautiful pieces of music 'disintegrate' into some corrupt mutation of themselves is... perhaps not terrifying, but really depressing. This old song begins youthful and sounds with life, but gradually fades into a frail version of itself.

Although what's happening here is so simple, it's ... read more

Sammy02103
100

Dude this album creates such a feeling as if it is the last sound on Earth, playing in slow motion just before an unknown event takes place. I could listen to this album for hours on end without ever feeling bored. It is probably one of the best ambient tracks I have heard in my entire life. The album is both scary and melancholic, which makes it a unique masterpiece.

miracle372
80

Ruined my mood for the next 2 hours after listening. Would absolutely recommend.

Boydove
85

Really cool. Especially loved dlp 1.1
What a wild concept and story.

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Track List

1dlp 1.1
63:35
94
2dlp 2.1
10:50
85
Total Length: 1 hour, 14 minutes

Year End Lists

#30/Pitchfork
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