The contrast, simply stated, is that the studio was used extensively as a compositional tool for TNT, whereas with Standards it was used predominantly as tool to realize and enhance the existing new compositions. Whilst TNT was constructed in the studio using segments recorded, improvised or altered electronically, the "Standards" sessions began after a period of rehearsal and composition. Similarly, the group's fluency within the studio environment gives the finished work a quality that alternates between artifice and reality. The fusion of instrumental sounds (electric, acoustic, and synthesized) is subtle and subversive. The tunes are direct and immediate, yet they maintain the exploratory edge that has always characterized the group's output. Musically, Standards is their most concise statement of purpose thus far. John McEntire completed construction of his Soma Electronic Music Studios, composed and recorded music to the John Hughes film Reach the Rock and was still able to record and/or produce Stereolab, The High Llamas, The For Carnation, Smog and The Sea & Cake as well as Standards. Douglas McCombs realized a full-length album and EP (due out January 2001) as Brokeback and recorded new records with Eleventh Dream Day and Pullman. Parker also contributed to two records made under the Chicago Underground moniker, appeared in the film High Fidelity and lent his talents to a variety of other records. Tortoise-members Dan Bitney, John Herndon and Jeff Parker worked fastidiously to record and tour in support of two full-length Isotope 217 albums. In 1999 members of the band toured the US as the backing band for legendary Brazilian composer/singer Tom Zé's. Following tours of the U.S., Europe, South America, Japan, Brazil, and Australia, Tortoise members worked on other projects that occupied them until the spring of 2000 when they began to record Standards. Tortoise spent the bulk of 1998 and a portion of 1999 touring the world. "Standards," the fourth full-length recording from Chicago's Tortoise, boldly announces their return following 1998's TNT. "Standards" is finally available once again in a limited color LP!
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