Tortoise Album: “Beacons of Ancestorship”

If you were frightened away from Tortoise a few years back because you found "It's All Around You" a little too tame and muted, then considered said weaknesses to be rectified this time around with "Beacons of Ancestorship." I liked Tortoise's last proper album, but I realize that it wasn't their most popular. "Prepare Your Coffin" helps put the 'rock' back into 'post-rock.' I know, that was bad. But I hope you get my point.

It all sounds like Tortoise just woke up from a very refreshing nap. Not to say they were absent or in danger of dying out. Just like the mammal they are named after, they continue to be able-bodied as they age and may very well surprise us when they reach the geriatric stage. They just take their time getting there is all.

"High Class Slim Came Floatin' In" sounds much like its name. Here comes Tortoise, this high class band hitting the ground with an unassuming yet entirely assured start that shifts gears halfway through. If you liked Tortoise at any point, even if you decided to stop following them in 1996, "Beacons of Ancestorship" has lots entice you back into the pool. I mean, pond. Okay, someone please stop me.

It has become clear Tortoise will never release another TNT, or maybe even Standards for that matter. However, they have become quite efficient at the modest goal of providing intriguingly gyrating soundscapes to occasionally froth over.

Fabulous. All the CD's from Tortoise are great. This is rocking and groovy and thoughtful, everything you would want from a Tortoise CD.

This was a disappointing album from Tortoise. The first question I have to ask is, where are the vibraphones? Nowhere do you hear vibraphones, and without vibes this album sounds a lot like any other shoegazer album.

Tortoise has two great albums, unfortunately this one is not one of them. This is a terrible album, I cannot see anyone liking it.