About this album
Where they were
Released in 1987, 'Escape from Noise' was Negativland's second album, following their debut 'Negativland' in 1981. At this point in their career, the band was experimenting with sampling and collage techniques, pushing the boundaries of experimental music and setting the stage for their later works that would further explore themes of media criticism and cultural absurdity.
Why it matters
'Escape from Noise' is significant for its early and bold use of audio samples, which would influence countless artists in the realms of electronic and experimental music. The track 'Christianity Is Stupid' sparked controversy and led to a lawsuit from a radio station, drawing attention to the band's provocative style and the legal complexities surrounding sampling.
Essential tracks
- "Christianity Is Stupid" — This track exemplifies Negativland's confrontational approach to social issues, combining humor with sharp critique, leading to significant media attention.
- "Escape from Noise" — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of rejecting societal noise through innovative sound manipulation and layered sampling techniques.
- "Michael Jackson" — This piece cleverly critiques celebrity culture using samples from Michael Jackson's work, showcasing the band's method of cultural commentary through sound.
Release Date
January 1, 1987
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Announcement 1:52
- 2 Quiet Please 2:15
- 3 Michael Jackson 2:07
- 4 Escape from Noise 2:35
- 5 The Playboy Channel 1:33
- 6 Stress in Marriage 1:33
- 7 Nesbitt's Lime Soda Song 3:07
- 8 Over the Hiccups 1:25
- 9 Sycamore 2:28
- 10 Car Bomb 1:54
- 11 Methods of Torture 1:23
- 12 Yellow Black and Rectangular 2:14
- 13 Backstage Pass 1:14
- 14 Christianity Is Stupid 3:54
- 15 Time Zones 5:26
- 16 You Don't Even Live Here 2:29
- 17 The Way of It 1:12
- 18 Endscape 3:19