Listen to this when
The Disintegration Loops
A melody slowly falling apart, and somehow getting more beautiful as it goes. The most honest sound of grief I know.
Who it's for
While transferring old tape loops, Basinski found the tape itself was crumbling as it played, so each short melody repeats while slowly losing pieces of itself.
Feelings it meets
What it is
The Disintegration Loops is a series of four volumes by William Basinski, released on his label 2062 in 2002 and 2003, with nine tracks totaling about five hours. In 2001 Basinski tried to transfer old tape loops of Muzak recorded from radio in 1982 and found the deteriorating tape flaking as it played, so each loop gradually decays as it repeats.
Where to find it
Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal; also on CD/vinyl. Available as individual volumes and as a deluxe box set.
Before you start
Heads up: Strong ties to the 9/11 attacks.
Age: Not verified (instrumental; suggested all ages)
Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.Helen Keller, Optimism: An Essay
