Confession: I judge albums by their covers. I do it all the time. And when I saw the cover for Amon Tobin’s ISAM, I decided it would be beautiful, I decided it would be mine.
Because it’s been haunting me lately, satisfying me lately, because it’s found its way into my column and into my mind, because it’s beautiful, because it’s strange, and even at the risk of it becoming inextricably tied to thoughts of uncomfortable seats and smelly hotel rooms, I’ll be using Amon Tobin’s ISAM as a “reference disc” during the 2011 California Audio Show.
Purists (some of my closest colleagues and friends come to mind) will cry foul, will find this record to be overly processed, unlistenable, utterly offensive. But I’ve never been a purist—at least not where music is concerned. The idea of “purity” in music offends me.
So I will listen to ISAM, use it to judge (more likely appreciate) the sonic characteristics of hi-fi systems in hotel rooms.
I’m sure this music will intrigue some, fascinate others, send a few flying from exhibit rooms. All of which is completely fine with me. I’m looking forward to it.
If you’re interested, you can stream ISAM right here. Listen along as I go from room to room.
