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THE REVIEW
One of the most important (if not THE most important) figures of that submovement born in New York between the '70s and '80s known as No Wave: James Chance and his Contortions, dedicated to total dissonance, redefine in what is effectively their only official album the concept of funky. Free wave, jazz, fusion, and noise are just some of the ways through which Chance's sax draws the undrawable against a backdrop of dry, abstruse, and torn guitars, a bass that seems like a drunken bum, and a drum that barely restrains an uncontainable sound.
And the most unthinkable thing is that all this strangeness is danceable, it's impossible to stay still. Examples like Contort Yourself and Designed To Kill suffice.
Indispensable and perfectly unknown to most, like almost every great band worth its name.
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Summary by Bot
James Chance and The Contortions are seminal figures in the No Wave movement of 1970s-80s New York. Their album 'Buy' redefines funk through a chaotic blend of jazz, fusion, and noise. Despite its abrasive sound, the music remains compellingly danceable, with standout tracks like 'Contort Yourself' and 'Designed To Kill'. Though relatively unknown, the album is essential listening for fans of experimental music.Tracklist Videos
James Chance and the Contortions
James Chance is an American saxophonist and vocalist who led the Contortions and was a central figure in New York's late-1970s No Wave scene, combining elements of jazz, funk, punk and noise.02 Reviews
