The Ballasted Orchestra
Encyclopedia
The Ballasted Orchestra is the third studio album by Stars of the Lid
and their first to have its initial release on Kranky Records
. It was released simultaneously as a double LP and a single CD, though the vinyl is now out of print. The album features minimal, droning compositions, of varied length, some of which blend into each other. The track "Taphead" is a reference to the Talk Talk
song of the same name while "Music for Twin Peaks
Episode #30" parts I and II were named as a tribute to the cult TV show.
The LP release contained "24 Inch Cymbal", a bonus track, between "Sun Drugs" and "Down II"; additionally, "The Artificial Pine Arch Song" ran to 20:52 on the vinyl as opposed to 18:00 on the CD. This material would not fit on a standard, 80-minute CD.
Stars of the Lid
Stars of the Lid is a duo specializing in drone-based ambient music. They list among their influences minimalist and electronic composers such as Arvo Pärt, Zbigniew Preisner, Gavin Bryars, and Henryk Górecki, as well as Talk Talk , post-rock artists Labradford, and ambient innovator Brian...
and their first to have its initial release on Kranky Records
Kranky Records
Kranky is an independent record label, located in Chicago, Illinois. It was started in 1993 by Bruce Adams and Joel Leoschke.The bands it houses are noted for combining experimental and often electronic influences with elements of more traditional rock structures, and many of the artists on Kranky...
. It was released simultaneously as a double LP and a single CD, though the vinyl is now out of print. The album features minimal, droning compositions, of varied length, some of which blend into each other. The track "Taphead" is a reference to the Talk Talk
Talk Talk
Talk Talk were an English musical group, active from 1981 to 1991. The group had a string of international hit singles including "Today", "Talk Talk", "It's My Life", "Such a Shame", "Dum Dum Girl", "Life's What You Make It" and "Living in Another World"....
song of the same name while "Music for Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks is an American television serial drama created by David Lynch and Mark Frost. The series follows the investigation headed by FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper , of the murder of a popular teenager and homecoming queen, Laura Palmer...
Episode #30" parts I and II were named as a tribute to the cult TV show.
Critical reaction
The album was generally praised by critics. Stephen Cook, writing for Allmusic, stated:Track listing
- "Central Texas" – 3:43
- "Sun Drugs" – 12:20
- "Down II" – 1:22
- "Taphead" – 12.34
- "Fucked Up (3:57 A.M.)" – 8:32
- "Music For Twin Peaks Episode #30 Part I" – 8:01
- "Music For Twin Peaks Episode #30 Part II" – 13:32
- "The Artificial Pine Arch Song" – 18:00
The LP release contained "24 Inch Cymbal", a bonus track, between "Sun Drugs" and "Down II"; additionally, "The Artificial Pine Arch Song" ran to 20:52 on the vinyl as opposed to 18:00 on the CD. This material would not fit on a standard, 80-minute CD.