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| Glenn Branca Discography Run
Rest easy, but not quietly. | | 1 |  | Theoretical Girls
U.S. Millie / You Got Me
1978 | Theoretical Records | 4.5 | π
1. U.S. Millie (4.5/5) π
2. You Got Me (4.5/5) π
We begin this Discography Run with (what I can only assume is) the first recording Glenn Branca lent his talents to. Theoretical Girls was a band made up of Branca, Jeff Lohn, Margaret De Wys, and Wharton Tiers. While there are more substantial collections of Theoretical Girls' work that were released years down the line, I felt it was best to start with a single. "You Got Me" is a fantastic no wave chugger. "U.S. Millie" isn't far behind in quality, but it's tradition to have a best and worst track so just imagine the "" isn't even there. U.S. Millie/You Got Me is a fantastic first blood strike in the Branca discography. | | 2 |  | Dan Graham / The Static
At Riverside Studios London
February 1979 | Audio Arts | 4.3 | π
1. Performer / Audience / Mirror (3.5/5) π
2. Untitled (5/5) π
So the thing about early Branca recordings I've come to discover is that most of them involve bands he was in. Here, he's a part of a group called The Static. And goddamn: this live set is incredible. It's kind of hard to describe. On the A Side is a performance piece by one Dan Graham, who specializes in performance art, installations, that sort of art. Even being as uncultured as I am, it was an interesting listen and a bit humorous. Apparently, it's supposed to mimic stand-up comedy to an absurd degree. It's a bit long, but I suppose that's more an issue with my attention span than Graham's performance. Overall, I got a bit more than I was expecting with At Riverside Studios London, but it was quite an enjoyable tape. Just set aside some time if you plan on listening to it in full. | | 3 |  | The Static
Theoretical Record
1979 | Theoretical Records | 4.5 | π
1. My Relationship (4/5) π
2. Don't Let Me Stop You (5/5) π
I can't be 100% sure, but I think Theoretical Record is the last recording the Static ever released. Not exactly a discography brimming with releases, but I felt it was necessary to dig a little in the Branca discography to really get a picture of how he progressed. Theoretical Record is some tasty no-wave goodness, no doubt about that. "Don't Let Me Stop You" has a great buildup and an exceptional payoff. "My Relationship" is pretty great as well, but still the weaker of the two. The Static disbanded in 1979, with its members going off and forming their own careers. For our very own Glenn Branca, the ride was simply beginning. | | 4 |  | Glenn Branca
Lesson No. 1
1980 | 99 Records | 4.8 | β
1. Lesson No. 1 for Electric Guitar (5/5) π
2. Dissonance (4.5/5) π
1980 has arrived, and with it comes a new phase in Branca's career. Lesson No. 1 is what would soon become an incredible career in composing and performing some of the greatest work to ever be played on an electric guitar. "Lesson No. 1 for Electric Guitar" starts slow and builds to a triumphant explosion of exuberance. "Dissonance," which hearkens back to his more chaotic-sounding work with Theoretical Girls and the Static, is also quite fantastic. I wish more could be said for how strong of a debut Lesson No. 1 is, but I'll leave that up for you to decide on your own. What can be said is that Lesson No. 1 has remained one of the greatest experimental rock masterpieces and will likely be revered even more by future generations looking back. Get on it or get left behind. | | 5 |  | Glenn Branca
The Ascension
November 1981 | 99 Records | 4.8 | β
1. Lesson No. 2 (4.5/5) π
2. The Spectacular Commodity (4.5/5)
3. Structure (5/5)
4. Light Field (In Consonance) (5/5)
5. The Ascension (5/5) π
I think I'm safe in assuming that The Ascension is most people's only exposure to Mr. Branca's work. Why, just look at the amount of ratings it has on Sputnikmusic: 207 votes! That's more votes than the rest of his discography has combined. One of the things I wanted to see with this Discography Run was if my feelings for The Ascension would damper after visiting his past work. And the answer is actually yes. If you had asked me what Branca's best recording was, I would've said The Ascension for sure. But now that I bumped it a bit, all bets are off! How exciting! The best track was the titular "The Ascension" and the weakest (not by very much) was "Lesson No. 2." The Ascension still remains a classic in my eyes, but with some room at the top made available, perhaps a new champ will dethrone the king? | | 6 |  | Glenn Branca / John Giorno
Who You Staring At?
1982 | Giorno Poetry Systems | 4.7 | π
1. Music for the Dance Bad Smells (5/5) π
2. Stretching It Wider (4.5/5) π
3. We Got Here Yesterday... (4.5/5)
Seeing as how only one of the 3 tracks here are by Branca, I considered not including this. For those who don't know, Who You Staring At? was the first official release of "Music for the Dance Bad Smells," an instrumental that was written for a dance company, so I couldn't pass it up. And I'm glad I didn't skip out on this, because I enjoyed every second of this. I'm not familiar with John Giorno's work, but I adore his spoken delivery. Best track was "Music for the Dance Bad Smells" and the weakest was "We Got Here Yesterday..." (but not by much). A great little split record that serves as an introduction to another great artist? Big win for me. | | 7 |  | Glenn Branca
Symphony No. 1 (Tonal Plexus)
1983 | ROIR | 4.5 | β
1. First Movement (5/5) π
2. Second Movement (4/5) π
3. Third Movement (4.5/5)
4. Fourth Movement (4.5/5)
Symphony No. 1 is the first of what would become a long string of numbered symphonies by Branca. Taken from a live performance from 1981, Symphony No. 1 is split into 4 movements, each with its own distinct feel. Needless to say, this release does not disappoint as a followup to the monumental Ascension. Admittedly, Symphony No. 1 isn't as immediate as that album, and it does go on for slightly longer than I would have liked. But other than that, this recording is excellently-orchestrated and brimming with great performances. The best is the "First Movement" and the weakest is the "Second Movement." Not bad for your first go-around, Branca. Let's hope you didn't play all your best cards on round one. | | 8 |  | Glenn Branca
Symphony No. 3 (Gloria)
1983 | Neutral Records | 4.3 | β
1. Side A - Symphony #3 (Gloria) (4/5) π
2. Side B - Symphony #3 (Gloria) (4.5/5) π
So, some of you not familiar with Branca might be wondering why his Symphonies are all out of order. Like, why is No. 3 before No. 2, and why is No. 6 between them both? Well, the recordings were released out of order, so they don't match the chronological order. It's a pain, but hey who am I to complain about something so insignificant. The real fact of the matter is Symphony No. 3 (Gloria) is another interesting composition. While I don't feel like there's a drastic change in quality between the two parts, "Side B" felt just a smidgen better than "Side A." However, I feel that listening to this as a whole is quite important, as most of "Side A" seems to be buildup to "Side B." Overall, another winner for Branca and another essential composition. | | 9 |  | Wim Mertens
The Belly of an Architect
1987 | CrΓ©puscule | 3.3 | π
1. Augustus (3.5/5)
2. Birds for the Mind (3/5)
3. The Aural Trick (2.5/5) π
4. Struggle for Pleasure (3.5/5)
5. 4 mains (3.5/5)
6. Close Cover (4/5) π
7. Time Passing (3/5)
8. Tourtour (3/5)
9. And With Them (3/5)
10. Andrea Doria (4/5)
11. Galba (3.5/5)
12. Caracalla (3.5/5)
13. Hadrian (4/5)
14. Augustus (3.5/5)
The Belly of an Architect is a soundtrack album for the 1987 film. It's a collaboration between Mertens and Branca with tracks 2-9 being by the former and the rest being by the latter. In total, Branca's pieces clock in at around 9 minutes. It's nice, but uneventful: good for a film soundtrack. Mertens has the best ("Close Cover") and weakest ("The Aural Trick") songs on the recording, which makes sense seeing as how the majority of this is his. Overall, it's an okay work that doesn't really leave me all that impressed.
I probably should have looked a bit more into this before adding it to the Discography Run. Moving on. | | 10 |  | Glenn Branca
Symphony No. 6 (Devil Choirs at the Gates of Heave
April 1989 | Blast First/Restless | 3.8 | β
1. First Movement (4/5)
2. Second Movement (3.5/5)
3. Third Movement (4.5/5) π
4. Fourth Movement (3/5) π
5. Fifth Movement (4/5)
I'll be the first to admit that I wasn't exactly the biggest fan of this entry the first time around. I enjoyed it, but not to the extent I enjoyed his previous work. Have things changed since then? Well, sort of. While it still feels less immediate than the rest of his work, I did enjoy this more than I initially did. The "Third Movement" in particular is a standout from this. On the other hand, the "Fourth Movement" is one of Branca's weaker moments undoubtedly. Even if it doesn't reach the heights of his past work, Symphony No. 6 still offers some great moments for you to discover.
3.1 average rating with 9 votes, BAH. | | 11 |  | Glenn Branca
Symphony No. 2 (The Peak of the Sacred)
1992 | Atavistic | 4.3 | β
1. First Movement (4.5/5)
2. Second Movement (4/5)
3. Third Movement (5/5) π
4. Fourth Movement (4.5/5)
5. Fifth Movement (3.5/5) π
While this symphony was recorded in 1982, it wasn't released until later. It's important that I note that, because this is very similar to Symphony No. 1. What No. 2 has that No. 1 doesn't is an extra 20 minutes. I'm all for that patented "Branca Buildup", but at some point there has to be a line drawn. Now that I'm forced to look at this release with a (slightly) more critical eye, I have to say that the length is a deciding factor here if you're listening to this in one sitting. I, however, decided to listen to each movement separately over the course of a few days and let me tell you: it makes it a lot more enjoyable. The "Third Movement" is downright beautiful. Weakest was the "Fifth Movement", it being an excerpt and all. Don't be put off by the length: Symphony No. 2 is a gem wrapped in protective layers of cloth. | | 12 |  | Glenn Branca
The World Upside Down
1992 | CrΓ©puscule | 4.3 | β
1. First Movement (4.5/5)
2. Second Movement (4/5)
3. Third Movement (3.5/5) π
4. Fourth Movement (4.5/5)
5. Fifth Movement (5/5) π
6. Sixth Movement (4.5/5)
7. Seventh Movement (4/5)
Similar to "Music for the Dance Bad Smells" off Branca's split release with John Giorno, The World Upside Down was made as a soundtrack for a dance, specifically a ballet. The difference is that you won't find any harsh electric guitars here. This release has more in common with ambient music and classical than what Branca fans have come to expect from him. But damn it all if this isn't beautiful. Emotive without feeling manipulative, just as a good backdrop record should be. My favorite piece was the "Fifth Movement" while my least favorite piece was the "Third Movement." While not from my favorite release of his, I still greatly appreciate the work put into this by Branca, the New York Chamber Symphony, and everyone else involved. | | 13 |  | Glenn Branca
Symphony Nos. 8 and 10 (The Mystery)
1994 | Blast First/Atavistic | 4.6 | β
1. No. 8: First Movement (4/5) π
2. No. 8: Second Movement (5/5)
3. No. 10: First Movement (4.5/5)
4. No. 10: Second Movement (5/5) π
Symphony Nos. 8 and 10 has always been one of my favorite post-Ascension Branca recordings, so I was excited to see just how much of that love would carry over with a relisten. Sure enough, I fell right back in love with it again. Best and worst go to Symphony No. 10's "Second Movement" and Symphony No. 8's "First Movement" respectively. Overall, I'd say that Symphony No. 10 was my favorite of the two. Just one of those pieces that makes your legs go restless and your ears spread eagle. Out of all the Branca records I've heard so far, this would be the one I'd most likely recommend to people looking to delve deeper into Branca's discography. It ain't no slouch. | | 14 |  | Glenn Branca
Symphony No. 9 (L'eve Future)
June 1995 | Point Music | 3.0 | β
1. Symphony No. 9 (2.5/5) π
2. Freeform (3.5/5) π
So two things of note here:
1. No guitars.
2. Branca only composed this symphony.
I suppose it makes sense why this recording doesn't do much for me, seeing as how it's missing two key components. This symphony is performed by the Polish Radio National Symphony Orchestra and the Camerata Silesia Singers Ensemble, with an entirely different conductor. Sure, Branca wrote it, but he's not even on here. And it shows, because this is a slog for the most part. "Freeform" is a good performance, but it never anything but pretty good. "Symphony No. 9" was a near-50-minute long piece that I just did not have the patience for. Overall, this is probably the weakest Branca-related album I've heard. That said, getting this far in your career with only 1 or 2 duds is pretty impressive. And having a "3.0" be considered a dud should say a lot about how strong an artist Branca was. | | 15 |  | Glenn Branca
Symphony No. 5 (Describing Planes of an Expanding)
June 1996 | Atavistic | 4.4 | β
1. First Movement (3.5/5) π
2. Second Movement (5/5)
3. Third Movement (4.5/5)
4. Fourth Movement (5/5) π
5. Fifth Movement, Pt. 1 (5/5)
6. Fifth Movement, Pt. 2 (4.5/5)
7. Fifth Movement, Pt. 3 (4/5)
8. Sixth Movement (4/5)
Recorded in 1984 and commissioned by the UCLA Center For The Performing Arts, Symphony No. 5 lures you in with it's opening drone piece but then thrusts you into the middle of a slurry of keyboards, guitars, and violin. This is 1984 Branca mind you, so of course it's a home run. But this just might a new contender for the top spot. Best was tough to decide, but the "Fourth Movement" really hit all the marks for me. Weakest was the "First Movement," but that's just me and my drone bias. Symphony No. 5 is an essential archival release that fans of Branca's 80s output shouldn't overlook. | | 16 |  | Theoretical Girls
Theoretical Girls
October 2002 | Acute | 4.7 | β
1. Theoretical Girls (Live) (5/5)
2. Computer Dating (5/5)
3. Contrary Motion (4/5)
4. Europe Man (4.5/5)
5. Lovin in the Red (5/5)
6. Mom & Dad (4.5/5)
7. U.S. Millie (4.5/5)
8. No More Sex (4.5/5)
9. Keyboard Etude (3.5/5) π
10. Nato (5/5)
11. Electronic Angie (4.5/5)
12. Chicita Bonita (5/5) π
13. Polytonal (4.5/5)
14. Parlez-vous Francais (4/5)
15. Theoretical Girls (5/5)
16. Chicita Bonita (5/5)
17. Lovin in the Red (5/5)
18. Computer Dating (5/5)
19. Electronic Angie (5/5)
We return to Theoretical Girls for an archival release of the band's 1978-1981 output. My favorite track was the toe-tapper "Chicita Bonita." "Keyboard Etude" is a jittery little case study of the keyboard, but it's too distorted to fully appreciate. I suppose that it's a shame that I bumped my rating for this down, but don't let that down arrow fool you: this still rips. | | 17 |  | Glenn Branca
Indeterminate Activity of Resultant Masses
January 2007 | Atavistic | 3.5 | β
1. Indeterminate Activity of Resultant Masses (4.5/5) π
2. So That Each Person Is in Charge of Himself (2.5/5) π
3. Harmonic Series Chords (3.5/5)
Indeterminate Activity of Resultant Masses is yet another archival release, but spans 3 different years: 1981, 1982, and 1989. It starts off well enough with "Indeterminate Activity of Resultant Masses," which is a live recording from November 1981 that sounds like it would fit right at home on an album like The Ascension. Then it transitions into "So That Each Person Is in Charge of Himself," a conversation between John Cage and Wim Mertens about Branca and music and life and all sorts of things. It closes with the orchestral, drone-y "Harmonic Series Chords." While it doesn't accurately replicate the feeling these eras of Branca should, Indeterminate Activity of Resultant Masses still has enough for fans to be interested in. And a 19 minute conversation between two composers near a noisy Chicago lake. | | 18 |  | Glenn Branca
The Ascension: The Sequel
February 2010 | Systems Neutralizers | 3.8 | β
1. The Tone Row That Ruled the World (3.5/5)
2. Carbon Monoxide (3.5/5)
3. Quadratonic (3.5/5) π
4. Lesson No. 3 (3.5/5)
5. The Blood (4.5/5) π
6. Lost Chords (4/5)
The first thing that may pop into your head when reading that title might be "A sequel album? What like Tubular Bells II or some shit?" Yeah, it's exactly like that. While I wouldn't go so far as to say that calling your new album a "sequel" to one of your most revered works is a business decision over a creative decision, it rides a pretty fine line.
But enough about that, how's the music?
Honestly, it's pretty damn good. "The Blood" just kills every time, it really does have that Ascension quality about it. "Quadratonic" was good, but it's my pick for weakest. The entire first half of this is weak compared to the second, but not enough to warrant a lowered rating. Good job The Ascension: The Sequel, you proved that Glenn wasn't completely out of the count just yet. | | 19 |  | Glenn Branca
Symphony No. 7 (For Orchestra): Live In Graz
2010 | Systems Neutralizers | 3.6 | π
1. Shivering Air (3.5/5)
2. Freeform (4/5) π
3. Harmonic Series Chords Part One (3.5/5)
4. Harmonic Series Chords Part Two (3.5/5)
5. Old School (3/5) π
6. Shaking Light Part One (4/5)
7. Shaking Light Part Two (3.5/5)
After a long stretch of reratings, we've finally arrived at the final lap here with Symphony No. 7. What I mean is that the last 3 entries on this list are releases I have never heard. And what better way to ring in the new than with... a 1989 archival release done by a different person. Yes, this is similar to what happened with Symphony No. 9, so needless to say I wasn't exactly excited to hear this one. But man, this is a pretty good performance. Props to Mr. GΓΌnter Meinhart (the conductor on this release) and the orchestra. Best portion was "Freeform," and the weakest was "Old School." While nothing to write home about, Symphony No. 7 is a great display of Branca's composing abilities as well as a good performance. | | 20 |  | Glenn Branca
Ensemble: Live at Primavera Sound 2011
June 2011 | Not on Label | 3.9 | π
1. Carbon Monoxide (4/5)
2. Quadratonic (3.5/5) π
3. Lesson No. 3 (3.5/5)
4. The Blood (4.5/5) π
(Author's Note: This release is available on FreeMusicArchive if you're so inclined.)
Edit: FMA is dead, check it out here: https://archive.org/details/Live_at_Primevera_Sound_2011-_Glenn_Branca-9425
Ensemble is a live album recorded at the Primavera Sound festival in Spain and it's one I have never seen people talk about. Which is a shame, because this is basically better versions of songs from The Ascension: The Sequel. The main reason for that is the recording itself. It all just sounds so much fuller than on the studio release. While the best and worst tracks stayed the same ("The Blood" and "Quadratonic" respectively), I just wanted to say that I think the version of "Carbon Monoxide" on this is better than the one on The Ascension: The Sequel. What a wonderful little surprise this was, who would've thought? | | 21 |  | Glenn Branca
Symphony No. 13 (Hallucination City)
May 2016 | Atavistic | 4.0 | π
1. March (4/5)
2. Chant (4.5/5) π
3. Drive (4/5)
4. Vengeance (3.5/5) π
The more I think about it, the more I think I should have waited to do this list. Whose to say that there aren't posthumous Branca releases coming down the pipe? Hell, maybe some of the lost symphonies will come out because of it. Either way, we end this journey with Symphony No. 13, the last (official) release by Mr. Branca before his passing. A composition recorded in Rome, performed by a whole mess of guitarists, with someone other than Branca conducting. I suppose it's poetic in a way, that a man so recognizable doesn't even have to have himself on his final work for you to know it's his. Best portion was "Chant," with the weakest being "Vengeance." Symphony No. 13 is on the longer side, but offers listeners with an incredible auditory barrage; emotive and powerful. But would you expect anything else from the man who never quieted down? | | 22 |  | Glenn Branca
The Third Ascension
October 2019 | Systems Neutralizers | 4.3 | π
Bonus Writeup #1 (October 4, 2019)
1. Velvets And Pearls (4.5/5)
2. German Expressionism (4/5)
3. The Smoke (4.5/5)
4. Lesson No. 4 (5/5) π
5. Twisting In Space (3.5/5) π
6. Cold Thing (4.5/5)
"Whose to say that there aren't posthumous Branca releases coming down the pipe?"
Called it.
Recorded in 2016, The Third Ascension was just given a proper release a few days before what would've been Branca's 71st birthday. Four electric guitars, a bass, and drum; in true 'Ascension' fashion. I suppose the question is if this improves on The Ascension: The Sequel. And I'm happy to report that the answer is a yes from me. Best track was "Lesson No. 4," a buffet of pure noisy goodness that truly sounds like a sequel to the first two 'Lessons.' Weakest was "Twisting In Space," if only because it felt a bit underwhelming following "Lesson No. 4." Leave it to Branca to leave the mortal world and still be teaching lessons, I guess. | |
butcherboy
05.14.18 | you're going to 5 these far too much | SandwichBubble
05.14.18 | Yeah but he's only got 20-30 releases so I'll be done with it a lot quicker than the fall one
speaking of which, I'm finishing it right NOW | Papa Universe
05.15.18 | Tactical dot deployed:
β’ | DoofusWainwright
05.15.18 | yeah i should delve deeper into this discog too | Zig
05.15.18 | Today going to check his symphonies again. | SandwichBubble
05.15.18 | Everyone should check his later stuff, just saying! | Papa Universe
09.15.18 | how long still? you promised The Ex! | SandwichBubble
09.15.18 | I get slower everytime I do one of these. :( | Papa Universe
09.15.18 | then take a break. | ArsMoriendi
09.15.18 | I dare you to do with this Frank Zappa/Mothers of Invention | Papa Universe
09.15.18 | The Ex got dibs first, though. | SandwichBubble
09.16.18 | I'm gonna finish this damn list if it kills me | SandwichBubble
09.30.18 | I did it!
"Yeah but he's only got 20-30 releases so I'll be done with it a lot quicker than the fall one"
Surprise, I'm an idiot. But I still did it! | Papa Universe
09.30.18 | The Ex now? | Papa Universe
09.30.18 | also
Theoretical Girls > everything else in the history of everything ever | SandwichBubble
09.30.18 | It's either the Ex or Prince.
Discogs is saying the Ex only has around 60 albums/EPs, so maybe that would be easier. | SandwichBubble
09.30.18 | And I actually lowered my Theoretical Girls compilation rating from a 5.0 to a 4.5, so can't confirm yr statement there :( | SandwichBubble
10.30.18 | Not that anyone but me cares, but someone on eBay was selling off some branca albums and I snagged them. Finally have Symphony's 1-3, 5-6, and 9 on cd | sixdegrees
10.30.18 | I feel like his work would be best experienced live | SandwichBubble
10.30.18 | Probably true, some of the intrigue is lost when you don't have all 100 guitars in front of you
That won't stop me though! |
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