Key

Released in 1971 (and later reissued in 1977), Key is the debut studio album by Meredith Monk and serves as the definitive starting point for her 'Extended Vocal Technique.' While Monk is often grouped with minimalists like Steve Reich or Philip Glass, Key reveals a more tactile, folk-adjacent approach to repetition. The album is structured around ten tracks, including three variations of 'Vision' that act as connective tissue. The recording captures the transition from Monk's background in dance and performance art into a purely sonic medium. Critics often cite this record as the bridge between the 1960s avant-garde and the 1970s loft jazz scene. It is notable for its lack of traditional linguistic meaning, instead utilizing a private phonetic language that emphasizes the physical mechanics of the throat and mouth. The track 'Fat Stream' is a centerpiece of her early career, showcasing her ability to sustain complex rhythmic patterns through breath control alone.