Millions Now Living Will Never Die

Released in 1996, Millions Now Living Will Never Die is widely considered the magnum opus of Tortoise and a foundational text of the post-rock genre. Recorded at John McEntire's Soma Electronic Music Studios in Chicago, the album represents a shift away from the traditional guitar-centric indie rock of the era toward a more compositionally fluid, studio-as-instrument approach. The centerpiece is 'Djed,' a nearly 21-minute track that moves through distinct phases of dub, Krautrock, and minimalism, connected by experimental tape edits. This track alone redefined what was possible for an 'indie' band, incorporating influences from Steve Reich and Can. The album's second half offers shorter, more melodic pieces like 'Glass Museum' and 'Along the Banks of Rivers,' which showcase the band's ability to blend melancholic beauty with rhythmic complexity. It remains a high-water mark for the Chicago scene and a primary influence on instrumental music for decades.