As one of the pioneers of the emerging post-rock scene (essentially rock music with rock music elements removed), Chicago's Tortoise have achieved acclaim and crticism in equal measure. Criticisms are that the music doesn't immediately take hold; some of the material on offer here - on Tortoise's 1996 album - could pass for elevator music on first listening; it can also give the impression of self-indulgent especially when extended keyboard solos rear their head without an apparent hint of irony. However, closer listening uncovers merits to this music; every track on this album has something to recommend it. Whilst 'Glass Museum', 'The Taut And Tame' and 'Along The Banks Of Rivers' feature lovely mournful guitar lines, 'Dear Grandma and Grandpa' feature desolate keyboard touches that are more space rock than post-rock. The opening track, 'Djed' encapsulates the problems in apreciating the genre in one fell swoop; it is 20 minutes long with no vocals, meanders up several dark alleys -some containing nothing of interest, some fascinating - but when it hits home it really is quite hypnotic. It may sound paradoxical, but this is demanding easy listening, indeed.