6 Brokeback Looks At The Bird THRILL JOCKEY, 2003

You say: “Brokeback is the fulfilment of the prophecy told by Ry Cooder’s soundtrack for Paris, Texas.” Recliner Notes, via Twitter

If early Tortoise had a single signature sound, it might just be the twang of Doug McCombs’ six-string bass. Also a member of Eleventh Dream Day for over 30 years, McCombs’ plangent skills were pushed even further to the fore as leader of Brokeback. Since debuting in 1997, Brokeback have gradually become a gnarlier, more conventional rock band, but this atmospheric burner from 2003 is the pick: McCombs on manoeuvres around Noel Kupersmith’s double bass, with support from John McEntire and, on wordless harmonies, the late Stereolab singer Mary Hansen.