Pioneers in industrial and electronic music, the music and visual arts group Throbbing Gristle used transgressive music, lyrics, and visual imagery to shock and disturb. Fronted by Genesis P-Orridge, with occasional vocals from Cosey Fanni Tutti, the band expanded upon the standard guitar, bass, and percussion rock instrumentation to incorporate violin, cornet, synthesizers, drum machines, tape manipulation, and other types of programming, electronics, and effects.
Here’s a CD-length playlist of Throbbing Gristle—a must-listen to anyone interested in adventurous sounds. The earlier tracks feature their more industrial side, and the band gradually introduced more electronic sounds, most notably on their classic 20 Jazz Funk Greats (1979).
If you find this music too off-putting (especially the first few tracks), trust me when I insist that—ever the bourgeois conformist—I’ve generally chosen the more accessible, least offensive side of Throbbing Gristle’s work here. Those with hearts dark enough should feel free to take a deeper dive.
Enjoy.
Playlist Note:
Throbbing Gristle’s debut album, The Second Annual Report (1977), does not appear to be available on Spotify. My planned selections from this album are as follows:
- Maggot Death (Live at Southampton) – 1:34
- Slug Bait (Live at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London) – 4:18
- Slug Bait (Live at Southampton) – 2:43
- Slug Bait (Live at Brighton) – 1:17
I have replaced them with two versions of “Slug Bait,” one of which, entitled “Tiab Guls,” appears to be a doctored version of the ICA live recording with all the lyrics reversed. For those interested, the original song tells a charming tale of a serial killer who tortures and murders a pregnant woman and her husband and eats their unborn baby. Always a wholesome listen, Throbbing Gristle. Bon appétit!
Cover Art:
- 20 Jazz Funk Greats: Source, Discogs.com, Fair use.
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