Telesterion is the first compilation album by Omar Rodríguez-López as a solo artist.[1] It is a 2 CD, 4 LP release, featuring tracks throughout all of Omar's records and serves as an introduction to Omar's vast collection of solo releases: "Everything I do is a celebration. The idea of this album is a place where people can get a general understanding of that ritual".[2]
The European release was originally scheduled for a December 28, 2010 release before Omar decided to record new songs for possible inclusion. A number of first pressing CD copies were sold on the Omar Rodriguez-Lopez Group shows in March, while the vinyl version was made available in a limited amount of 350 pieces to indie stores on Record Store Day 2011, April 16, with the official release of both CD and LP versions being the following Tuesday, the 19th. Both CD and LP versions include 20-page booklet with never-before-seen photos and liner notes by Omar's longtime friend and collaborator Sonny Kay.[3][4] Rodríguez-López has stated he had little involvement in the compiling of the album.[5]
The album received a score of 6 out of 10 from Pitchfork, who noted the jagged assortment of songs included in the compilation. While the site compliments the musicianship of the songs, they also highlight the experimental nature and eclectic genres of the album which might be difficult to process for the listener.[6]Beat magazine also questions the disjointed, myriad of tracks, exclaiming how the songs were created specific to "particular sonic voyages."[8]
Sputnikmusic was more favorable to the album, giving it a rating of 4 out of 5. Sputnik also notes the vast musical genres Rodriguez-Lopez delves into and that Telesterion is the album that would assuredly expose the listener to his "deranged musical world."[7]
