Sonic Youth (Official Thread)

[alice+interiors]

such a good band.
discuss.

[Nevuk]

I've always liked their Trilogy song the most off of Daydream Nation.

[alice+interiors]

Teen Age Riot is still my favourite, but the whole of Daydream Nation is great.
about to put it on.

[CellarGhosts]

Shock of shocks, I have never heard this band. I am lame.


Somebody tell me a good album to start with?

[Smash Adams]

Shock of shocks, I have never heard this band. I am lame.


Somebody tell me a good album to start with?

daydream nation or goo

and this band is just noise

[bowl of oranges]

i still haven't listened to this band. i should get on that. album recs, anyone?

[alice+interiors]

Daydream Nation to the two who asked for recommendations :-)

[bowl of oranges]

thanks Matt, i'll download it someplace.

[alice+interiors]

:]
hows your vinyl collection coming?

[CellarGhosts]

daydream nation or goo

and this band is just noise
thanks.

ha, I've heard that said about them numerous times. kind of why I've never bothered to listen.

[bowl of oranges]

:]
hows your vinyl collection coming?i still haven't purchased a record player yet, i need to get on that. i have a few Bright Eyes vinyls [IWAIM, Lifted] coming in the mail, but i don't have anything to play them with. do you have any rec's for good ones?

[alice+interiors]

i still haven't purchased a record player yet, i need to get on that. i have a few Bright Eyes vinyls [IWAIM, Lifted] coming in the mail, but i don't have anything to play them with. do you have any rec's for good ones?
I don't know anything about actual players, I just inherited my Dad's :shrug:

[bowl of oranges]

I don't know anything about actual players, I just inherited my Dad's :shrug:i bet my mom has one someplace in the attic, i'll ask her about that later.

[IWasaCamera]

Never cared for this band.

[micahistheballs]

I've never listened either. I guess I need to get on that.

[AlternateToLife]

I honestly don't care for Sonic Youth.


i still haven't purchased a record player yet, i need to get on that. i have a few Bright Eyes vinyls [IWAIM, Lifted] coming in the mail, but i don't have anything to play them with. do you have any rec's for good ones?

I bought my record player at Target :-D I had a similar problem as you, I bought a bunch of records before I actually had a player.

[x togepi x]

this band is better than anything anyone on this forum listens to.

[Osto]

I really enjoy sonic youth, but there's something about their sound that's unattractive, I maybe the 80s ness of it?

[Kid B]

This band is fucking amazing.

[hollycroftpop]

saw 'em at bonnaroo a few years ago and it was absolutely amazing. i never thought that i would enjoy seeing someone scrape their guitar across their amp so much.

[Osto]

haha wow I even forgot that I saw them. They played this small venue that was a total surprise for them to play. It was one of the best shows I have ever been to. They even played teenage riot at the end, which they weren't doing a lot at the time.

[DjJazzyGeoff]

Awesome band, Daydream Nation is a sick album

[harveyn590]

thanks.

ha, I've heard that said about them numerous times. kind of why I've never bothered to listen.

Dude noise in the most awesome, chaotic, abrasive and beautiful senses. And there are great songs as the base to the noise.

I agree Daydream Nation is just awesome. Would be great in vinyl form too, need to get on that.

[3mpire]

I've got Daydream Nation but haven't really given it a chance. Teenage Riot is the only song I can recall.

[hockeyguitar99]

daydream nation or goo

and this band is just noise


isn't that from juno?

[AlternateToLife]

thanks.

ha, I've heard that said about them numerous times. kind of why I've never bothered to listen.

Juno ;-)

[bluepoles]

Amazing band. The originality and musicality behind the noise is what you have to pay attention to. Alternate tunings, alternate time signatures, that's what makes this band great. I also enjoy the noise too though.

I saw them last summer at the pitchfork festival in Chicago and at their age, they've still got a great live show.

[Nevuk]

Daydream Nation can hardly be called just noise. While they may have made some music that people refer to as "just noise" with merit, that's not one. It would be a better album if it was just noise though. (I need to listen to their just noise albums because I do like just noise).

[CellarGhosts]

Juno ;-)
Haha I gotcha. ;-)

Dude noise in the most awesome, chaotic, abrasive and beautiful senses. And there are great songs as the base to the noise.

I agree Daydream Nation is just awesome. Would be great in vinyl form too, need to get on that.
Yeah, I like a good deal of chaotic sounding stuff, but I dunno.

I might give Daydream Nation a listen sometime.

[chipdip18]

I think i'll give this band a genuine try.

[Kid B]

Download Daydream Nation and witness the best guitar rock ever.

[x togepi x]

that quote is why i hate juno

[3mpire]

This is actually really good (Daydream Nation).

[Rawrr]

I was listening to Daydream Nation last night in bed, such a good album. Teenage Riot is on probably one of the best album openers ever.

[Rawrr]

I also need to cough up 30 bucks and buy the Goo 4xlp boset.

[SanePsychotic]

Shock of shocks, I have never heard this band. I am lame.


Somebody tell me a good album to start with?

You seriously have never heard of Sonic Youth? Wow, that is a shocker!

[CellarGhosts]

You seriously have never heard of Sonic Youth? Wow, that is a shocker!
Haha. I've heard of them. I haven't heard them, though.

[SanePsychotic]

I've only listened to some tracks off of Daydream Nation. Other than that I haven't really gotten into this band.

[SanePsychotic]

Haha. I've heard of them. I haven't heard them, though.

Ah, there's a difference! I've only heard of a bit of them and that was a while ago.

[CellarGhosts]

Ah, there's a difference! I've only heard of a bit of them and that was a while ago.
Yep. I almost bought Daydream Nation in Best Buy yesterday but I'm going to hold off on it for a bit. Hopefully I end up liking it.

[SanePsychotic]

Yep. I almost bought Daydream Nation in Best Buy yesterday but I'm going to hold off on it for a bit. Hopefully I end up liking it.

That'd be the one I'd start with. The few Sonic Youth songs I've heard have been off of that album.

[CellarGhosts]

Okay, cool.

[Rawrr]

Eliminator Jr. makes me want to punch a wall.

[Osto]

I saw Daydream Nation on sale for 6 dollars at Borders. 5 friggen 99.

[Rawrr]

I got the 2 disc deluxe version at my library for 0.00

[Dr. Acula]

While I enjoy a couple albums (Daydream Nation and Goo)...always thought this band was a bit overrated.

[chipdip18]

Is Daydream Nation the place to start?

[bowl of oranges]

i downloaded Daydream Nation the other day but i haven't had time to sit down and listen to it. maybe i should tonight.

[Kid B]

You should.

[sandra92]

Sonic Youth really is a good band ..

[GuitarR0cker1]

Thank god for Sonic Youth!!!

[Kid B]

Thank god.

[chipdip18]

Daydream Nation is awesome. I bought it, and really enjoy it.

[shit stroll]

While I enjoy a couple albums (Daydream Nation and Goo)...always thought this band was a bit overrated.
agreed. this band is boring.

[Kid B]

You listen to Fugazi and call Sonic Youth boring? Sonic Youth was a huge influence on Fugazi.

[A Love American]

I love this band so much. Daydream Nation is almost perfect.

[Osto]

They're a very good band but I do think that they're overrated. Daydream Nation is perfect record, but everything else ranges from decent to pretty good.

[Circa1628]

Is Daydream Nation the place to start?


their three best albums are Sister, Goo, and Daydream Nation.. any of those are safe bets

[chipdip18]

I have Daydream Nation and Goo now. Both good album, though Daydream Nation stands above Goo. They have a pretty large discography, i didn't realize that before.

[Dr. Acula]

Spinning some Daydream Nation, mmmm. Teen Age Riot <3

[chipdip18]

I listened to some Goo today, i was enjoying. It doesn't match Daydream Nation though.

[Dr. Acula]

Would probably have to agree. Very good album none the less.

[chipdip18]

Oh definitely. Good band. I haven't looked into any more of their Discography though.

[Dr. Acula]

There's some really good stuff and some forgettable stuff. Check out "Sister" sometime, wonderful album. Their last studio album released in 06 was pretty good too. ("Rather Ripped")

[chipdip18]

Really? I'll look into both those albums sometime soon then.

[Osto]

Rather Ripped is rather awesome.

For some reason I go through phases of loving this band and not understanding what the big deal about them is.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

One of my favorite bands. Too few albums are being discussed in this thread, though. Daydream Nation is great, but c'mon. And I've never understood the love for "Teenage Riot"--there are so many songs on there I love more. Their output in this decade has been stellar with Rather Ripped easily being the worst; Murray Street and Sonic Nurse are just gorgeous albums.

[SickOfStars]

Yeah, Teenage Riot is a cool song and all, but it's one of the more boring things on there.

Kim Gordon delivers the rawest shit ever on Daydream.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

Yeah, Teenage Riot is a cool song and all, but it's one of the more boring things on there.

Kim Gordon delivers the rawest shit ever on Daydream.
Definitely.

[Kyle Huntington]

Listening to Experimental Jet Set...right now, love having them on my headphones whilst going for a walk around the city.

[3mpire]

Into Goo at the moment.

[Praetor]

Sonic Nurse is underrated.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

Sonic Nurse is underrated.
Not by me, one of my favorites.

[Praetor]

Not by me, one of my favorites.
This is why I <3 you.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

:-) Most people I talk to seem to prefer Murray Street to SN, but I just don't see it.

[Praetor]

I don't think I've ever listened to Murray St.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

I don't think I've ever listened to Murray St.
:-0 Do so now! Some people whose opinions I really trust put it in the Youth's top 5.

[Praetor]

:-0 Do so now! Some people whose opinions I really trust put it in the Youth's top 5.
Really? Huh. I'll give it a listen. What other Sonic Youth albums should I listen to that I haven't already? (I've heard Daydream Nation, Sonic Nurse, Rather Ripped, Goo, and Sister.

[Kyle Huntington]

Really? Huh. I'll give it a listen. What other Sonic Youth albums should I listen to that I haven't already? (I've heard Daydream Nation, Sonic Nurse, Rather Ripped, Goo, and Sister.

Sorry to butt in, but after those I would really recommend Experimental Jet Set... it doesn't seem to get enough love, certainly with people that I know and talk to about the band. I really enjoy it as an album.

[Praetor]

Sorry to butt in, but after those I would really recommend Experimental Jet Set... it doesn't seem to get enough love, certainly with people that I know and talk to about the band. I really enjoy it as an album.
Nice, I'll give it a download. Thanks for the heads up.

[Kyle Huntington]

Not a problem, hope you enjoy it.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

Really? Huh. I'll give it a listen. What other Sonic Youth albums should I listen to that I haven't already? (I've heard Daydream Nation, Sonic Nurse, Rather Ripped, Goo, and Sister.
Rather Ripped isn't very good. Murray Street will make it sound like poo.

EVOL, Sister, and Daydream nation are considered the band's golden era--those are essential--so I guess you just need to hear EVOL. Washing Machine is up there with those as well.

I'd make downloading/buying Murray and EVOL your top priorities.

[Osto]

I like Rather Ripped a hell of a lot more than MS and SN. I can see the appeal of the other two, but I think RR's accessibility is it's strength.

[Praetor]

Rather Ripped isn't very good. Murray Street will make it sound like poo.

EVOL, Sister, and Daydream nation are considered the band's golden era--those are essential--so I guess you just need to hear EVOL. Washing Machine is up there with those as well.

I'd make downloading/buying Murray and EVOL your top priorities.
Yeah Rather Ripped is mad boring. Do not want. Hopefully their newest will not continue in that path.

I'll get EVOL, Washing Machine, Murray Street, and Experimental Jet Set.

[SwiftSilentDead]

I picked up Goo for $7.99 yesterday. I like it a little more than Daydream Nation but I haven't listened to that in awhile.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

I like Rather Ripped a hell of a lot more than MS and SN. I can see the appeal of the other two, but I think RR's accessibility is it's strength.
:-0 I'm not going to lay into you because you have an awesome avatar, but the opinion of preferring RR to MS and SN is just wrong. Sorry, that's the way it is. Secondly, your argument presupposes that MS and SN are not accessible, which they very much are, and not just in comparison to the band's avant-garde beginnings. Thirdly, given your avatar and the enormous indebtedness of that band to the Youth, I can't help but draw a comparison between the two groups' records: Saying you prefer RR to MS and SN is like saying that you prefer So Divided to ST&C. Sure it's a tolerable listen, but it barely scratches the proverbial surface of the band's talent, songwriting, and style. Now throw away/delete your copy of RR and listen to "Stones."

[Osto]

I think it's a little strong to make that comparison. I understand what you mean, but I just don't think that MS or SN are all that noteworthy in the SY discography. Sure, they're the best two albums they made after a decade-ish of inconsistency, but I feel that Rather Ripped is the first time they did something different and really succeeded.

[fran.182]

Best album to start with?

[Stephen Chamberlain]

Best album to start with?
Sonic Nurse. Listen to the song "Stones" in particular. Work backwards.

[Rawrr]

Goo & Daydream Nation always remind me of summer, don't know why, don't know why I posted this! But still, love this band.

[Cyga]

Goo & Daydream Nation always remind me of summer, don't know why, don't know why I posted this! But still, love this band.
Hah, feel the same way about Daydream Nation. Really brings nostalgia..

[Kid B]

Daydream Nation is probably the most epic album I've ever heard. I could listen to it forever.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

In terms of most epic albums I think I'd choose Spiderland over it because its more intimate epic-ness appeals to me a tad more, but yeah I agree with everything else.

[chipdip18]

Mmm Spiderland in comparasion to Daydream Nation. I like it. I'd go with Daydream Nation though personally.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

Most people probably would. I dunno, I just feel more drawn into the world of Spiderland--only it's a world where everything is so much more important than the one I've left.

[Kid B]

In terms of most epic albums I think I'd choose Spiderland over it because its more intimate epic-ness appeals to me a tad more, but yeah I agree with everything else.
Loooooove Spiderland, but Daydream just has something about it. I don't know how to explain it. I read something somewhere about how Daydream is constantly at a level of epicness that most albums have as their 30 second climax of the entire album. I can agree with that. Spiderland doesn't come off as the same type of epic to me. It feels more like a creepy album.

[chipdip18]

Most people probably would. I dunno, I just feel more drawn into the world of Spiderland--only it's a world where everything is so much more important than the one I've left.

As 'cliche' as it might be that's how i am with F#A# Infinity. Spiderland has a certain vibe and atmosphere to it that's relatively unmatched though. I think it's the spoke word/lyrics throughout for me.

[Osto]

I may be a littllee biased, but have to namedrop Source Tags & Codes again in with the most epic album comparisons. Spiderland, F#A#, and Daydream Nation are all respectable as well though.

[chipdip18]

I may be a littllee biased, but have to namedrop Source Tags & Codes again in with the most epic album comparisons. Spiderland, F#A#, and Daydream Nation are all respectable as well though.

Can't say i know them. Liked your newest song by the way when i listened to it.

[Osto]

Can't say i know them. Liked your newest song by the way when i listened to it.

Oh shit you haven't heard ST&C? Sir you might want to get immediately on that. One of the greatest indie rock albums of our time. Has to be listened to in it's entirety though. I can't express in words how much you should really check out this album.

PS. Thanks a lot for the listens dude. I really appreciate it. I just put another one up last week and should have another one up in the next week or so.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

As 'cliche' as it might be that's how i am with F#A# Infinity. Spiderland has a certain vibe and atmosphere to it that's relatively unmatched though. I think it's the spoke word/lyrics throughout for me.Exactly, the spoken word is essential to that feeling.

I may be a littllee biased, but have to namedrop Source Tags & Codes again in with the most epic album comparisons. Spiderland, F#A#, and Daydream Nation are all respectable as well though.
Yeah that's certainly a good one.
Can't say i know them. Liked your newest song by the way when i listened to it.What don't you know, Trail of Dead?

[chipdip18]

Oh shit you haven't heard ST&C? Sir you might want to get immediately on that. One of the greatest indie rock albums of our time. Has to be listened to in it's entirety though. I can't express in words how much you should really check out this album.

PS. Thanks a lot for the listens dude. I really appreciate it. I just put another one up last week and should have another one up in the next week or so. Haha I'll look into that as well. I'm listen to Earth now from a discussion we had in Post Rock thread.

Yeah no problem. I'll give the new one a listen this weekend when i'm back at home.


Yeah that's certainly a good one.
What don't you know, Trail of Dead?
I've still got 5 years to know every band. ;-)

[Stephen Chamberlain]

I've still got 5 years to know every band. ;-)
Haha true. Well at least you're honest about it and don't pretend to know stuff like some people.

[chipdip18]

Haha true. Well at least you're honest about it and don't pretend to know stuff like some people.

I don't see a point in pretending, it'll just catch you sooner or later. By the way, this could be a bad comparasion, but this Earth album reminds me of a dark Pink Floyd.

[Cyga]

I'm liking all these 'epic album' choices. Magnum Opuses indeed.

[hockeyguitar99]

IMO Daydream Nation is one of the best albums of all time.

[Kid B]

IMO Daydream Nation is one of the best albums of all time.
Can't argue with that.

[hockeyguitar99]

Can't argue with that.

I think if you were to take out some of their late nineties stuff, which a lot of people consider to be pretty bad, they would have a near impeccable discography.

[Undue Noise]

IMO Daydream Nation is one of the best albums of all time.
Definitely, everyting about it is just brilliant.
I think if you were to take out some of their late nineties stuff, which a lot of people consider to be pretty bad, they would have a near impeccable discography.
I still liked their late nineties stuff, but it didn't live up to the rest. I agree with this.

[hockeyguitar99]

Definitely, everyting about it is just brilliant.

I still liked their late nineties stuff, but it didn't live up to the rest. I agree with this.

I think their late niniteis stuff was just a step down from their oter stuff, and I've heard a lot of people that really don't like it. I'd be hard pressed to find a band with as many albums at that high a quality though.

[Undue Noise]

I think their late niniteis stuff was just a step down from their oter stuff, and I've heard a lot of people that really don't like it. I'd be hard pressed to find a band with as many albums at that high a quality though.
I agree, they definitely have one of the most consistently good and solid discography of any band out there.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

They really nailed it with The Eternal. Has the poppy conciseness of Rather Ripped and the loose, jammy feeling of Murray and Sonic Nurse.

[mmmmmpoetry]

Dirty is their best album.
Sonic Youth is amazing.

[Kid B]

Dirty is their best album.
:explode:

[mmmmmpoetry]

It is, Purr just blows me away everytime I hear it.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

:explode:
The great thing about the Youth is that everyone has a different favorite--or the same favorite for a different reason.

[Kid B]

To each their own, I guess.

[SAY WHAT]

while, i dont care for their late nineties output; i can appreciate it. which is all that really matters. i liked rather ripped rat a lot.

(daydream nation is still the best)

[jbaseball44]

New album leaked, pretty poor quality so i am going to hold off on listening. Anyone that does be sure to let me know what you think.

[Rawrr]

Happy Birthday Kim, your present is a leak.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

New album leaked, pretty poor quality so i am going to hold off on listening. Anyone that does be sure to let me know what you think.
Lol are you blind? I weighed in a few posts above yours.

[jbaseball44]

Lol are you blind? I weighed in a few posts above yours.
Didn't read anything on the page before i wrote it, my b.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

Didn't read anything on the page before i wrote it, my b.
It don't matter, man. ;-)

[jbaseball44]

Glad to hear you liked it though, i'm looking forward to eventually listening once a quality leak is out there.

[mick_jagger]

I've been listening to them a lot as of late. Mostly Dirty and Goo, but not limited to those two albums. I listen to Rather Ripped a lot too, but only because that's the only album on my computer. My bro has all of the other albums on his laptop.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

Glad to hear you liked it though, i'm looking forward to eventually listening once a quality leak is out there.
I feel ya. I just couldn't wait. :-(

[afterthefact]

SY has been one the most prolific, inspirational bands of all time. Though they have always had their own distinct sounds, they have paved the way for many bands and genres, and whether you like them or not, you have to respect them.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

SY has been one the most prolific, inspirational bands of all time. Though they have always had their own distinct sounds, they have paved the way for many bands and genres, and whether you like them or not, you have to respect them.
Word.

[chipdip18]

The Eternal is pretty sweet.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

Yes it most certainly is.

[ZurichIsStained]

I've tried ridiculously hard to like SY but every time I try to listen to Daydream Nation I just get frustrated. "Teen Age Riot" is a fantastic song but after that the album just seems like noise for the sake of noise (cue Juno Macguff retort here).

[Stephen Chamberlain]

I've tried ridiculously hard to like SY but every time I try to listen to Daydream Nation I just get frustrated. "Teen Age Riot" is a fantastic song but after that the album just seems like noise for the sake of noise (cue Juno Macguff retort here).
Teen Age Riot is one of my least favorites on the album.

But why not try the band at their more accessible. Listen to the record Sonic Nurse.

[chipdip18]

Yes it most certainly is.

I'm glad others are enjoying it. It's got their noise aesthetic and still is great stuff. I love how they can still make a good albums after their hallmark in 1988. 21 years ago haha.

[oddwithoutend]

Digging The Eternal.

[IWasaCamera]

It's alright. Never been too big on Sonic Youth in general though.

[mick_jagger]

My bro's b-day is today and i got him "The Eternal" as a present. I figured we could both benefit from it too. Haha. Haven't listened to it yet though.

[x togepi x]

i don't see the problem in "noise for noise sake"

[oddwithoutend]

i don't see the problem in "noise for noise sake"

What does that even mean?

[chipdip18]

What does that even mean?


Recording and making noise and recording it, and just keeping it simply as noise, i think.

[Dr. Acula]

The Eternal is good stuff...really digging it. Got to see them Saturday and it was beyond awesome.

Setlist looked like:

Sacred Trickster
No Way
Poison Arrow
Calming the Snake
Tom Violence
Malibu Gas Station
Antenna
Leaky Lifeboat
Hey Joni
Anti-Orgasm
Massage the History
Pacific Coast Highway
What We Know
The Sprawl
Bull in the Heather
The World Looks Red

[chipdip18]

The Eternal is good stuff...really digging it. Got to see them Saturday and it was beyond awesome.

Setlist looked like:

Sacred Trickster
No Way
Poison Arrow
Calming the Snake
Tom Violence
Malibu Gas Station
Antenna
Leaky Lifeboat
Hey Joni
Anti-Orgasm
Massage the History
Pacific Coast Highway
What We Know
The Sprawl
Bull in the Heather
The World Looks Red

I agree about The Eternal and that's a really cool setlist in my opinion. Nice to see 'Hey Joni'. I always liked that one.

[chipdip18]

The Eternal is good stuff...really digging it. Got to see them Saturday and it was beyond awesome.

Setlist looked like:

Sacred Trickster
No Way
Poison Arrow
Calming the Snake
Tom Violence
Malibu Gas Station
Antenna
Leaky Lifeboat
Hey Joni
Anti-Orgasm
Massage the History
Pacific Coast Highway
What We Know
The Sprawl
Bull in the Heather
The World Looks Red

I agree about The Eternal and that's a really cool setlist in my opinion. Nice to see 'Hey Joni'. I always liked that one.

[Dr. Acula]

I agree about The Eternal and that's a really cool setlist in my opinion. Nice to see 'Hey Joni'. I always liked that one.

Pretty good setlist....though I hear Chicago's sunday show got some different songs including Silver Rocket for an encore which bums me out seeing as it's a personal favorite.

[chipdip18]

Pretty good setlist....though I hear Chicago's sunday show got some different songs including Silver Rocket for an encore which bums me out seeing as it's a personal favorite.

Oh dang! Did you get an encore? And Silver Rocket is a sweet tune.

[Dr. Acula]

Oh dang! Did you get an encore? And Silver Rocket is a sweet tune.

Our encore was a combo

Bull in the Heather
The World Looks Red

[chipdip18]

Our encore was a combo

Bull in the Heather
The World Looks Red

Sweeeeet. Man they are coming to Seattle July 15th... i need to go.

[chipdip18]

So ended up seeing them last night, funny since i didn't get to go to the July 15th show haha. The setlist was very similar. Antenna was the highlight though. They extended the noise jam in the middle and just destroyed. The closed out the show with an encore and in that encore Thurston Moore Stood on a speaker hit his guitar with a microphone stand and Lee Ranaldo broke three strings and shoved one of their mini-bows through them all slapped his guitar against Thurston's. Sooooo cool.

[Kid B]

Saw them for free the other night. We got a double encore too! They were really, really great. Nothing really insane like you just described, Chip, but they were still really awesome. Anti-Orgams was insane live.

[Shane21321]

Anyone go to the concert in KC July 18th??

[Praetor]

I am not big on the new album.

[chipdip18]

Really? Why not?

[Shane21321]

Saw them for free the other night. We got a double encore too! They were really, really great. Nothing really insane like you just described, Chip, but they were still really awesome. Anti-Orgams was insane live.

Yeah, I think that's the one I went to. Mark didn't come out for the first encore, though! But you're right, Anti-Orgasm was amazing live!

[Shane21321]

So ended up seeing them last night, funny since i didn't get to go to the July 15th show haha. The setlist was very similar. Antenna was the highlight though. They extended the noise jam in the middle and just destroyed. The closed out the show with an encore and in that encore Thurston Moore Stood on a speaker hit his guitar with a microphone stand and Lee Ranaldo broke three strings and shoved one of their mini-bows through them all slapped his guitar against Thurston's. Sooooo cool.
wow...wish I could've seen that

[chipdip18]

Saw them for free the other night. We got a double encore too! They were really, really great. Nothing really insane like you just described, Chip, but they were still really awesome. Anti-Orgams was insane live.

Not sure how i missed this post, but a double encore sounds so rad haha. What was in the second one?

wow...wish I could've seen that

It was so rowdy haha. Lee Ranaldo is a new hero of mine haha.

[Shane21321]

Not sure how i missed this post, but a double encore sounds so rad haha. What was in the second one?



It was so rowdy haha. Lee Ranaldo is a new hero of mine haha.



I love Lee! Thurston is my favorite, though. Sounds kinda mean, but it's true...

[chipdip18]

I love Lee! Thurston is my favorite, though. Sounds kinda mean, but it's true...

Haha understandable Thurston is so rad. I love what he does for the band too haha.

[SwiftSilentDead]

Finally got around to listening to The Eternal this morning. Was actually really impressed. Only song I didn't like was "Calming The Snake."

[chipdip18]

I really love it. It's in my top 5 for sure.

[SwiftSilentDead]

It might work its way up on my list if I get into it a little more. I need to check out some of their other records, as well. I only have three.

[chipdip18]

Hahaha yeah, this year has been pretty good so far i'd say, i've found many enjoyable albums.

[Theseventhson]

Favorite band. Not enough early SY love in this thread, though.

[mmmmmpoetry]

this band is better than anything anyone on this forum listens to.
This. &&&& I can't stop listening to EVOL and Confusion is Sex. Sew gewd!

[Shane21321]

Haha understandable Thurston is so rad. I love what he does for the band too haha.

I wanna meet their daughter and start a band with her! Just one of my life goals, lol.

[blebbio]

<3

[The Personist]

Great band.

[Cyga]

I've been addicted to them lately.

[ilikesound93]

Listening to I'm Not There and decided to bump this.

[DogSizedBird]

I've seen tons of love for Goo and Daydream, but that's only scratching the surface. Bad Moon Rising, EVOL, Confusion Is Sex, and Murray St. are all awesome albums. The Eternal is pretty good too. This band has such a massive discography, I haven't even gotten through all of it yet.

[Shane21321]

I've been addicted to them lately.

Same here! Great band to be addicted to!

I got Daydream Nation for Christmas, excellent album. Gotta say Goo is my favorite, though.

[wileythekid]

Good band. I've always thought their use of alternate tunings was pretty cool

[ohmessylife]

Recently, I have not been able to stop listening to Dirty or Daydream Nation. I don't know that i could ever get sick of this band.

[FullCollaspe]

"Cross The Breeze" is the best

[ohmessylife]

"Cross The Breeze" is the best

I would agree. Kim's vocals on that track are terrific.

[ilikesound93]

Shadow of a Doubt is my favorite Kim song, but Cross The Breeze follows pretty close.

[Kyle Huntington]

Listening to Goo right now for the xth time, love it so much.

[FullCollaspe]

The Eternal is just OK

Needed more Kim and less Moore

[kearn1tm]

This is a classic example of enjoying a band's work for the longest time, but ignoring/neglecting a section of their output, only to find that, when you finally listen to it, it's your favorite of their stuff and has rejuvenated your fondness for them (sweet run-on there).

I own everything from Daydream Nation to Sonic Nurse (save for those SYR recordings). I've enjoyed the hell out of most of their stuff and have for some time now. However, I just got around to buying Bad Moon Rising yesterday and listened to it for the first time this morning. Goddamn, that's a good record. It's premature to say "it's my favorite," but the No Wave/Noise sound is so much more prevalent, but it's tempered by the awesome lyrical play. The stream-of-consciousness ranting in I'm Insane or Kim's unnerving/menacing mumbling in Hallowe'en are phenomenal. I'm liking this a lot. I need to get the other pre-Daydream Nation stuff.

Hxu5wlgvsEI

[RushAndAPush]

It's a shame that I've never been able to get into this band.

[jbaseball44]

This is a classic example of enjoying a band's work for the longest time, but ignoring/neglecting a section of their output, only to find that, when you finally listen to it, it's your favorite of their stuff and has rejuvenated your fondness for them (sweet run-on there).

I own everything from Daydream Nation to Sonic Nurse (save for those SYR recordings). I've enjoyed the hell out of most of their stuff and have for some time now. However, I just got around to buying Bad Moon Rising yesterday and listened to it for the first time this morning. Goddamn, that's a good record. It's premature to say "it's my favorite," but the No Wave/Noise sound is so much more prevalent, but it's tempered by the awesome lyrical play. The stream-of-consciousness ranting in I'm Insane or Kim's unnerving/menacing mumbling in Hallowe'en are phenomenal. I'm liking this a lot. I need to get the other pre-Daydream Nation stuff.

Hxu5wlgvsEI
Never listened to Bad Moon Rising, will give it a spin

[ruffian]

murray street's come to be my favorite, but i've gone through a bunch of sy phases.

schizophrenia's my favorite song. karen's verse fuckin kills me.

lots of live bootlegs: http://sonicyouth.utkonos.org/

[Stephen Chamberlain]

washing machine's always been my favorite, although i like most anything from them

[kearn1tm]

Never listened to Bad Moon Rising, will give it a spin

Yeah, as mentioned, I was in the same boat. Whenever you read the major sites/magazines or listen to discussions involving their catalog, most of the conversation focuses on Daydream and everything after, so I never felt the urge to track down their pre-Daydream releases. A buddy and I were talking "favorite fall albums" and he played me a cut off BMR that just floored me. Be sure to tell us what you think when you do.

murray street's come to be my favorite, but i've gone through a bunch of sy phases.

schizophrenia's my favorite song. karen's verse fuckin kills me.

lots of live bootlegs: http://sonicyouth.utkonos.org/

Thanks for the bootlegs, Ruff.

EDIT - I think I've only listened to Murray Street in its entirety three times or so. I don't know why I've never spent more time with that album.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

oh man, murray street is incredible — in many ways as good as their classic material

you also gotta hear confusion is sex, evol, and sister if you haven't

[kearn1tm]

oh man, murray street is incredible — in many ways as good as their classic material

you also gotta hear confusion is sex, evol, and sister if you haven't

I have not, unfortunately, but I'm going to grab 'em this weekend. What about the debut EP (the self-titled)? Thoughts/impressions?

[Stephen Chamberlain]

i actually haven't heard it, but i've heard it's nothing special

[Rawrr]

Bad Moon Rising is great, personally find it kind of weird that it never got as much recognition as their later albums, but I don't know.

[Theseventhson]

I have not, unfortunately, but I'm going to grab 'em this weekend. What about the debut EP (the self-titled)? Thoughts/impressions?

It's a lot less "musical" than their other releases. I don't know how familiar you are with no wave, but at that point they were definitely a no wave band. I think it's worth checking out.

[projectmayhem16]

One of my favorite bands of all time. I feel like it may be misconstrued as a snotty statement but they are a little too advanced and refined for your average ap user. Evol is one of my favorite albums.

[kearn1tm]

It's a lot less "musical" than their other releases. I don't know how familiar you are with no wave, but at that point they were definitely a no wave band. I think it's worth checking out.

Are you trying to say it lacks pop-songwriting structures or eschews melody in favor of noise? What I mean is, I've very familiar with No Wave, and No Wave is still "musical," just more atonal, abrasive and layered rather than melodic. The No Wave sound resonated throughout everything up to (and though tempered by so many other influences, still was a part of) Daydream Nation. It's why I like Bad Moon Rising so much.

EDIT - I'm probably splitting hairs here.

[ilikesound93]

Bad Moon Rising=:inlove:

I don't understand why Confusion is Sex gets hate. (Not in this thread, generally speaking..)

[Theseventhson]

Bad Moon Rising=:inlove:

I don't understand why Confusion is Sex gets hate. (Not in this thread, generally speaking..)

Confusion Is Sex was the record that I first heard from the Youth, it's probably my 3 favorite behind EVOL and Daydream Nation.

[Theseventhson]

Are you trying to say it lacks pop-songwriting structures or eschews melody in favor of noise? What I mean is, I've very familiar with No Wave, and No Wave is still "musical," just more atonal, abrasive and layered rather than melodic. The No Wave sound resonated throughout everything up to (and though tempered by so many other influences, still was a part of) Daydream Nation. It's why I like Bad Moon Rising so much.

EDIT - I'm probably splitting hairs here.

Wikipedia explains it better than I can. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_Youth_(album))

[ohmessylife]

Bad Moon Rising might be my favorite. Wait, wait, it's gotta be EVOL...or Daydream Nation. Murray Street? Fuck, I can't make these big decisions.

[IntoTheSun]

First time listening to them.

[kearn1tm]

Bad Moon Rising feels like a fall album. It's viciously dreary, spooky, and unsettling. I don't know why that makes me think of fall, but it does.

[Theseventhson]

Bad Moon Rising feels like a fall album. It's viciously dreary, spooky, and unsettling. I don't know why that makes me think of fall, but it does.

It doesn't hurt that there's a scarecrow with a flaming pumpkin head on the cover, either.

[kearn1tm]

It doesn't hurt that there's a scarecrow with a flaming pumpkin head on the cover, either.

Or a song entitled "Hallowe'en."

[kearn1tm]

Seriously, Bad Moon Rising is kicking my ass.

[blebbio]

so Bad Moon Rising's like a witch-house album or something.

[kearn1tm]

or something.

+.

[Cyga]

Bad Moon Rising is definitely a powerful album. It's very complete and free-form, and it flows beautifully, with most songs rising from barely anything to epic proportions then fading out overtime into the next one. Most of my friends interested in the band dislike it for lacking dynamics as they feel that makes it lack the token 'unsettling' factor, but I still find "Society is a Hole" pretty damn unsettling, regardless of the fact that it's volume never particularly soars.

[ruffian]

u do drugs bro?

[kearn1tm]

Bad Moon Rising is definitely a powerful album. It's very complete and free-form, and it flows beautifully, with most songs rising from barely anything to epic proportions then fading out overtime into the next one. Most of my friends interested in the band dislike it for lacking dynamics as they feel that makes it lack the token 'unsettling' factor, but I still find "Society is a Hole" pretty damn unsettling, regardless of the fact that it's volume never particularly soars.

That's because each of the songs were crafted from transitional pieces played at their live shows while Moore would tune his guitar (which could take a few minutes at times).

[ilikesound93]

Hallowe'en is undoubtedly the sexiest song ever written.

[ruffian]

nah bro, shadow of a doubt.

[kearn1tm]

I love Bad Moon Rising. The enjoyment has really crystallized. This is a really good album. This is essentially the same as the last twelve I've made in this thread. I really like the elongated instrumental transitions.

[Kyle Huntington]

Definitely looking to spend my New Year's watching them in London.

[Rawrr]

Anyone read Steve Albinis recent interview in GQ? Really kind of ripped on Sonic Youth, I agree with some of his ideals on DIY and stuff, but I don't know, he takes it to an extreme, wouldn't really call Sonic Youth "sellouts" or whatever passe-nineties terminology he used.

http://www.gq.com/blogs/the-q/2010/09/steve-albini.html

How would you describe your fashion?

I think fashion is repulsive. The whole idea that someone else can make clothing that is supposed to be in style and make other people look good is ridiculous. It sickens me to think that there is an industry that plays to the low self-esteem of the general public. I would like the fashion industry to collapse. I think it plays to the most superficial, most insecure parts of human nature. I hope GQ as a magazine fails. I hope that all of these people who make a living by looking pretty are eventually made destitute or forced to do something of substance. At least pornography has a function

"lol"

[kearn1tm]

Anyone read Steve Albinis recent interview in GQ? Really kind of ripped on Sonic Youth, I agree with some of his ideals on DIY and stuff, but I don't know, he takes it to an extreme, wouldn't really call Sonic Youth "sellouts" or whatever passe-nineties terminology he used.

http://www.gq.com/blogs/the-q/2010/09/steve-albini.html



"lol"

The shit he said about Sonic Youth was retarded.

[xapplexpiex]

So, I only have Daydream Nation and I really enjoy it. What other album should I listen to next? I know they have a pretty big discography...

[FullCollaspe]

Sister

Why did it take me this long to realize Daydream Nation is pretty much perfect? Pretty much

Anyone listen to SYR 9? I need to listen to it again, I had mixed feeling about it.

[Theseventhson]

Daydream Nation is honestly one of my least favorite SY releases.

[johnnyrck543]

not bad...

[HogarthHughes]

I only have Daydream Nation and Dirty, and they're both awesome. Daydream Nation has become one of my absolute favorites though.

[Rawrr]

If the demise of R.E.M. didn't put the final nail in the '90s indie-rock dream, this news sure will: Sonic Youth super-couple Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore have split up after 27 years of marriage — and the future of the band they've played in together since 1981 is unclear.

The pair confirmed the news in a statement from their Matador Records rep that reads, "Musicians Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore, married in 1984, are announcing they have separated. Sonic Youth, with both Kim and Thurston involved, will proceed with its South American tour dates in November. Plans beyond that tour are uncertain. The couple has requested respect for their personal privacy and does not wish to issue further comment."

The band currently has five dates scheduled on their fall tour, starting with a November 5 show in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and wrapping with a November 14 gig in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Their most recent studio album — their 16th (!) under the SY name — was 2009's The Eternal, which earned an 8/10 SPIN review. The pair have a 17-year-old daughter, Coco, who fronts a band of her own called Big Nils.

In a 2008 SPIN interview, Michael Azerrad asked Moore about being half of an admired rock-star couple:

You have a famously great marriage, which is virtually unheard of for a rock star, particularly when the spouse is also a bandmate. What's your secret?
There's no secret. We've never sold each other out on anything. I can easily follow the allure of wanting to go out and be with the boys, and play industrial noise and smoke pot and drink, but nothing replaces the reality of our relationship. I can't trade that for anything. I can't think of how or where I'd be without Kim's influence. And we're like any couple that's been together for close to 30 years. There's a genuine psychophysical connection. Sometimes I feel things happening in me, and I know that something's going on with her. When you're married and you have that kind of connection, you become really spiritually, psychologically connected. We grew up together, in a way

this is hella sad, y'all.
love is dead.

[FullCollaspe]

Wow, that is really surprising

One of my favorites, but I won't be too down if they do break up

[jbaseball44]

that's some sad shit

[blebbio]

:(

[TheUberNothing]

Which Sonic Youth album would be the best introduction to them? I haven't really listened to much Sonic Youth but I really want to get into them.

[Alligator Blood]

It'll be a shame if they break up. They're still a good, relevant band in my opinion, but these things have to happen some day.

[DilesMavis]

that's so sad....

[ALT/MSC/FAN]

So, I only have Daydream Nation and I really enjoy it. What other album should I listen to next? I know they have a pretty big discography...
If you like their more aggressive stuff, then Dirty.
More trippy, Washing Machine or The Eternal.
More rockish, Goo.
More relaxing, Dirty Nurse.

You can't go wrong with any, but those are my recs.

[ALT/MSC/FAN]

When anybody says they're "just noise" without giving them a chance first, meaning that all they've done is seen Juno, all I want to do is dropkick them in the stomach. I love Juno, but her character was utterly ignorant/hipster when it came to music.

[afterthefact]

Best thing to do after a long day: Go lay on the bed, turn down the lights, and start up the song "NY City Ghosts & Flowers" from the album of the same name. You will be ready to go again in no time.

[chipdip18]

Great bump. I really love The Eternal.

[FullCollaspe]

NYC Ghost & Flowers is actually really good. Why the hate? Rather Ripped on the other hand, can't say too many good things about it

[afterthefact]

NYC Ghost & Flowers is actually really good. Why the hate? Rather Ripped on the other hand, can't say too many good things about it

I agree. I love NYC Ghost & Flowers. Especially the title track.

[chipdip18]

I like Rather Ripped. It's a bit more of their accessible side.

[Brian vs Shark]

I've listened to a handful of songs by them. I was mixed on it, but I liked the songs I liked more than I hated the songs I hated... Going to give them a fair listen today

[afterthefact]

For a while I was convinced through peer pressure that they were the greatest band ever. Once I got over that, I still like them, but I'll admit that they did have a lot of misses for me.

[chipdip18]

I've listened to a handful of songs by them. I was mixed on it, but I liked the songs I liked more than I hated the songs I hated... Going to give them a fair listen today

Good call man!

For a while I was convinced through peer pressure that they were the greatest band ever. Once I got over that, I still like them, but I'll admit that they did have a lot of misses for me.

For me it's all about my mood. I have to ask myself, "Do I want to listen to a bunch of guitar-fuzz-scratching right now?".

[Brian vs Shark]

Teenage Riot is an absolute jam... Holy fuck

[chipdip18]

Heck yes it is. Dude, I saw them live in 2009, and it was incredible.

[afterthefact]

I saw them too, back in 2006, along with The Flaming Lips. It was an awesome show. They hit with the aural assault, and then the Lips followed up with an amazing sensory overload.

BTW chipdip, since we are talking about live shows and going off of your avatar, have you ever seen Bonnie Prince Billy live? I saw him back in 09, it was great.

[chipdip18]

Shoot man I haven't. I'm sure it was great. I'd kill to see that album live haha.

[afterthefact]

It was. He played in a small barn at the Red Mile horse track here in Lexington KY, and the barn was like a circle with two levels. They were set up in the middle, so people sat all around, plus you could go up top and look down on them. The location made what was already going to be a great show even more memorable.

[theguy77]

I like Rather Ripped. It's a bit more of their accessible side.

which is every bit as addictive and about 1000 times better than any other poppy punk music ive ever listened to.

and that's let alone their more noisy/brooding side, which is a different animal entirely.

i am seriously about as crazy about this band as i was about Radiohead 2 years ago. everything i listen to by them just moves me.

[theguy77]

Teenage Riot is an absolute jam... Holy fuck

yeah i always think that when i listen to daydream nation. and then i listen to Silver Rocket and i stand corrected because THAT song is an absolute jam.

[chipdip18]

which is every bit as addictive and about 1000 times better than any other poppy punk music ive ever listened to.

and that's let alone their more noisy/brooding side, which is a different animal entirely.

i am seriously about as crazy about this band as i was about Radiohead 2 years ago. everything i listen to by them just moves me.


They are super rad. Great guitar work.

I saw them live in 2009. It was a sick show.

[Theseventhson]

Always talkin bout Daydream Nation and shit, let's talk about how awesome Confusion Is Sex is.

[theguy77]

opinions on The Eternal? i got recommended it by a lot of people, i know that it's newer and i'm kind of interested in what they're doing lately in case i ever get the chance to see them live.

[Chris92]

Bump. I've come to the conclusion that Murray Street is by far their best post-Daydream album. Thoughts?