Sonic Youth: Hits Are For Squares

Review of Sonic Youth : Hits Are For Squares over at Bearded.

Summary: Fuck compilations and get yrself 1991: The Year Punk Broke if you want to invest in something worthwhile.

Thurston Moore - Benediction

I was trying really hard to avoid another Sonic Youth-related post so soon after my last, but this song has fully taken over a small spot in my brain and isn't moving out any time soon.

'Benediction' is the first song to be leaked from Thurston Moore's new solo record, Demolished Thoughts, produced by Beck (check them out 15 years ago looking moody on the cover of Crossbeat):

Beck & Thurston in '96

A finger-picked introduction leads to a simple acoustic track with sweeping strings and a plucked harp, laced with heartbreaking grace and affection. As the title hints, there is a heavily religious essence to the song, with mentions of "Thunder demons swipe her halo / and then they run away", and "With benediction in her eyes /  Our dearest gods are not suprised". The lyrics carry the sentiments of gratitude, security and pleasure, but with suggestion of a devouring relationship; possibly with faith, possibly with a partner, but one that urges a level of caution to both sides, warning "you'd better tie your lover down, tie him to the ground... I know better than to let you go".

You can download the track now over at NPR. Demolished Thoughts will be out on the 23rd May (I can't wait).

Sonic Youth - Lights Out (Simon Werner a Disparu)

To be honest, sometimes I totally lose track of Sonic Youth's output. It doesn't seem like a month passes without some kind of release from the band or many of their affiliated outfits, from the Ecstatic Peace label, Lee's solo work, Free Kitten, various collaborations, a tour, a show, another full-length. It's endless, but the standard is unshakably high every time.

Their soundtrack to the French thriller Simon Werner a Disparu (translation: Simon Werner has Disappeared) is the latest addition to their swelling body of work. After watching the initial rushes by director Fabrice Gobert last spring at their Echo Canyon West studio in Hoboken, New Jersey, the band took to the studio, recording short cuts to accompany the visuals. They later returned after a few months had passed and rearranged their pieces, forming a completed soundtrack that even works as a stand-alone record, removed from the movie entirely.

I haven't yet seen Simon Werner a Disparu, but after spending a few days with the soundtrack I'm interested to see how the two will fit. The record is a constantly evolving presence, devoid of vocals and saturated in their iconic scratching and ringing guitars, but lacking in their wall-of-noise aesthetics. 'Thème d’Laetitia' is the stand-out prevailing menace, rumbling and chillingly utilising the threat of silence.

If you're searching for another 'Kool Thing' then go and take your Goo tshirt elsewhere, but for a fully formed collection of ominous sounds that once again show off the group's capabilities, then look no further.