Thurston Moore LIVE March 28, 2013 (PHOTO)

Thurston Moore performing with Chelsea Light Moving on March 28, 2013 at High Noon Saloon in Madison, Wisconsin

 

Must Hear NEW Music: September 2023 (VIDEO)

This month's edition of "Must Hear New Music," I review four new albums I am (kinda) wild about.

Artists covered: Chris Mars, Bethany Cosentino, Water From Your Eyes, and Sonic Youth.

Happy Birthday to Kim Gordon!

The rock goddess turns 61 today.

Is This Really The End of Sonic Youth?

Sonic Youth's founders Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon

Word came last week that punk rock's power couple Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth were breaking up. After a 30 year relationship, a 27 year marriage, and a daughter together, the rock 'n' roll relationship that defined the US underground was coming to an end.

In a brief statement from the band's record label, it was announced that, in addition to the break up of the relationship, the future of the band is in limbo. There are some South American tour dates in November which will feature both Thurston and Kim, but, "Plans beyond that (November) tour are uncertain. The couple has requested respect for their personal privacy and does not wish to issue further comment."

I can't tell you how sad this makes me. I don't know either Kim or Thurston and have no idea who they really are as people. I know nothing about their relationship or about any troubles they were having. Yet, I am still very disappointed that their marriage didn't make it.

Despite not knowing them personally, I still feel very connected to them through their music. It was so inspiring to see this band, after 30 years, making music as good as they ever had. The band's 2009 album, The Eternal, is among its best ever. Onstage, the band was awe inspiring. I caught them last year in Las Vegas at Matador Records 21st birthday festival. They rocked harder - in their fifties - than any of the bands 20-30 years younger.

Sonic Youth is one of my all-time favorite bands. I like them so much, and feel that they exemplify so much of what I like about rock music, that I have ended every single one of my radio shows with a Sonic Youth song. Six and a half years in, and I still do it.

Bands like Superchunk, No Doubt, and Fleetwood Mac (to name but three) all survived breakups of band members. But none of those relationships were a 27 year marriage. This is a whole new level of break-up. I honestly do not see how Sonic Youth could continue without either Kim or Thurston. It would so alter the chemistry of the band as to make it almost unrecognizable. And I can only guess how difficult it would be to write, tour, and record with an ex-spouse and have to see them every single day. I hope that this does not mean the band is over, but I fear it will.

If a break up is imminent, at least the band will have left behind some stellar work, and some of the most influential rock music of all time. And its 30 year career has not been one of some great work early on, and the rest is crap. This band started good, got great, and became mind blowing.

There is not much more I can say. I am sorry to hear this news, but glad they left so much behind. Here is a 1994 video for "Bull in the Heather," featuring a pregnant Kim Gordon on bass. Enjoy.

New Day Rising 1/16/2011 Podcast

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

My Matador at 21 Wrap-Up

I've been back from my weekend excursion to Las Vegas for the Matador at 21 festival since Monday, but have been under the weather, so I haven't been able to report until now. The whole thing was excellent, by the way. I should also note that I took my own pictures of the shows, but my camera sucks, and none of the shots I took are usable. So I am "borrowing" pictures taken by others for this here report. Sorry. So let's run through the artists I saw with some brief reviews of their sets.

Friday, October 1

Guitar Wolf - The Japanese garage rockers opened the festival. I had heard that GW had some flight delays and would not make it in time for their set, but it turns out they got there in time for an abbreviated show. I was never a fan, and this set did not change anything in that regard.

Chavez - Next up was New York City math rockers Chavez, who are one of my fave bands of the 90s. I was only able to see these guys one time before, so I was anxious to see them again. The set was stellar, and the guys (many of whom no longer play music full-time) seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely. Their set was one of the highlights of the weekend.

Fucked Up - I have to say that this Canadian hardcore band does nothing for me. They certainly put on a lively show, but the music is not my cup of tea. I went to the merch booth during their set.

Sonic Youth - As anyone who listens to my radio show knows, Sonic Youth is one of my favorite bands ever. They are new to the Matador Records roster, but certainly not new to fans of indie and punk music. SY was absolutely stellar, and their set was filled to the brim with vintage Youth cuts. Unless I missed one, nothing in the band's set was newer than 1994 ("Bull in the Heather"). No problem for me, but I was surprised they didn't play anything from their one Matador record, The Eternal. Oh well. I loved it just the same.

Pavement - This was set to be a big one for me. I didn't go to any of the band's reunion shows earlier in the year, so this was going to be the only time I got to see them before the reunion ended and the guys went back to their solo careers. Unfortunately, the band did not really deliver the goods this time around. The set was sloppy as hell, and it seemed more like the guys were simply playing their parts as opposed to genuinely playing together. It also appeared to me that Stephen Malkmus and Scott "Spiral Stairs" Kannberg were fighting or something, and Malkmus played with his back toward Scott. Spiral Stairs apologized a number of times for how badly they were playing, yet it didn't exactly get better. The song selection was great, but the performances were not. I chalk this up as a major disappointment.

Saturday, October 2

Come - I only caught the tail end of this band's set, but what I saw was quite good. Lead singer Thalia Zadek sounded great, and guitarist Chris Brokaw played spectacularly. I kinda wish I had seen the whole thing.

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - I really used to love this band in the early to mid 90s, and saw them perform maybe half a dozen times in their heyday. But it had been a while since I'd listened to JSBX, and I wondered if I'd still like them. Turns out, I do. While the JSBX set was plagued by sound and video problems (for some reason the projection screens were off during their set), they were still just as wild and energetic as they were 15 years ago. 

Perfume Genius - This is one of Matador's newest acts, and I have to admit that I never listened to their record when I got it. I actually left during the set and missed most of it. From what I heard from others, they were quite good - even a highlight of the festival. Their placement after JSBX seemed odd, though.

Cat Power - Chan Marshall aka Cat Power is an amazing talent, but has a history of spotty live performances. For this set, however, she was in fine form. She even looked like she was having fun. She opened with a cover of The Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction," and then ran through many of her best songs from the last few years. Her 1990s material was largely ignored. Fanboy note: I got to touch Chan! Not in a pervy way, mind you, but once when I was headed to the bathroom, I had to tap her on the shoulder and ask her to move. It meant something to me, even though she barely noticed.

Superchunk - Absolutely one of the best sets of the weekend!! The Chapel Hill boys (and girl) seriously brought it for this show, and got the crowd moving like they hadn't been all weekend. Before the show, I wondered if Superchunk would just play songs from their "Matador period" (i.e. the first three albums), thus making it a very unique set. It started out that way, but the band did play some cuts from their excellent new album, Majesty Shredding. This was the second time I have seen the band this year after a 15 year gap since my last 'Chunk show. I found myself utterly amazed at just how good this band is. Another stellar performance.

Spoon - Next up was Spoon, who also haven't been with Matador for a very long time. In recognition of their "Matador period" (which was only one album and an EP), Spoon opened with a cut from their debut, and proceeded to play a set that touched nearly all of their albums. I was especially excited to hear "Car Radio" from the band's most unappreciated record, A Series of Sneaks. They also covered the late Jay Reatard which was very cool. I bailed before the final act of the night, Belle & Sebastian, played as I can't really stand those guys. I did hear they were good, however.

Sunday, October 3

The New Pornographers - I skipped out on the first two bands of the night (Shearwater and Ted Leo & The Pharmacists), but got there in plenty of time for TNP. I've been a fan of the band for going on a decade, but have never been able to see them perform. I've seen singer Neko Case a number of times as a solo artist, but have never seen the collective play together. They opened with one my favorites, "The Slow Decent into Alcoholism," and played an enjoyable 50 minute set touching on most of their albums. Frontman A.C. Newman has a pretty good sense of humor, and had some good stage banter. I like stage banter.

Liz Phair - Like most of the folks in attendance at this festival, I was a huge Liz Phair fan when she first emerged on the scene with Exile in Guyville. Her next two albums - Whip-Smart and Whitechocolatespaceegg - were also great, but then she ventured into some strange areas with the rest of her music. I had sort of given up on Liz and wondered if she'd ever return to her past greatness. I'm not sure her newest release, Funstyle, will mark that return; but her set for Matador at 21 was a fantastic move in the right direction. She came on stage accompanied by another guitar player, and the duo ran through a quick 20 minute set that featured songs from the first two albums. Liz looked amazing after all these years, and performed with a confidence she did not have in her early days. While the shortness of the set prevented it from being a true highlight for me, many in the crowd considered her show to be the best of the weekend. It was also quite cool to see Ted Leo join Ms. Phair for her classic, "Fuck and Run."

Yo La Tengo - YLT has two types of sets - very quiet or very loud. The set on this evening was on the quiet side. I much prefer to see the band wailing away, as Ira Kaplan is one of my favorite guitar players, and one who knows how to use feedback the right way. The band was having a great time and was joined by a member of New Zealand's The Clean for a bit. By the time YLT came on stage, the show was already running an hour late. I think my patience was running a little thin at that point, and I had a hard time focusing on the band. Ultimately, this was my least favorite YLT set. But even a bad Yo La Tengo set is still better than most band's A-game.

Guided By Voices - After the disappointment of the Pavement reunion show, I was really hoping that the return of GBV would not have the same result. It didn't. GBV was abso-fucking-lutely amazing. Bob Pollard was in amazing spirits and in amazing form. The rest of the band - especially guitarist Mitch Mitchell - seemed so excited to be back on stage that their enthusiasm became contagious. The crowd was wilder than at any point in the festival. I noticed a number of the other artists from the festival really getting into the GBV set, as well - especially Chavez's Matt Sweeney (a one time touring member of GBV) who ended up jumping on stage and singing along. The band performed nearly all of their early classics, and ended up doing two encores. It was a helluva way to close out the festival. Here is a fan filmed video of my favorite song from the set, "Lethargy":

I had an awesome time over the weekend, and really enjoyed seeing some bands that I had not seen in years or even decades. It was, as Liz Phair put it, like a college reunion. This was largely the music of my college days, and as I approach 40, I am realizing that I may never enjoy music the same way I did back then. It was great getting to see so many of my favorites in one place. I highly doubt that any other label could pull off a festival with this many groups I like. Kudos to Matador for a job well done.

Sonic Youth TONIGHT On Jimmy Fallon

Sonic Youth will be performing tonight on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. This marks their second network TV appearance in two weeks. Iggy Pop is playing on Letterman tonight, as well.

Sonic Youth on Letterman Tonight

Sonic Youth will be on David Letterman tonight. Make sure to set your DVRs.

Once Again Sonic Youth Gives Omaha the Shaft on Its New Tour

All right, Kim, Lee, Thurston and Steve, I'm calling you out on this one. What the hell do you guys have against Omaha? It pains me to write anything critical of Sonic Youth because they are practically my favorite band, but this career-long streak of refusing to play here is ridiculous.

Now, I know what you're gonna say: "But didn't Sonic Youth open for Flaming Lips two years ago at the Casino?" Yeah, they did. Two points: 1) that was in Iowa 2) they were the opener. That doesn't count. It was an awesome show, to be sure, but 50 minutes is not enough to make up for 20-some years of being ignored.

Perhaps in the "old days" of the 80s and 90s, Omaha might not have been on the band's agenda for practical reasons (small audience, no cool radio, no good venues). But I know the members of SY have read a music magazine in the last decade or so, and therefore, they know that Omaha is a huge indie music town. They've heard of Bright Eyes, Cursive, The Faint, and Saddle Creek Records, right? Nowadays, everyone cool plays Omaha (have they seen the 1% website?). There are great new venues (Waiting Room, Slowdown) and there is a radio show that plays Sonic Youth every week (hosted by yours truly). There is no excuse.

But Pitchfork posted the dates for Sonic Youth's upcoming tour, and guess who got shafted again? Omaha, that's who.

Sonic Youth Reveal Details On Next Album!!

One of my all-time favorite bands (and the one that closes my radio show every single week), Sonic Youth, have revealed details about their next album. The band's first "indie" album since 1990 (they have been with Geffen since that time) will be called "The Eternal" and will be released by Matador Records on June 9.

The album will be co-produced by the band and John Agnello, and this record will feature the recording debut of former Pavement bassist, Mark Ibold. No word on why Sonic Youth needed a second bassist, but it's Sonic Youth, so I'm sure they have a good reason.

I can't wait!

Thurston Moore on the BBC

I have been a huge Sonic Youth since the first time I ever heard them back in 1990 while in college. I like pretty much all of their albums (except for maybe NYC Ghosts and Flowers, I've still not quite warmed up to that one). I have never really gotten that much out of the individual members' solo material or non-Sonic collaborations with other artists. Until now. The new solo album from Thurston Moore, Trees Outside the Academy, is fantastic. The songs are primarily acoustic; and they sound like some of Thurston's catchier Sonic tunes done in a much quieter setting. J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. plays lead guitar on a few of the songs, as well.

I found this interesting interview of Thurston conducted by the BBC, where he talks about the making of the new record.

Podcast #9 Available Now

Whew! I squeaked it in just before New Years. Podcast #9 is the continuation of the last one, and essentially the audio version of yesterday's posting. My Top 10 Albums of 2006...Enjoy.

Download this show.

Listen to this show.

Subscribe via iTunes.

Dark Stuff's Top 20 Albums of 2006 (Part Two)

Here is the second half of my Top 20 Albums of 2006 (part one). Check back soon for the second "best of" podcast.

10) BETTIE SERVEERT - bare stripped naked (Minty Fresh)
I cannot think of a single artist in the history of popular music that has re-recorded their own songs and made them better. It would seem that the first way is always the best way; and why would someone want to re-record their own songs unless they have dried up creatively? Well, an exception to the rule has emerged. Holland's Bettie Serveert has assembled a new collection called bare stripped naked that merges new, "stripped down" versions of some of their older songs with a few new ones thrown in for good measure. The song choices are not the ones you might expect. They didn't re-record their best known songs; instead, they brought new life to some lesser known album cuts. Carol Van Dyk's voice has never sounded better, and these new arrangements of the older songs are a real treat. The first time I ever heard this band back in 1993, I described them as "Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders) singing with Crazy Horse (Neil Young's band)." Well, that sort of describes it, but I think Carol has a better voice than Ms. Hynde. The CD comes with a DVD which features an entire concert from Holland, and the standard backstage shenanigans that are always included in any music DVD. Stand Out Tracks: "Hell = Other People" "Roadmovies" and "What They Call Love"

Artist My Space Page: www.myspace.com/bettieserveert
Official Website: bettieserveert.com

9) THE BLACK KEYS - Magic Potion (Nonesuch)
When music historians look back on the early part of the 21st century, there will be no other blues band to discuss other than The Black Keys. This Ohio duo (just drums and guitar) has been making some of the most intense, raw, no-nonsense blues of the last decade or so, and with their new album, Magic Potion, they have perfected their craft. This band has more great riffs per song than any Zeppelin or AC/DC record, despite not being a hard rock band. While most of the The Black Keys audience are indie rock fans, and not traditional blues fans, those into old school blues should take a look at this band.

The Black Keys clearly understand both the rich history and traditions of the blues, but are not tied down by many of the genre's lyrical cliches. The band presents its stripped-down, thudding blues with an eye on the contemporary. On this record, guitarist Dan Auerbach's voice sounds as deep and hurting as any 80 year-old Delta bluesman. Hard to believe that it comes in the form of a barely 30 year-old guy from Ohio. It really is a magic potion. Stand Out Tracks: "You're The One" "The Flame" and "Your Touch."

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/theblackkeys
Official Website: theblackkeys.com

8) TV ON THE RADIO - Return To Cookie Mountain (Interscope)
I have absolutely no idea how to describe the music of Brooklyn's TV On the Radio. I really don't. So much of their sound is based on the mood or atmosphere that they create, that it is impossible to talk about this band's music in traditional terms. Pitchforkmedia opened its 9.1 out of 10 rated review of the record this way, "Often when we say a record has 'atmosphere,' we mean it as a put-down. From Sgt. Pepper's to the present, a record's sonic appeal-- the effects, the mood, the spaces between the notes-- is inextricable from how it hits us. But when an artist pushes atmosphere in place of songs, it's frequently thought of as a crutch. Most listeners don't trust a mood to grab their hearts the way they trust, say, a human voice; nobody counts on production to deliver the 'money note.'"

Return To Cookie Mountain is an almost wholly original take on pop music. Deep down, beneath all those layers of samples and noise, there are pop songs there. You just have to let the band take you there in a different way. This is the type of album that will likely be discussed 10 years from now as being the beginning of a whole new sound or movement. Check back with me in a decade so I can say "I told you so." David Bowie also makes a guest appearance on the album. Stand Out Tracks: "I Was A Lover" "Wolf Like Me" and "Let The Devil In"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/tvontr
Official Website: tvontheradio.com

7) NEKO CASE - Fox Confessor Brings The Flood (Anti)
Someone I know really well said a few months back that, if he could, he would merge Neko Case's voice with Jenny Lewis' (see #5) lyrics to make the perfect artist. I know exactly what he means. Not that there is anything wrong with Neko's songs or Jenny's voice (they are both quite excellent), but could you imagine how unbelievable it would be to merge the two together?! Setting that aside, the newest CD from Neko Case shows her continuing to progress by leaps and bounds. Her voice is already a thing of perfect beauty, so there is no need to mess with that. Her songs on Fox Confessor are deceptively simple sounding. It is very easy to say they sound like "classic" country music. Patsy Cline is often referenced when talking about Neko Case.

While that is a good reference point, it does not really touch her very literary lyrical style. This new album is almost like a collection of short stories. Each song has its own set of characters, and takes place in a different location. While that might leave the listener with a sense of detachment from the artist (since she is not clearly referencing her own experiences), Neko's voice is so great and her singing so intimate, that she makes the connection in a different way. I certainly cannot say that I always understand where she is coming from lyrically, but I can always "feel" what she means. Stand Out Tracks: "Maybe Sparrow" Hold On, Hold On" and "Margaret vs. Pauline"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/nekocase
Official Website: nekocase.com

6) WE ARE SCIENTISTS - With Love and Squalor (Virgin)
Is it a bad thing to call a band "new wave" in 2006? If it is, then I apologize to We Are Scientists, but I am at a loss as to how to describe this NYC band. Their songs are short, catchy, and full of sarcastic lyrics (think early XTC crossed with Buzzcocks). This band has attitude to spare. I have to give the band points for the album cover (I like the three cat design) and for their "unique" fashion sense. I'm sure these guys were part of the pocket protector crowd when they were younger. Regardless, this album breezes by very quickly (no time to get bored with the band), and you will find yourself singing along by the second listen. I don't know how long this band will last, or if this will be their one and only stab at the mainstream. Either way, We Are Scientists have crafted the best pop-punk record of 2006, without question. Stand Out Tracks: "This Scene Is Dead" "Nobody Move Nobody Get Hurt" and "It's a Hit."

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/wearescientists
Official Website: wearescientists.com

5) JENNY LEWIS WITH THE WATSON TWINS - Rabbit Fur Coat (Team Love)
I have never considered myself much of a Rilo Kiley fan. Sure they have had a couple of good songs -- even a great one with "Portions For Foxes." But I never really connected with the band, nor its singer, Jenny Lewis, until now. Jenny has set aside the electric guitar and the indie pop that has been so successful for Rilo Kiley, and crafted a set of songs that crosses early 1960s country with gospel music. Though they sound, superficially, like they could pass for something on a Nashville radio station circa 1962, the lyrics to the songs on Rabbit Fur Coat would never have made it to the Grand Ole Opry. Lewis' songs are often confessional, first person narratives about her struggle to make it today's world despite all of the ugliness that can often be found by simply opening your eyes.

Jenny compliments the overall feel of the record with the addition of The Watson Twins -- gospel singing, identical twin sisters. The Twins add such an authentic gospel feel to the songs that it's almost comical when you realize they could be singing a song called "Born Secular." Though I would probably give a slight edge to Neko Case in a contest over who has the better voice, I defintely feel I can relate much more to the songs of Jenny Lewis. I really like her direct style, and sometimes I even get a little verklempt when listening to her sing them. Jenny also does a great cover of Traveling Wilburys' "Handle With Care" and has Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) sing Dylan's part on the song. Stand Out Tracks: "Rise Up With Fists!!" "The Charging Sky" and "You Are What You Love"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/lewiswithwatsons
Official Website: jennylewis.com

4) THE FAGS - Light 'Em Up (Idol)
This is a record that should have made the Best of 2005 list. However, due to the general shittyness of the current crop of executives at Sire Records, Light 'Em Up, the first full-length CD from Detroit rockers The Fags, was shelved. More than a year-and-a-half after its initial scheduled release, the CD is finally available via Idol Records. Better late than never is all I can say. This album picks up where their 2002 EP left off (in fact, most of that record has been re-recorded for the new album). The Fags have perfectly melded 70s hard rock with 80s Midwest college rock, and they have described their sound as "power pop with balls." Think of a cross between Cheap Trick and The Replacements. If that sounds good, then you will love this CD. This kind of music should be all over the radio. Sadly, that is not the case. Stand Out Tracks: "Rockstar" "Back of the Line" "Light 'Em Up."

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/thefagsmusic

3) THE LEMONHEADS - The Lemonheads (Vagrant)
Evan Dando's Lemonheads were only gone for ten years, but they are approaching their "comeback" in the right way (take note Pixies). Rather than simply doing an oldies tour that focuses on the band's past, Dando chose to give the ol' Lemonheads name a "present" first. The Lemonheads have been solely Dando's baby since 1990, and he had a revolving cast of players with him until the breakup (or retirement of the Lemonheads moniker) in 1996. For this version of the band, Dando brought in Karl Alvarez (Descendents, ALL) and Bill Stevenson (Descendents, ALL, Black Flag) for bass and drums, respectively. The trio rocks with serious conviction on every track on the new album. Bill Stevenson even wrote two songs on the album, and one of them is my favorite track ("Become The Enemy").

I think it was pretty bold for The Lemonheads to return with an album rather than go the nostalgia route, and that boldness has definitely paid off. The Lemonheads is a better album than some from the band's mid-90s heyday -- it is certainly more consistent than say, Car Button Cloth. Unfortunately, this record, and the entire return of The Lemonheads seems to have been largely overlooked by the music media. That is a real shame; because creatively, The Lemonheads have set the bar pretty high for any other bands of that era considering a reunion. I'd like to see who can do better. Stand Out Tracks: "Become the Enemy" "Let's Just Laugh" and "No Backbone"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/thelemonheads

2) SONIC YOUTH - Rather Ripped (Geffen)
Sonic Youth is easily the most consistent band in the history of rock. For a band that is often described as "experimental," that would seem like a contradiction in terms. Though Sonic Youth has experimented with noise and feedback throughout their career, after 25 years of making music together, they have honed their sound to such a degree that it is now instantly recognizable as theirs. Like Ramones or Motorhead, Sonic Youth's songs can "all sound the same" to the untrained ear. But for those that listen a little harder, the amount of subtle difference is mind-blowing.

Over the course of the last two or three albums, Sonic Youth have slowly been perfecting the pop elements of their sound. That perfection has now been achieved with Rather Ripped. For Thurston Moore, this album is especially strong. Thurston has always sung on the most "traditionally melodic" Sonic Youth songs, and on Rather Ripped's "Incinerate" and "Do You Believe In Rapture?" he has crafted the most radio ready songs of the band's career. That should not be seen as a dis. It isn't. You and I know that Sonic Youth will never be played on the radio. But radio no longer has any legitimate excuse for refusing to give this band airplay. This is a great album for longtime Sonic Youth fans, and it is also a great place to start for those unfamiliar with this legendary band. Stand Out Tracks: "Rats" "Do You Believe in Rapture?" and "Incinerate."

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/sonicyouth
Official Website: sonicyouth.com

1) SILVERSUN PICKUPS - Carnavas (Dangerbird)
So, here we are at #1. Finally. The band at the #1 spot was completely unknown to me at the beginning of 2006, yet they were able to leap past longtime favorites like Sonic Youth, Yo La Tengo, and Bettie Serveert with their stunning new album. Silversun Pickups have been plugging away in the Silverlake section of Hollywood for years, slowly refining their sound through constant trial and error. With Carnavas, they have been able to create a stunning collection of songs that perfectly blend the best elements of classic 90s bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead and My Bloody Valentine. Silversun Pickups are not merely mimicking those bands, they are picking up where those bands left off and running with it. These guys (and gal) create huge and epic rock music: the songs are long, the production is dense, and the playing is spectacular. Their only modern peers in this style are Autolux.

I am embarrassed to admit this, but when I first heard Silversun Pickups, I thought they had a female singer. Brian Aubert's voice is a little high, and somewhat processed, but I felt pretty stupid once I saw the band's video. I have a feeling that Silversun Pickups are going to explode in 2007-2008. There doesn't seem to be anything stopping them. The buzz is enormous at this point, and it is growing rapidly. Buy this album now so you can tell people how much cooler you are for having picked it up first. Stand Out Tracks: "Well Thought Out Twinkles" "Lazy Eye" and "Little Lover's So Polite"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/silversunpickups
Official Website: silversunpickups.com

TONIGHT!! Flaming Lips and Sonic Youth!!

Hard to believe, but it's true. Tonight I get to see two of my all-time favorite bands play together! The Flaming Lips and Sonic Youth are playing tonight at Stir Cove/Harrah's Casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Tickets are still available if you haven't bought one in advance. Do not miss this show!!

Tag: Flaming Lips

Sonic Youth Private Show

FOR IMMEDATE RELEASE

SONIC YOUTH TO PERFORM PRIVATE SHOW FOR FANS IN LOS ANGELES JULY 8TH

Santa Monica, California, June 8 , 2006 – New York’s most influential avant-garde rock band Sonic Youth will be playing a private show for their fans July 8th in Los Angeles at a secret location to be disclosed only to lucky laminate holders. Tickets are not for sale, the only way fans can secure tickets is to purchase Sonic Youth’s new cd Rather Ripped on release date at participating Los Angeles retailers (see list of retailers at www.sonicyouth.com). Once the cd is purchased the consumer will receive a laminate with RSVP instructions for the show. This event is presented by Filter Magazine to celebrate their 5th Anniversary and the release of Rather Ripped. Tickets are available on a first come first serve basis so get to your local store early. Rather Ripped will be released on Geffen Records June 13th.

Sonic Youth will spend the summer out on the road in support of Rather Ripped. Kicking of their club headlining tour will be a show at the legendary New York City club CBGBs on June 13th. Sonic Youth spent much of the 80s performing at CBGBs and last played there in 1992. 25 years later the band returns to the site where it all began. Sonic Youth will continue their summer tour with various headlining dates, a stop at the Bonnaroo Arts & Music festival in Tennessee, west coast dates with Pearl Jam, Lollapalooza in Chicago, dates with the Flaming Lips and two shows at McClaren Park Pool with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Joining the band on the road will be their touring bass player, Mark Ibold from Pavement.

Rather Ripped was recorded in the waning hours of 2005 into the dawn sunshine of 2006 at the venerable sear Sound studios in New York City. Partially mixed there and at Hoboken, NJ’s Water Music by John Agnello it exhibits Sonic Youth in positive vibration mode. Twelve songs of forward motion and harmonic /melodic surprise. Rather Ripped also see the band return to their nucleus formation of Thurston Moore, Kim Gordon, Lee Ranaldo and Steve Shelley.

Earlier this year saw the reissue of three of the most daring, innovative and compelling soundvisions in modern music--Sonic Youth’s landmark 1982 debut album, its legendary twisted pop opus under the pseudonym Ciccone Youth and band member Thurston Moore’s sole solo album. All remastered. Sonic Youth, The Whitey Album and Moore’s Psychic Hearts were reissued by Geffen/UMe March 14, 2006.

Tag: Sonic Youth