by James K. Willcox, courtesy of StarPolish
Few bands of the past two decades have been as influential on succeeding generations of artists as Sonic Youth, sometimes referred to as the greatest band never to strike it big. Bursting on the scene in 1981, heavily influenced by the experimental music of Glenn Branca, Sonic Youth quickly became known for their wild, energetic live shows and a strong emphasis on sound textures. By the mid-1980s the band — which was now comprised of the current line-up of guitarist Thurston Moore, bassist Kim Gordon, guitarist Lee Ranaldo, and drummer Steve Shelley — had signed to Black Flag's punk label SST. By the late 80s the band had released two albums — Sister and Bad Moon Rising — that are in retrospect considered the avatar of the band's independent period, which ended when the group surprisingly signed with Geffen Records (which promised them artistic freedom). During this period Sonic Youth also recorder Ciccone Youth's The Whitey Album with Black Flag's Gregg Ginn and Minuteman Mike Watt.
After signing with Geffen — the label for which the band still records — Sonic Youth released first Goo and then the Butch Vig-produced Dirty, two more commercial albums that brought a bit more mainstream attention, but which also produced internal tensions within the band and criticisms from the band's staunchest fans.
Follow-up albums in the mid-90s, including Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star, saw the band returning to their more experimental roots, with many believing the band hit its ultimate stride with Washing Machine and its 19-minute closing song, "Diamond Star," which boasted deep, cohesive soundscapes, ethereal images by Moore, and a powerful vocal performance by Gordon.
In the ensuing years, the band has steadfastly remained creatively independent despite recording for a major label, and has pushed its craft to the extremes, creating highly evolved sonic soundscapes that defy the conventional three- to four-minute formats required by radio and popular music. But by operating beneath the radar of mainstream attention and its attendant requirements, the band has continued to create amazing body of music that remains true to their artistic vision, in the process winning them a loyal legion of fans that has supported the band though every twist and turn.
Recently, StarPolish editorial director James K. Willcox visited the band at their downtown New York City studio, where guitarist Lee Ranaldo and drummer Steve Shelley discussed recording for a major label, the band's new album, Sonic Nurse, and their reputation as a 22-year-old underground band.
Article comments
1 - dave
the closing song on Washing Machine is Diamond SEA!!! not STAR!!! if your going to write a review get your facts straight!!!!!!
2 - POO
UR BAND IS THE BEST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 - _sheccid_
is my favourite band!! it's great i love them, kim gordon you are so fucking pretty, i lover her xD
4 - HW Saxton
Never heard of the band:"Fuck You All!".
Are they a punk band or what?
5 - sydney
they're a post-punk band... garage-rock sort of experimental indie band. Almost leaders of the indie rock movement in America over the late 80's and early 90's.
They mix alot of experimental noise and soundscapes, sometimes, with catchy melodies.
6 - HW Saxton
Sydney, I was responding in jest to the
way the comment above mine was phrased.
I'm aware of who Sonic Youth are,as well
as Wasted Youth,Reagan Youth & Big Youth
as well.Sarcasm,does not carry well over
the Internet sometimes.Thanx.
7 - Jon Bob
Dave told you, and this is serious, really. If you do intend to redeem yourself or cover this mistake up, you should fix the whole damn paragraph, because it was Moore who did the vocals on DIAMOND SEA. Gordon (Kim) is a female, and for the 19 minutes of this spectacular track you obviously never heard, its easy to tell that thurston is not a female singing. Kim plays great bass on this track by the way, you should know (sarcasm). You dissed my favorite band, now i'm gonna find you like jay and silent bob and kick your ass!
8 - Jon Bob
Thanks for doing the SY piece, though. They're totally cool, and barring that 3rd paragraph i have no complaint. I can forgive, but we can only hope that they will be so merciful and not destroy you, thats right becuz they buy and sell people like you all the time, they'll probably cook you for breakfast and let the leftovers spoil in the fridge when they're not even thinking about you cuz theyre too busy on the road rocking and being totally cool. I'll leave you alone now, i'm sure you've got some homework and studying to do .