Sonic Boom!

Sonic Youth: "Stones" and "Peace Attack"
From: Sonic Nurse (Geffen, 2004)

So as I was walking to class the other day perusing my ipod for the perfect music companion, I happened to stumble across Sonic Youth's latest offering, Sonic Nurse. I've been a fan of their's for the past few years, captivated by their deep sonic explorations that have always overshadowed vocals as the main attraction. I suppose their whole career has been built upon this principle and is why they've become one of the most influential rock bands over the last couple decades.

But back to Sonic Nurse which has been affecting me ever since the other day. I definitely remember putting it on my ipod months ago, actually a little excited to hear some new Sonic Youth material, but for some reason it's taken me this long for it to catch the attention of my often overzealous scrolling thumb. This one sees many similarities to their grungier material of the late 80's, but matched with the underlying beauty of rising guitar riffs and simple tones and harmonics. I find the two minute ride from "Stones" quite enjoyable as well as the wailing outro, while the arrangements on "Peace Attack" are similarly interesting, but feel fluffier only to serve as the perfect conclusion to the album. There are so many layers to their music, I'm now inspired to go pull out some of their older stuff since it's been quite a while since their vinyl have touched my tables.

On another note, I read in Vinyl Junkies by Brett MIlano that guitarist Thurston Moore is quite the record collector.

You and me both buddy.