Sonic Youth on "The Eternal"

Sonic Youth wax lyrical about their magnificent new wax, "The Eternal" here. And yes, to coin a well-used phrase, it really is one of the best things they've ever done.

Some things I've been listening to

“Hats Off To The Cheats”: New album by the tightly-configured Melbourne powerhouse on Off The Hip. Catchy as swine flu.

“Finland Freakout” Nothing succeeds like excess and the Pink Fairies were experts in that area. A stunning 1971 show.

“All Your Love”: Mick Medew & he Rumours’ debut. It’s on our label but that doesn’t mean we can’t rave about it. The formal reviews will come from others however. Did I mention they play The Vanguard in Sydney on Sunday night?

The forthcoming Intercontinental Playboys album. I had to listen to this to see what the final pre-production master sounds like. It wasn’t an un-enjoyable task. You will dig.

“Washing Machine”: Sonic Youth rule and the new album “The Rapture” is right up there, but “The Diamond Sea” may be their sweetest/sharpest 19min36sec ever.

Sonic Youth pop the major label pimple

Following their departure from major label Geffen, Sonic Youth's 18th album is due out on indie imprint Matador in June. The label says, in part:

"We've not had a record in our recent history that's been the subject of nearly as much speculation and anticipation. Suffice to say we're pretty amazed at the way the band delivered something this neoteric while still sounding like, well, themselves. Less of a reinvention and perhaps more to do with a particularly awesome dozen songs."

Sheesh. You're not the only one who had to look up "neoteric".

Here's the track listing:

1. Sacred Trickster
2. Anti-Orgasm
3. Leaky Lifeboat(for Gregory Corso)
4. Antenna
5. What We Know
6. Calming The Snake
7. Poison Arrow
8. Malibu Gas Station
9. Thunderclap For Bobby Pyn
10. No Way
11. Walkin Blue
12. Massage The History

Note the usual selection of rabbit-down-a-hole titles and in-jokes. So we know they didn't leave their sense of humour at the exit when leaving Geffen.

Here's the cover:



It's called "The Eternal" so any enlightenment on why it looks like an ad for Clearasil can be left in the Comments section.

No wave rave looks the goods

New York No Wave, I can take or leave, but Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore and Brit music press veteran Byron Coley are terrific writers. Their forthcoming book on the downtown Manhattan noise scene is previewed here and might just be worth a read.

Sonic Yoof and some amusing takes

Have to admit being a bit of a fan of Mark Prindle's record reviews. Who?, you say. Prindle's a New Yorker with a Gonzoid take on music that's hit or miss but never boring.

If you're looking forward to Sonic Youth's impending February visit to Australia (reprising "Daydream Nation" with the Scientists playing "Blood Red River" and a few other tunes on the undercard) you'll find Prindle's reviews of their back catalogue illuminating or infuriating. Some of the comments from readers are priceless too.

Sonic Youth in Australia and New Zealand
Saturday 16th February: Auckland - Bruce Mason Centre † sold out †
(Co-presented by www.mysterygirl.co.nz, 95bFM and Cheese on Toast)
Monday 18th February: Sydney - Enmore Theatre † sold out †
Tuesday 19th February: Sydney - Enmore Theatre *
Wednesday 20th February: Melbourne - The Metro † sold out †
Thursday 21st February: Melbourne - The Metro *
Friday 22nd February: Adelaide - Fowlers Live Courtyard *
Saturday 23rd February: Perth International Arts Festival † sold out †

Can't say too much but...

The Don't Look Back offshoot of the All Tomorrows Parties festivals is landing in Australia. This is the series where a notable band reprises one of its best-loved albums from go to whoa. Local promoter Feel Presents has opened the Aussie franchise. Read more here and bookmark it as the announcements aren't far off.

Since 2005 Don't Look Back internaitonally has included The Stooges (Funhouse), Sonic Youth (Daydream Nation), Belle & Sebastian (If You're Feeling Sinister), John Martyn (Solid Air), Ennio Morricone (Classic soundtracks), Slint (Spiderland) and even Australia's own Dirty Three (Ocean Songs).

Can't say too much but let's say people will be pleasantly surprised by some of the acts treading stages again early in 2008.