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Sonic
Youth
Sonic Nurse
(Geffen)
Sonic Youth have produced a few less than twenty albums in twenty
years; and with their latest effort, have drawn distinction
cast in immortality. While Sonic Nurse doesn’t
break new ground for the group, it is a masterpiece. Most similar
to 2002’s Murray Street, it shows streamlined
progression for the band; not necessarily reinventing Sonic
Youth, but as the band changes with every passing year, their
music is a reflection of their transition.
Don’t expect Sonic Youth to come back with this release
creating a redesign of 1988s highly successful Daydream
Nation because it is not happening now and it isn’t
happening later. The success of many earlier records has allowed
the band creative freedom and their impetuosity inundates Sonic
Nurse. Sonic Youth does not create records in order to
be conventionally “successful” because they do not
need to be. The band continues to press on and is now exploring
different sounds and has no intention of moving backwards. Sonic
Nurse is a form of artistic expression that radiates beyond
the music itself into a world of its own. It is a world with
sharp contrasting colors filled with a sense of lonely passion.
“Pattern Recognition” is an upbeat start for the
record and creates anticipation for the songs to come. The album
has a cleaner feel than recent releases but “Dripping
Dream” is a return to the classic noise of Sonic Youth.
The opposing clean sound of the piano is a lively addition,
while “New Hampshire” evinces unmatched guitar work
with a beat that is intoxicating. Despite the length of the
songs, which at a glance seem a bit drawn out, the extended
helpings fit integrally with the feel of the music.
The hook in “Paper Cup Exit” made me push repeat;
which is surprising considering the song is nearly six minutes
long. There are two main vocalists who, rather than singing
together, sing their own songs separately. Both are very talented
and bring a fresh approach and new sound to each song. The vocals
of Kim Gordon on “I Love You Golden Blue,” are mesmerizing
and bring a desperate sadness to the track. She is a majestic
singer and equally, a noteworthy songwriter.
Sonic Youth are Gods amongst indie rock bands, and they continue
to live up to inconceivable expectations. They have influenced
just about every band imaginable and with an always progressing
style, can influence a new generation of musicians and listeners
with their latest release. Sonic Nurse is amazing and
inspirational work; worth a few thousand spins in any CD player.
Reviewed by
Mary C. Smith
June 9th, 2004 |
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