Sonic Youth – The Eternal

Releasedate: 09-06-2009; Label: Matador Records
By: Sabine van Gameren

Sonic Youth is an American rock band formed in New York City in 1981. In their early career, Sonic Youth was associated with the No Wave art and music scene in New York City. Part of the first wave of American noise rock groups, the band carried out their interpretation of the hardcore punk ethos throughout the evolving American underground that focused more on the DIY ethic of the genre rather than its specific sound. As a result, Sonic Youth was pivotal in the rise of the alternative rock movement. Sonic Youth have expressed a wide variety of influences, ranging from the influential protopunk musician Patti Smith to composer John Cage. The band has been praised for having “redefined what rock guitar could do”, using a wide variety of unorthodox guitar tunings, and preparing guitars with objects like drumsticks and screwdrivers to alter the instruments’ timbre.

Somehow this album reminds me of Nirvana because it is just as free minded and grungy as Nirvana was. The band doesn’t seem to care what others think about them and just do their own thing, regardless others. Funky instrumentals remind of the hippie times. This album is perfect for chilling out. You can dance along to this album better than you could sing along to most songs. “Poison Arrow” is one of few songs that actually has catchy lyrics that you could easily sing along to. Female and male vocals take turns during the album. Careless and boundless you can dance the night away with this CD, forget the daily grind and all the trouble that might come along with it.

Links:
Sonic Youth Official