Sonic Youth - Murray Street

DGC

June 25th, 2002.

One of the more nuanced Sonic Youth records, in a sea of nuanced Sonic Youth records, was released on this day 20 years ago. 'Murray Street', the bands 12th studio album, isn't necessarily home to their best work, but it is packed full of value and moments of magic.

Sonic Youth, the band known the world over for their unique approach to musicianship - especially the guitarwork of Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo - served as the jewel in the experimental rock realm for the better part of 30 years. Murray Street acts as a sort of signpost for the final decade of the band - splitting up in 2011.

You wouldn’t go as far as saying that Murray Street is listenable music, but it has a certain twinkle in its eye. Moments of intricate bliss make it worth the wait for things to come together. If you've heard a Sonic Youth record before this you'll more than likely know the feeling. Bewilderment turns to amazement in the blink of an eye, and then straight back. It's all part of the experience. They're not making music for entertainment value. It's sort of a guideline for what can be done outside of the usual. Where can things go if you let them? Let go and watch it unravel. Wind it up and watch it go. Stop the thought and let things be. Conventions are stretched when things are allowed to breathe. Sonic Youth understand where conventions lie. This, to me, is an important thing. When you know where things are, you know where they aren't simultaneously. This leaves space for possibilities in any realm you like.

If you like your Sonic Youth drawn out and seemingly untied from a strong sense of structure, this is the one for you.

Notable Track: The Empty Page, Karen Revisited

June 25th, 2002.