Sonic Youth is re-releasing some old re-mastered material and just in time. Lately I have been pulling out the old vinyl Sonic Youth albums and strolling down memory lane. Sonic Youth seem to have always had this knack for the industry. They know when the timing is right.
One of the new releases is a solo album Psychic Hearts from the SY front man Thurston Moore. Psychic Hearts was originally released in 1995 as a double vinyl album. This album is one of my favorite items I own, not only is the full length a fancy green vinyl but the extra record has the 20 minute “Elegy For all the Dead Rock Stars” on one side and the other is etched original drawings same as the cover sleeve art work. This is a very special item for the vinyl collector and it is said that Goofin, Sonic Youth’s own label, will be releasing the album on vinyl again as well. I recall in the 90’s this was one of my favorite albums and after giving it another spin I remember why. This was true indie music, non apologetic, noise, melodic, harmonic yet raw, cool and insightful. It’s nice to have it on a re-mastered CD so I can store the vinyl back in its cupboard.
Throughout the album is Thurston’s trademark distortion mixed with melodic sound and guitars, guitars, guitars. With odes to his rock star friends and heroes from Patti Smith to Yoko Ono, Thurston sings with power and emotion. “Ono Soul” is still my favorite song on the record. The subtle background feedback and Thurston’s harmonic voice and guitars blend in typical Thurston/Sonic Youth style. Thurston has a great knack for storytelling and painting a picture with a song. The title song “Psychic Hearts” is a powerful sad song of young love and the lengths people go to for that love. “Patti Smith Math Scratch”’ again has distorted power with a great beat. “Feathers”, “Cindy” and “Cherry’s Blues” are rockin’ songs about girls and the attention that boys need from them among other things. This album does come across at Thurston’s songs for and about girls. Maybe that’s why I have always liked it so much. “Queen Bee and Her Pals” starts the album off right with a cute little girl asking for her new songs to be recorded, leading the way for the songs about girls that ensues. Thurston’s vocals range from raw screams to lulling velvety soft whispers. “Elegy For all the Dead Rock Stars” is the 20 minute epic instrumental that only Thurston can get away with including on an album.
If you like Sonic Youth you must own this release. If you have never heard Sonic Youth or Thurston Moore this would be a good time to check them out. Be warned it’s not for the aural sensitive; at times it’s loud, raw and noisy. Also be warned you may get addicted and have to by the whole back catalog. Enjoy. |