Issue two is due in a week and a few days, and it isn't even a glint in our eyes yet! Apparently we want pressure. I don't know.
In the first issue, I did two record reviews, and here they are:
Nadja – When I See The Sun Always Shines On TV
Nadja are a duo from Toronto, Canada that play what they describe as ambient doom. I was not familiar with them before this LP, which sees them taking on songs by the Cure, A-Ha, the Swans, Codeine, the Kids in the Hall, and more. This album is incredibly fuzzy, as if covered in an extreme, cozy distortion blanket. It’s like a most gentle pummeling of ears. They make Slayer soothe, take My Bloody Valentine’s most recognizable song & make it severely swoon, and completely reinvent Elliott Smith. These aren’t covers, but rather individually stamped embraces with the artists they adore. Many “tributes” make listeners seek out the source material; I’m looking for more Nadja.
Sonic Youth – The Eternal
After a nearly two decade run as, arguably, one of music’s most uncompromising major label bands, Sonic Youth returns to an indie for this, their 15th studio album. Keeping consistent with their past few records, The Eternal immediately grabs this listener, and yet I know that much of this material will burn slowly, revealing further depth at its own pace with each listen. I loved their last, Rather Ripped, and it’s not until side B (of the 4-sided LP set) that I feel like this is the Sonic Youth record that I’ve waited the past three years for. “Antenna” determinedly plods along as if plodding is THE way to move. “What We Know” is a typically awesome Lee Renaldo tune; when he shouts, “You can touch my hand!” I fucking want to. On “Malibu Gas Station” the band sounds truly inspired, and Kim Gordon impresses. “No Way” is another classic Thurston Moore delivery, and also reminds me that Steve Shelley is my favorite drummer. Lastly, “Walkin Blue” really lets Mark Ibold stand out with the low end, just as he did so often with Pavement. Sonic Youth really work out some amazing long-lasting collaborations as they keep moving forward without looking back. Sometime near to now really marks the thirtieth year that Sonic Youth has been together. Really, name a band whose core lineup has remained intact and completely creative and relevant for such a long period of time. I’m hard pressed to think of anyone beyond the Rolling Stones, and their creativity has been spotty for quite some time now. Sonic Youth truly are the greatest band of several generations. Seriously, where the hell is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?I love talking about music, so I figured it would be fun to actually review something for a specific purpose. Of course, I obsessed about what I wrote after we finished the zine, and my thoughts on The Eternal remained consistent. I did, however, decide something about the Nadja record. I suppose I didn't necessarily make it clear how heavy the album actually is. It's totally abrasive, and yet it's quite accessible. And, I have to admit that A-Ha's "The Sun Always Shines On TV" is the highlight of the album for me; it becomes a totally epic anti-anthem. I love it.
Subsequently, I plan on posting some additional reviews between print times. Also, the zine isn't super thick, so there won't always be room for many record discussions. Anyway, it's Independence Day. Blow up your hand.
