Live in Brooklyn, Ny.

Sonic Youth

Released on 18/8/23 by Goofin'
Main artists: Sonic Youth
Genre: Rock
Distinctions: Pitchfork: Best New Reissue

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In the promotional materials that accompany Live in Brooklyn 2011, Sonic Youth guitarist Lee Ranaldo says "It was a pretty magical, if kinda weird day." As far as understatements go, that one's a pretty rich double whammy. When Sonic Youth took the stage at the Williamsburg Waterfront on August 12, it was not only their last U.S. show ever, but it was also a band that was imploding before the crowd's eyes. The marriage of Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore—a relationship which had been both a creative and personal fulcrum of the band's entire history—was ending in a spectacularly acrimonious way, and two months later, the two would announce their separation after 27 years of marriage. "Kinda weird" doesn't even begin to cover it. However, the tension and weirdness—and looming sense of finality—all combined to make this show one of the most magical in the band's storied history. As Moore says during the set, "it's been a while since we played some of these," and indeed, the setlist for this outdoor summer show was rich and deep, launching with early Bad Moon Rising classics "Brave Men Run" and "Death Valley '69," neither of which had been played in concert for years. Later in the set, more Bad Moon Rising songs make an appearance, in the form of the Thurston/Kim two-fer "I Love Her All The Time"/"Ghost Bitch,” and the dazzlingly intense (and just plain tense) energy in the performance makes a whole lot more sense now knowing what was going on behind the scenes. By the time "Flower" comes along, Gordon gets the last, cathartic word on the matter. A Sonic Youth set that features five cuts from the Bad Moon Rising era but only one each from EVOL/Sister/Daydream Nation, two from Dirty, and zero from Goo ... well, that's a weird one indeed, but it's also quite magical. Despite being at the literal end of their career as a band, Sonic Youth is completely on fire on Brooklyn 2011. Whether it's Gordon's gut-wrenching vocals on "Calming the Snake," the full-bodied staccato attack of "What We Know," or the explosive dissonance of "Kill Yr Idols," the band leaves it all on the stage, performing in a cohesive, propulsive fashion that serves as testament to their power, and the rich, dynamic sonics of this album presentation absolutely do their live legacy justice. This is a set that is as rewarding musically as it is important historically and is essential listening. © Jason Ferguson/Qobuz

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Live in Brooklyn, Ny.

Sonic Youth

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Brave Men Run (In My Family) [Live in Brooklyn, Ny]