Sonic Youth
(Goofin’ + SYR)
These two EPs provide an interesting insight into the band’s legacy. In the case of the reissue of 1987’s Master-Dik, one is reminded of how much venom Thurston & Co. once engendered; the MRR screed by Ben Weasel that was reprinted in the original edition reappears, sellout comparisons to REO Speedwagon intact, but it’s the Sun Ra/Sonny Sharrock name-drops within the songs that refocus just how this rock band’s avant-dilettantism was frowned upon by jazz snobs and prog-rock aficionados.
In the case of J’Accuse Ted Hughes – a vinyl-only outing consisting of two tracks recorded in 2001 – Sonic Youth is now an established legacy act, improv credentials confirmed, and fully emboldened to embark upon 20-minute journeys into restless space-jams. Ironically, it’s the Master-Dik EP that’s the bolder of the two. After a more beatbox-y version of the Sister track is laid down, and a cover of “Beat on the Brat” is rushed through, the band embarks upon a cut-and-paste collage that’s pretentious, immature and completely good-natured. In contrast, the sprawling noisemospherics on the newer EP are beautiful improvisations that are completely humor-free.
Standout Tracks: “Beat on the Brat” (Master-Dik), “Agnes B Musique” (J’Accuse Ted Hughes) JASON FERGUSON
