The Top 10 Sonic Youth Songs
The “King of Noise” Thurston Moore turns 66 today
The Top 10 Sonic Youth Songs
Sonic Youth were formed in New York, 1980 by Thurston Moore, Kim Gordon and Lee Ranaldo. The band’s classic and most famous line up consisted on the three founding members and drummer Steve Shelley who joined them in 1985. Thurston Moore, vocalist, guitarist and one of the main songwriters, created a unique guitar playing technique, which was initially a blend with Punk, Psychedelic Rock and Art Rock. With Lee Ranaldo, the guitar duo developed Sonic Youth’s signature sound that went on to influence bands such as Nirvana. Thurston and Kim Gordon were actually two of the responsible to drive Nirvana into the mainstream when they suggested them to David Geffen, who end up signing the Grunge band that went that same year of 1991 on tour with Sonic Youth. The band’s first release was the 1982 EP “Sonic Youth”, during throughout the 1980’s decade they walked on the opposite direction of the mainstream, becoming pioneers of modern Alternative Rock. It was during the early 1990’s, with the increasing popularity of Alternative Rock that Sonic Youth developed a bigger fan base worldwide, by releasing popular albums such as the 1990 “Goo”, 1992 “Dirt” and the 1994 “Experimental Jet Set Trash & No Star”.
Thurston Joseph Moore was born on July 25, 1958, in Coral Gables, Florida. Raised in Bethel, Connecticut, Moore developed a passion for music at a young age. He was particularly influenced by the punk rock scene and avant-garde music, which would later shape his unique sound and approach to guitar playing.
Moore moved to New York City in the late 1970s, immersing himself in the burgeoning no wave scene. It was here that he met Kim Gordon and Lee Ranaldo, with whom he would eventually form Sonic Youth in 1981. The band quickly became a central figure in the alternative rock movement, known for their experimental use of guitar tunings, feedback, and noise.
Sonic Youth’s early albums, such as “Confusion Is Sex” (1983) and “Bad Moon Rising” (1985), established them as pioneers of the noise rock genre. Their 1988 album “Daydream Nation” was a critical breakthrough, earning widespread acclaim and solidifying their status as influential innovators. Moore’s guitar work, characterized by dissonant chords and unconventional techniques, was a defining element of the band’s sound.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Sonic Youth continued to release a series of influential albums, including “Goo” (1990), “Dirty” (1992), and “Rather Ripped” (2006). The band’s willingness to push musical boundaries and their DIY ethic inspired countless musicians and bands in the alternative and indie rock scenes.
In addition to his work with Sonic Youth, Moore pursued various solo projects and collaborations. His solo albums, such as “Psychic Hearts” (1995) and “Trees Outside the Academy” (2007), showcased his versatility as a musician and songwriter. Moore also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Yoko Ono, Merzbow, and Glenn Branca, further exploring the intersections of rock, noise, and experimental music.
Following the dissolution of Sonic Youth in 2011, Moore continued to focus on his solo career. He released several critically acclaimed albums, such as “The Best Day” (2014) and “Rock n Roll Consciousness” (2017), which retained his signature experimental style while incorporating new elements.
Thurston Moore married Kim Gordon in 1984, and the couple became one of the most iconic duos in rock music. They have one daughter, Coco Gordon Moore. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in 2011, which coincided with the end of Sonic Youth.
Moore has been known for his activism and support of various causes, including environmental issues and artists’ rights. He has also been a prominent figure in the independent music community, co-founding the record label Ecstatic Peace! and supporting numerous underground artists.
As a founding member of Sonic Youth, Thurston Moore helped shape the sound and ethos of indie and experimental rock. His distinctive guitar playing and commitment to pushing musical boundaries have inspired generations of musicians. Check out the Top 10 most popular Sonic Youth songs
10 – “Tom Violence”, 1986
9 – “The Diamond Sea”, 1995
8 – “Teen Age Riot”, 1988
7 – “Kool Thing”, 1990
6 – “Death Valley ’69 (ft. Lydia Lunch)”, 1985
5 – “Sugar Kane”, 1992
4 – “Kill Yr Idols”, 1983
3 – “Dirty Boots”, 1990
2 – “Bull in the Heather”, 1994
1 – “100%”, 1992
Special mention: “Superstar”, 1994, tribute cover of the Carpenters
Watch more music related videos
Images and photographs can be from different ranges of sources such as Pinterest, Tumblr etc. except when/where noted. If you are the copyright holder and would like them removed or credited, please get in touch.
