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Sonic Youth played Prospect Park this summer (belated pics), Thurston Moore added to ATP NY

photos by Lori Baily

Sonic Youth

“Is there any better big venue live band these days than Sonic Youth? Okay, maybe Radiohead, maybe Phish, and maybe–depending on how their Madison Square Garden debut goes this week–even Arcade Fire. (Yes, we just used Phish in the same sentence as Sonic Youth; the crucifixion line forms on the right!) But none of those bands possess Sonic Youth’s illustrious history, or restless dynamism, or reckless edge. Frontman Thurston Moore is middle age (his wife/bandmate Kim Gordon’s even older!) but after seeing them crush the Celebrate Brooklyn bandshell in Prospect Park Saturday night, it’s clear that their particular blend of punk-pop-noise rock is some sort of magical, anti-aging elixir that ought to be bottled and sold worldwide. Don’t grow old gracefully; shred it every step of the way with Tonic Youth.” [Gothamist]

Sonic Youth played a free Celebrate Brooklyn show to a packed Prospect Park on Saturday, July 31st. It was magnificent. Show highlights, if I can remember back that far, included the pre-encore set closer, “Shaking Hell” and Thurston trying to get Kim back on stage to play the encore-closing number, “Expressway To Yr Skull”. He did so by having the whole crowd chant “Kim G” over and over (“kimchee, kimchee”).

Brooklyn’s Talk Normal and SanFran’s Grass Widow opened. The latter will be back in September for two TBA shows (both still listed without venues by Todd P). Sonic Youth were minus bassist Mark Ibold, who was/is touring with his old band, Pavement (who played Osheaga that weekend). SY’s set list is posted below.

Sonic Youth‘s, and Lee Ranaldo‘s Text of Light‘s, upcoming shows include ATP NY over Labor Day weekend. Now that’s true for Thurston solo too:

“Today we’re happy to announce a few last minute additions to the ATP New York line-up.

First of all Sonic Youth frontman Thurston Moore will play a solo set on Sunday as chosen by Jim Jarmusch.

Second we have a fourth comedian to add to Friday’s line-up as chosen by Syd Butler; Matt McCarthy.” [ATP]

Comedian Todd Barry (who performs at MHOW tonight) was also recently added to the fest. The rest of the ATP NY lineup is HERE. More pictures and the set list from the SY show are below…


Grass Widow

Talk Normal

Talk Normal

Talk Normal

Talk Normal

Talk Normal

Talk Normal

Talk Normal

Talk Normal

Talk Normal

Talk Normal

Talk Normal

Talk Normal

Talk Normal

Talk Normal

Talk Normal

Talk Normal

Grass Widow

Grass Widow

Grass Widow

Grass Widow

Grass Widow

Grass Widow

Grass Widow

Grass Widow

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth at Celebrate Brooklyn July 31st setlist
Candle
Brother James
(I Got A) Catholic Block
Stereo Sanctity
Hey Joni
The Sprawl
‘Cross The Breeze
The Wonder
Hyperstation
White Cross
Mote
Shaking Hell
Encore:
Shadow of a Doubt
Silver Rocket
Expressway To Yr Skull