We all know what its like to be too intimidated to start listening to a big name artist with an even bigger discography. Never fear, Allston Pudding is here with a list of jumping off points that might help you or a friend get well acquainted with what could be your next favorite artist. Click here for our other Beginner’s Guides!
There’s a lot that could be said about Thurston Moore, but one thing that no one can disagree with is that he’s a man that doesn’t stop. From Sonic Youth to Chelsea Light Moving, Moore isn’t afraid to test the waters with a variety of band structures and genres, bringing incredible composition and guitar innovation to each project. Brush up on Thurston’s work and catch him live at The Sinclair on October 22nd.
Confusion Is Sex (1983)
This album may not be the most iconic moment in the Sonic Youth catalogue, but to pass it over is a huge mistake. The first Studio Sonic Youth release, Confusion Is Sex establishes precedent for good things to come for the band. You’ll hear fuzzy guitars, engulfing noise inspired sludge, and some of Thurston Moore’s early experiments with the guitar.
You’ll love this if: You’re really into noise, no-wave or in the mood to hear an incredible Stooges cover
Fave Tracks: (she’s in A) Bad Mood- Version, I Wanna Be Your Dog
Daydream Nation (1988)
Here it is, the classic candle cover. Daydream Nation is from beginning to end an incredible journey through noisy art rock. Daydream Nation is so important in music history that the Library of Congress actually preserved it in the National Recording Registry. The first track is one of the most iconic Thurston Moore songs opens the album- at last we hear Teenage Riot. The song acted as the bridge between Sonic Youth and the rest of the music world as it received considerable air time on radio stations and helped make the band something of a household name. Daydream Nation has a powerful, driven sound but if you pick it apart you’ll hear Moore’s dreamy lyrics and avant-garde guitar all through out.
You’ll love this if: You like getting to the root of indie rock history, you need a dark album to drive to late at night, you are a 13 year old going through your first of many goth phases
Fave Tracks: Teenage Riot, Silver Rocket, Cross The Breeze
Live on Letterman (1992)
Promoting their 1992 album, “Dirty” Sonic Youth made their network television debut on Late Night With David Letterman. We included this video in our Beginner’s Guide to Thurston Moore because the best way to understand Moore’s incredibly unique guitar style is to see it in action. Watch his hands move over the guitar neck as if it were the easiest thing in the world. We see classic Thurston Moore at work here- everything he does is somehow effortless but also profoundly charged and energetic. He combines classic dead pan cool attitude with ferociousness, and that is the duality that makes his work so dynamic.
You’ll love this if: You can’t decide between apathy and anger
Fave moments: Thurston Moore falling over like a million times (did he mean to or was it an accident?), Letterman not knowing how to react to the performance and asking everyone if they’re okay, Thurston Moore jumping up and down at the end for no discernible reason
Demolished Thoughts (2011)
Stepping away from the Sonic Youth side of things for a moment, its important to check out Thurston Moore’s work as a solo artist. Demolished Thoughts highlights a far more tame side of Moore. You’ll hear some acoustic songs which cut out the fuzz we usually associate with Moore and Sonic Youth and leaves space for his thoughtful compositions to finally stand out.
You’ll love this if: you don’t like loud distorted stuff, you are a dad, you mostly listen to folk music but you wanna mix it up
Fave Tracks: Benediction, Blood Never Lies, Space
The Best Day (2014)
Thurston Moore has a brand spakin’ new album coming out on October 20th called Best Day which is up for streaming now. This album takes a step away from the acoustic, dream like nature of Demolished Thoughts and represents a return to the noisy, aggressive side of Thurston that made such a buzz in the 80s. Joined by some big name buddies like Steve Shelly and Debbie Googe, The Best Day is an electric charged trip into a more punk arrangement of the sounds associated with Sonic Youth and Thurston Moore himself. Dare I say it’s fun at times?
You’ll Love this if: You miss Sonic Youth
Fave Tracks: Tape, The Best Day, Germs Burn
Check out Thurston’s other work both solo and with Sonic Youth, We hope to see you at on October 22nd at The Sinclair!