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• Sonic Youth are a pioneering Alternative Rock band from New York City that have consistently pushed the boundaries of experimental music over their 25+ year career. Combining elements of Punk, Alternative and Noise Rock, Sonic Youth were able to forge their own unique musical identity and are usually considered to be one of the quintessential "underground" bands of all time. Their 16th studio album, The Eternal, will be released via Matador Records on June 9.

• Fast Facts

  1. Founded: 1981
  2. Origin: New York City
  3. Label: Matador Records
  4. Studio albums: 16
  5. Associated with New York's No Wave art and music scene
  6. Drummer Bob Bert left the band in the mid-80s
  7. Bert was replaced by Steve ShelleyRolling Stone: Sonic Youth Biography
  8. Known for using alternate guitar tunings to create their signature soundRolling Stone: http://www.rollingstone.com... Sonic Youth Biography]
  9. July 1999: Their guitars, amps and other gear were stolenRolling Stone: Sonic Youth Biography
  10. October 2005: Some of the gear was found and returned to the bandRolling Stone: Sonic Youth Biography
  11. Appeared on The Simpsons episode "Homerpalooza"
  12. Former Pavement bassist, Mark Ibold, joined the band in 2006

• Background

  Sonic Youth got their start in the early 1980's underground music and art scene in New York City. Influenced by such bands as the Velvet Underground, The Stooges and Patti Smith, Sonic Youth embraced the DIY ethos that characterized the Indie music scene of the day.

• Career

  While a few critics initially had a tough time with the band's experimental sound and unorthodox playing style, the music press eventually started to appreciate their unique appeal. Although their critical success didn't translate into a great deal of commercial success, the band was able to gain a loyal and dedicated fan base that helped them survive over 15 studio albums and countless tours.

• Band Members

  • Thurston Moore - Guitar/Vocals
  • Kim Gordon - Bass/Vocals
  • Lee Ranaldo - Guitar
  • Steve Shelley - Drums

• Partial Discography

  • 1983: Confusion Is Sex
  • 1985: Bad Moon Rising
  • 1986: EVOL
  • 1987: Sister
  • 1988: Daydream Nation
  • 1990: Goo
  • 1992: Dirty
  • 1994: Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star
  • 1995: Washing Machine
  • 1998: A Thousand Leaves
  • 2000: NYC Ghosts & Flowers
  • 2002: Murray Street
  • 2004: Sonic Nurse
  • 2006: Rather Ripped
  • 2009: The Eternal

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Thurston Moore | Velvet Underground | The Stooges | Nirvana | Mudhoney | Dinosaur Jr. | Beastie Boys | Pavement | Beck | Broken Social Scene | Radiohead | Blonde Redhead | Neil Young | Pearl Jam | Pixies | Yeah Yeah Yeahs | The Pixies | Cat Power | Les Savy Fav | The Carpenters | Comets on Fire | Erase Errata | Heatmiser

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