Sonic Youth - Superstar

[oscillations.]

Long the clandestine gem of hardcore Sonic Youth collectors, this 1994 cover of the Carpenters' hit seemed destined to remain a low-key, cult classic. However, the film Juno (the new Garden State for indie music) has significantly popularized the track in 2007/2008, and a whole new generation of SY fans are being summoned. And radio is catching on, as "Superstar" currently is heading towards the Top 50; ironically, none of their singles have received even minor airplay this decade. So, this is an interesting, divisive moment in time for Sonic Youth & their fanbase.

85 69 SONIC YOUTH Superstar 2008 Rhino/Atlantic 120 93 27 0.787


The video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRiyN_Zn5L8

I hold it to be one of the greatest covers of the past 25 years. Up there with Slowdive's "Some Velvet Morning".

[jazklash]

Actually, "Superstar" had already charted before.

Sonic Youth's chart data @ Allmusic.com

And to be honest with you, none of their music this decade really deserved any airplay. They've been but a shadow of their former selves since NYC Ghosts And Flowers. And even Washing Machine already had its less-than-stellar moments.

[The Human Strobe]

I beg to differ. Granted, their last 4 albums or so haven't exactly been Daydream Nation, but they've all been solid. I still listen to Sonic Nurse fairly regularly and prefer it more to some of their older albums.

I'm of the belief that even a mediocre Sonic Youth album is often times better than most bands best albums.

That said, I about crapped myself in the theater watching Juno during the scene where they play Superstar. Its not the fact that its just in the movie but the fact that the guy that's going to be the baby's dad is like "hey Juno, this is Sonic Youth, listen to the greatness, etc..."

I find it awesome that this is getting some airplay along with The Moldy Peaches "Anyone Else But You" on the Juno soundtrack.

Oh, and I believe Incinerate from Rather Ripped almost made the top 50 and Unmade Bed from Sonic Nurse came somewhat close before falling off.

[Pipa]

Dang, I would've thought "Incinerate" had made it. This is going to sound dumb, but it's the only Sonic Youth song I know.

[galvanize]

And even worse, none of Thurston Moore's excellent solo singles have gotten any airplay on Alternative either. :'(

[oscillations.]

Feb 15, 2008 16:00:14 GMT -5 jazklash said:

Actually, "Superstar" had already charted before.

Sonic Youth's chart data @ Allmusic.com

And to be honest with you, none of their music this decade really deserved any airplay. They've been but a shadow of their former selves since NYC Ghosts And Flowers. And even Washing Machine already had its less-than-stellar moments.

Thanks for the chart info.
I agree about this decade, album-wise, except for the demo version of "Plastic Sun" on Murray Street. It's just .
My favorite period for them was Sister/DN, followed by the Goo era. I actually like some of their no-wave stuff, as well. It was cool to see it live, anyway. :)