My Future Is Static

Sonic Youth @ Maxwell’s 4/16/2005 (Early Show)
I Love You Golden Blue / The Empty Page / Pattern Recognition / Unmade Bed / Eric’s Trip / Stones / Paper Cup Exit / New Hampshire / Pacific Coast Highway // Catholic Block / Schizophrenia

Sonic Youth “Schizophrenia (Live In Bremen, 8/27/1991)” – Though I am a little disappointed that Sonic Youth have barely changed their set rotation from the regular Sonic Nurse tour for this mini-tour of small clubs in the northeast, I certainly have no complaints about a show that ends with three consecutive songs from my favorite SY album, Sister. It’s been five years since I’ve seen them perform “Schizophrenia” (which is not only one of my top ten SY songs, but one of my favorite songs in general), so that was the obvious highlight for me. The band seemed to be in a good mood, and the sound quality was surprisingly crisp considering that every other show that I’ve seen at Maxwell’s has been muddy and poorly mixed. This was my 15th Sonic Youth show since 1995, and as usual, I am amazed by their craft and precision. The most remarkable thing is that I think that they’ve only become tighter and more creative as a live ensemble over the years, which is common for, say, jazz groups, but very rare for rock bands. Though they may have already peaked as songwriters, it’s very possible that they are only just now coming into full maturity, and that’s a very thrilling thing. (Click here to buy the original album version from Insound.)

Captain Comatose “To My Song” – Captain Comatose should not be too surprised that anyone would be singing this song on the street. This is a clear high water mark for Captain Comatose aka Can “Khan” Oral, an immediately lovable pop tune that sounds like a German electronic cabaret version of Motown. The vocals recall Jake Shears and George Michael (the singer-songwriter), but the wild synth solo is like Stephen Malkmus or Matt Friedberger doing an acid house track.
(Click here to pre-order the album from Soul Seduction.)