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Recommended by us on 20th May 2011
...according to our Business Lady on Thu 19 May, 2011.
It's just occurred to me that I've never consciously listened to a Thurston Moore solo album and I'd assume they don't normally sound like 'Demolished Thoughts'. Produced by Beck and very much in the vein of his 'Sea Change' record (I can't stress this point enough), this newie from Mr. Moore is a reflective, laid back affair dominated by acoustic guitars, quiet vocals and layers of warm strings. It's a beautifully serene album that is difficult to pin down in the context of Moore's previous output. Sure, a lot of the songs sound like traditional Sonic Youth arrangements sans the electric instruments but there are some truly distinct moments too. 'Orchard Street' for example bridges the gap between said Youth style and the wildly orchestrated arrangements of a psychedelic Beatles track or a Serge Gainsbourg number. Samara Lubelski (violin) and Mary Lattimore's (harp) contributions make a big difference giving these songs a luxurious, otherworldly vibe that would have been hard to achieve otherwise. Beck's production is incredibly soothing (very Nigel Godrich) and Moore's vocal is always a welcome frequency so, though I'm not blown away, I could happily enjoy 'Demolished Thoughts' a few more times and I'm sure it's longevity will become apparent over time. The idea of the members of Sonic Youth growing old (and I guess dying at some point) is very disconcerting. The idea of them making proper grown up records is even more worrying.
· Stepping away from the punk, noise and no-wave
experimentalism that often surrounds both Sonic Youth and
Thurston Moore's solo work, ‘Demolished Thoughts’ will catch
most off-guard.
· A continuation of sorts on from his last album ‘Trees Outside
The Academy’ (2007), ‘Demolished Thoughts’ is Thurston
Moore’s fourth solo album and his first to be produced by Beck;
this influence might explain the lighter touch found on this
record with the production and arrangements reminiscent to
those employed on Beck’s own album, ‘Sea Change’ (2002).
· ‘Demolished Thoughts’ is a stripped-down affair, with only
guitar, harp, violin and light percussion for accompaniment to
Thurston’s vocals.
· Recorded in both Los Angeles and Northampton, MA, the pair
were joined in the studio by violinist Samara Lubelski (of prior
Moore recordings and touring) and harpist Mary Lattimore
(most recently heard on Kurt Vile’s ‘Smoke Ring For My Halo’),
alongside Beck’s bassist Bram Inscore and drummer Joey
Waronker (also of R.E.M., Elliott Smith and Smashing Pumpkins
records).
· Inviting the listener in to his more secretive and personal side,
‘Demolished Thoughts’ is a brooding and beautifully restrained
album.
· Supposedly recorded with new technologies amid strange
occurrences, the album was completed over nine curious days
spent with Beck.
· The results are a more direct than many will have expected
from Thurston Moore, these songs are as sweet, heartfelt and
consuming.
· Available on CD and double vinyl (initial pressings on blue
vinyl).
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Unit 20, Croydon House,
Croydon Street,
Leeds,
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Email: phil@normanrecords.com
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