Members
- Anne DeMariniskeyboard · 1981–1982
Kim Gordonguitar, lead vocals, original · 1981–2011
Lee Ranaldoguitar · 1981–2011
Richard Edsondrums (drum set) · 1981–1982
Thurston Moorelead vocals, original · 1981–2011- Bob Bertdrums (drum set) · 1982–1982
- Jim Sclavunosdrums (drum set) · 1982–1983
- Bob Bertdrums (drum set) · 1983–1985
- Steve Shelleydrums (drum set) · 1985–2011
- Jim O’Rourkebass guitar, guitar, synthesizer · 1999–2005
- Mark Iboldbass guitar, guitar · 2006–2011
Sonic Youth is often credited with redefining what success meant for a band with experimental roots in the music industry.
Sonic Youth is a pioneering American rock band that formed in 1981 and disbanded in 2011.
The band was formed in New York City, a hub for the burgeoning alternative rock scene.
Biography
Formation
Sonic Youth was formed in New York City in 1981 by founding members Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore, and Lee Ranaldo. The trio initially played under various names before settling on Sonic Youth, a name inspired by the guitarist Fred "Sonic" Smith and reggae artist Big Youth. Their first performance was at the Noise Fest in June 1981, where they impressed audiences with their raw sound. Shortly after, they welcomed drummer Steve Shelley in 1985, solidifying the core lineup that would define the band's sound for decades.
Key Releases and Evolution
Throughout their career, Sonic Youth released a series of influential albums that helped shape the alternative and noise rock genres. Their discography includes seminal works such as "Daydream Nation," "Goo," and "Dirty," which showcased their innovative use of dissonance and feedback. The band also experimented with various musical styles, drawing influences from punk, jazz, and avant-garde music. Notably, Jim O'Rourke joined the band in 1999, contributing to their sound until 2005, and Mark Ibold of Pavement joined in 2006, remaining until their disbandment in 2011.
Legacy
Sonic Youth disbanded on November 14, 2011, but their impact on music remains profound. They are credited with bringing noise rock to a wider audience and influencing countless artists across genres. Their unique approach to guitar work and songwriting has left an indelible mark on the landscape of alternative music, making them one of the most respected and beloved bands to emerge from the American underground.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
The Eternal2009
- 1.Sacred Trickster2:11
- 2.Anti-Orgasm6:08
- 3.Leaky Lifeboat (For Gregory Corso)3:32
- 4.Antenna6:13
- 5.What We Know3:54
- 6.Calming the Snake3:36
- 7.Poison Arrow3:43
- 8.Malibu Gas Station5:39
- 9.Thunderclap for Bobby Pyn2:39
- 10.No Way3:53
- 11.Walkin Blue5:21
- 12.Massage the History9:51
- 13.Pay No Mind3:17
- 14.No Garage3:53
Mix Tape #62007
- 1.Kissability2:16
- 2.Ca plane pour moi3:59
- 3.The Sprawl - Part 14:51
- 4.The Sprawl - Part 24:25
- 5.Fri/End3:33
- 6.Teen Age Riot7:14
- 7.Move Away4:39
- 8.Untitled (Lee Home Demos)0:51
- 9.Superstar4:08
- 10.Hey Joni3:39
- 11.Compilation Blues3:00
- 12.Expressway Outro - Part 13:32
- 13.Expressway Outro - Part 24:14
The Destroyed Room: B-Sides and Rarities2006
- 1.Fire Engine Dream10:23
- 2.Fauxhemians4:05
- 3.Razor Blade1:08
- 4.Blink5:28
- 5.Campfire2:20
- 6.Loop Cat5:40
- 7.Kim’s Chords6:02
- 8.Beautiful Plateau3:08
- 9.Three-Part Sectional Love Seat8:16
- 10.Queen Anne Chair4:38
- 11.The Diamond Sea25:49
Rather Ripped2006
- 1.Reena3:47
- 2.Incinerate4:56
- 3.Do You Believe in Rapture?3:11
- 4.Sleepinʼ Around3:43
- 5.What a Waste3:34
- 6.Jams Run Free3:53
- 7.Rats4:25
- 8.Turquoise Boy6:14
- 9.Lights Out3:33
- 10.The Neutral4:09
- 11.Pink Steam6:58
- 12.Or3:29
- 13.Helen Lundeberg4:38
Mix Tape #52006
- 1.Reena3:47
- 2.Cherry's Blues3:47
- 3.Destroyer5:32
- 4.G-Force3:39
- 5.Incinerate4:55
- 6.raepS gninruB3:28
- 7.maerD I demaerD I5:12
- 8.elonA toN sI ehS4:06
- 9.tI hsuP oT tnaW t'noD I3:35
- 10.daB ehT dnA dooG ehT7:55
- 11.Do You Believe in Rapture?3:11
Mix Tape #42005
- 1.Campfire2:19
- 2.'Cross the Breeze6:16
- 3.Giggles0:53
- 4.Platoon II4:19
- 5.Waist2:49
- 6.Blink5:17
- 7.Pipeline/Kill Time4:35
- 8.Thought Bubbles2:24
- 9.Tomorrow Never Knows/Glass Onion5:01
- 10.Razor Blade1:06
- 11.Encore3:35
Mix Tape #32005
- 1.Free City Rhymes (alt take)6:58
- 2.Crosby (early take)6:15
- 3.Catholic Block3:46
- 4.The Drummer Is Fine (Part 1)3:27
- 5.The Drummer Is Fine (Part 2)4:19
- 6.The Drummer Is Fine (Part 3)6:02
- 7.Experimental #81:16
- 8.Lee #2 (alt mix)3:22
- 9.She's in a Bad Mood5:36
- 10.Pterodactyl Wars0:31
Mix Tape #12004
- 1.Pattern Recognition6:33
- 2.Ystad4:36
- 3.Forced Exposure6:26
- 4.3 Part Sectional Love Seat8:12
- 5.Spinhead16:23
- 6.Stalker (alt. demo)4:52
- 7.Think It Over1:58
- 8.Expressway9:13
- 9.Eyemote4:12
- 10.I Love You Golden Blue7:02
Hidros 32004
- 1.Part 1 intro2:41
- 2.Part 2 voice17:40
- 3.Part 3 contrabass sax6:01
- 4.Part 4 voice2:00
- 5.Part 5 processed voice11:58
- 6.Part 6 voice1:58
- 7.Part 7 contrabass sax6:15
- 8.Part 8 processed voice9:53
- 9.Part 9 voice8:06
Sonic Nurse2004
- 1.Pattern Recognition6:33
- 2.Unmade Bed3:54
- 3.Dripping Dream7:46
- 4.Kim Gordon and the Arthur Doyle Hand Cream4:51
- 5.Stones7:08
- 6.Dude Ranch Nurse5:45
- 7.New Hampshire5:13
- 8.Paper Cup Exit5:57
- 9.I Love You Golden Blue7:03
- 10.Peace Attack6:40
- 11.Kim Chords6:00
Mix Tape #22004
- 1.Bee-Bee's Song4:43
- 2.The Velvet Plug2:31
- 3.Derniere Minute Electrifee7:22
- 4.Doctor's Orders (T-Vox)4:22
- 5.Loop Cat5:40
- 6.Queen Anne Chair4:39
- 7.Stereo Sanctity (live)3:07
- 8.Safe In Hell4:07
- 9.She Is Not Alone4:07
- 10.Fire Engine Part 15:38
- 11.Fire Engine Part 24:48
- 12.Santa Doesn't Cop Out On Dope3:19
Terrastock 52002
Tracklist not collected yet.
Murray Street2002
- 1.The Empty Page4:21
- 2.Disconnection Notice6:24
- 3.Rain on Tin7:57
- 4.Karen Revisited11:10
- 5.Radical Adults Lick Godhead Style4:28
- 6.Plastic Sun2:14
- 7.Sympathy for the Strawberry12:07
- 8.Street Sauce7:32
NYC Ghosts & Flowers2000
Tracklist not collected yet.
A Thousand Leaves1998
Tracklist not collected yet.
Washing Machine1995
Tracklist not collected yet.
Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star1994
Tracklist not collected yet.
Screaming Fields of Sonic Love1994
Tracklist not collected yet.
Dirty1992
Tracklist not collected yet.
Goo1990
Tracklist not collected yet.
Daydream Nation1988
Tracklist not collected yet.
Sister1987
Tracklist not collected yet.
EVOL1986
Tracklist not collected yet.
Bad Moon Rising1985
Tracklist not collected yet.
Confusion Is Sex1983
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Label
- Record label
- Blast First
- Record label
- DGC Records
- Record label
- Ecstatic Peace!
- Record label
- Neutral Records
Similar artists
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Sonic Death, Sonice Youth, The Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth was an American rock band formed in New York City in 1981. Founding members Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo remained together for the entire history of the band, while drummer Steve Shelley, who joined in 1985, rounded out the core lineup. Jim O'Rourke was also a member from 1999 to 2005; Mark Ibold of Pavement joined in 2006 and remained in the band until their 2011 split.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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