Sonic Life: A Rock Star’s Journey
Thurston Moore‘s memoir, “Sonic Life,” is a fascinating and insightful look at the life of one of the most influential guitarists and songwriters of his generation. Moore is the driving force behind Sonic Youth, one of the most important and innovative rock bands of the past few decades.
The book begins with Moore’s childhood in Florida and Connecticut. He was a mediocre student and got into trouble, but he also had a passion for music. He discovered rock and roll at a young age, and it quickly became his obsession.
Moore moved to New York City in the early 1970s, and he soon became immersed in the city’s thriving music scene. He went to see shows at all the major venues, including CBGB, the Mudd Club, and Max’s Kansas City. He met and befriended many of the leading musicians of the day, including Patti Smith, Dee Snider, and Blondie.
In 1981, Moore founded Sonic Youth with Kim Gordon, Lee Ranaldo, and Bob Bert. The band quickly gained a reputation for their innovative sound and their experimental approach to music. They were one of the first bands to fuse noise rock with punk and art rock.
Sonic Youth released their debut album in 1982, and they went on to release over a dozen more albums over the next few decades. They became one of the most influential bands of the alternative rock era, and their music continues to inspire musicians today.
Moore’s memoir is a well-written and engaging account of his life and career. He is a talented writer with a sharp wit and a keen eye for detail. He also has a deep understanding of music and the music industry.
The book is particularly good at capturing the excitement and energy of the New York City music scene in the 1970s and 1980s. Moore writes vividly about the clubs, the bands, and the people who made the scene so vibrant.
He is also candid about his own struggles with addiction and his sometimes difficult relationships with bandmates. However, he never loses his love of music, and his passion for his craft is evident on every page.
Overall, “Sonic Life” is an excellent memoir that is sure to appeal to fans of Sonic Youth and alternative rock in general. It is also a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the New York City music scene in the 1970s and 1980s.