Sonic Youth - Goo

After spending the 1980s terrorizing the underground alternative scene with their oddly tuned guitars and inventive song structure, this New York City art-punk band started the next decade with a major label deal and a determination to make rock loud and sexy for all concerned. The single "Kool Thing," which features a cameo from Public Enemy's Chuck D, immediately proved they had both the dynamic control and the range to meet such a challenge. Backed by an album of taut, riff-driven anthems ("Dirty Boots," "Titanium Expose") and moments of extended feedback bliss (Lee Ranaldo's "Mote"), Sonic Youth redefined what hard rock would sound like in the '90s. It's no wonder Nirvana respected them so. --Rob O'Connor Amazon.com essential recording

Goo: 'It was all whirlwind, heat, and flash.'

"My friend Goo has a real tattoo
She always knows just what to do
She looks through her hair like she doesn't care
What she does best is stand and stare."

Sonic Youth released Goo in 1990 (the band's first album for major label, Geffen Records), a year before touring with an unknown band named Nirvana. Goo marked a turning point for Sonic Youth. While the music was more accessible and less experimental that the band's previous work, listening to Goo was nevertheless like hitting a wall of pure psychedelic noise. The album even featured a hit single, "Kool Thing," featuring vocals by Chuck D from rap group Public Enemy. ("Are you going to liberate us girls from male, white, corporate oppression," bass player Kim Gordon ponders in the song.) In "Tunic (Song for Karen)", a song about Karen Carpenter's battle with anorexia, Gordon sings: "I feel like I'm disappearing/ Getting smaller every day/ But when I open my mouth to sing/ I'm bigger in every way," and happily envisions the Carpenter jamming on her drums in heaven, playing for Dennis Wilson, Elvis Presley, and Janis Joplin. Goo is a brilliant album, a "whirlwind" of intellectual and primal energy, making it a true art-post-punk music icon. Tracks include:

1. Dirty Boots 5:28
2. Tunic (Song For Karen) 6:22
3. Mary-Christ 3:11
4. Kool Thing 4:06
5. Mote 7:37
6. My Friend Goo 2:19
7. Disappearer 5:08
8. Mildred Pierce 2:13
9. Cinderella's Big Score 5:54
10. Scooter And Jinx 1:06
11. Titanium Expose 6:27

G. Merritt March 26, 2008

One of my favourite albums

My first purchase from Amazon's download service. Done and dusted and automatically added to iTunes within maybe 4 minutes. Better interface than iTunes and cheaper! Off to listen to Sonic Youth now... September 25, 2007

"My Friend Goo Has A Real Tatoo"

Sonic Youth's Goo is a definite indie rock masterpiece. From the opening "Dirty Boots", to "My Friend Goo" (my favorite song on the album because it's just so damn catchy), to the closing "Titanium Expose", this record has it all. If you're just getting into Sonic Youth, I would recommend picking up this album and "Dirty". It might take a little while to get into cause it's really different, but take the chance. You'll be glad you did. November 5, 2006

Sonic noise and alien grooves

Inspired by the New York art scene, Sonic Youth bludgeoned their way into the rock and roll world courtesy of SST Records, which handled all their material up to "Goo", which is now considered an alt-rock classic.
Sonic Youth specialize in a peculiar blend of detuned and unconventionally tuned guitars, swirling in feedback, distortion and volume. Far from being nothing but a metallic shriek, SY somehow manage to work in bits of beauty, albeit the kind that extra-terrestrials probably dig, a solid beat thanks to Steve Shelley, one of rock's best drummers, and vocals that scream, moan, whisper and croon.
"Dirty Boots" opens with an almost ethereal intro until bassist Kim Gordon bulls her way in with fuzz bass and Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo slam away at their guitars, creating sounds that captivate as well as maim.
We progress through a homage to Karen Carpenter (!?), a guest rap by Chuck D. and a glorious feedback symphony with "Mote" that churns and burns, making the listener fear his stereo may overload and combust into flames.
"Disappearer" is the most accessible tune before closing with "Scooter + Jinx" and "Titanium Exposure".
"Goo" and Sonic Youth are not for the faint hearted. Music should reflect all our emotions and SY, with every release, somehow capture the sound of chaos, the beauty of parallel worlds and lyrics of urban life. The fact that they have survived for a couple of decades now shows that there is a need for this special kind of noise in each one of us. March 25, 2006

It'll Grab ya!

This is definitely one of those albums that will grab you and hang on for the ride. Weird, quirky, groovin', heavy, fun and of course way Kool... For anyone who digs alternative, rock or grunge... Goo should definitely be on your to do list. February 9, 2006

More reviews at Amazon.com ...