2011 - The Year Sonic Youth Broke

It is a special year for re-issues and anniversaries, and most of the accolades and excitement pointedly being poured on the 20th anniversary of Nirvana's Nevermind. There is something else well worth - the proper DVD debut of 1991: The Year That Punk Broke. The grunge/noise documentary features the likes of Nirvana, Ramones, Dinosaur Jr, Babes in Toyland and, of course, Sonic Youth. To coincide with this awesome (and much belated) release, Universal Music is putting out Sonic Youth's Hits Are For Squares compilation that was previously only available on limited outlets.

Hits Are For Squares is a collection of songs from Sonic Youth's career curated by a diverse group of artists, actors, directors and musicians whose own progressive and unconventional style is akin to the freestyle expression of Sonic Youth’s music. The artisans handpicked by Sonic Youth include Catherine Keener, Beck, Mike D, Radiohead, Portia De Rossi, Diablo Cody, Allison Anders, Dave Eggers and Mike Watt, Eddie Vedder, Michelle Williams, Flea, Gus Van Sant, David Cross, Chloe Sevigny, and The Flaming Lips, whilst also including the new track “Slow Revolution” written and recorded for the original release. im not usually all that for best of's - most proper fans would have most of the songs in the first place, anbd its much more fun making your own compilations. However, the fact that these tracks haver been chosen by other artists from a variety of creative mediums makes it feel more like a loved mixtape, which infuses it all with a sense of love and overarching frivolity that makes it an essential purchase. Along with 1991 (one of the best docos ever in my opinion), it makes for an amazing Halloween (both due out October 31).

TRACKLIST

1. Bull in the Heather (selected by Catherine Keener)
2. 100% (selected by Mike D - Beastie Boys)
3. Sugar Kane (selected by Beck)
4. Kool Thing (selected by Radiohead)
5. Disappearer (selected by Portia de Rossi)
6. Superstar (selected by Diablo Cody)
7. Stones (selected by Allison Anders)
8. Tuff Gnarl (selected by Dave Eggers and Mike Watt)
9. Teenage Riot (selected by Eddie Vedder)
10. Shadow of a Doubt (selected by Michelle Williams)
11. Rain on Tin (selected by Flea)
12. Tom Violence (selected by Gus Van Sant)
13. Mary-Christ (selected by David Cross)
14. World Looks Red (selected by Chloe Sevigny)
15. Expressway to yr Skull (selected by The Flaming Lips)
16. Slow Revolution (new track, exclusive to this compilation)