Thurston Moore – By The Fire (2020)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/48 kHz | Time – 01:22:18 minutes | 969 MB | Genre: Alternative Rock
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Daydream Library
This is Thurston Moore’s seventh solo album, and features musicians Deb Googe (My Bloody Valentine) on bass and backing vocals, Jon Leidecker aka ‘Wobbly’ (of Negativland) on electronics, James Sedwards on guitar, and Sonic Youth’s Steve Shelley, as well as Jem Doulton, alternating on drums. Prior to isolation during the Covid pandemic, Thurston worked in recording studios in North London until the third week of March 2020 to complete this album. By The Fire is music in flames. 2020 is our time for radical change and collective awareness and Thurston Moore has written nine songs of enlightenment, released to a world on fire. Taking a cue from Albert Ayler’s “music is the healing force of the universe”, this recording offers songs as flames of rainbow energy, where the power of love becomes our call. These are love songs in a time where creativity is our dignity, our demonstration against the forces of oppression. By The Fire is a gathering, a party of peace—songs in the heat of the moment. Some of the songs feature all of the musicians whist a few are solo guitar and vocals.
“Nine songs of enlightenment, released to a world on fire”: that’s how Thurston Moore described his album By The Fire. It might sound a bit over the top. Though by the time you reach the end of the record, it sounds like an understatement. He could have gone as far as “songs that will restore your faith in rock, and possibly even the world”. We’ve been here before though. Thurston Moore is the former Sonic Youth singer/guitarist and his seventh album By The Fire is the closest thing yet to his old band’s dissonant genius. Sometimes, it exceeds it. It’s a long album that stretches 9 tracks into almost 90 minutes. Though it flashes by like a lightning bolt. Thurston Moore is like an alchemist. Or a musical encyclopaedist. His music puts you in a trance, altering your perception of time and space. All his experience is brought to the fore in this record: whirling guitars, thumping post-punk rhythms, soothing pop melodies, free jazz that sends you insane. And that special touch of something indescribable – the very best part. Listen to the record at a high volume (go on, turn it up even higher) and the music becomes even more fascinating, revealing the slightest details and touches. The album transforms anxiety and pain (yes, this music can damage your ears) into pleasure and energy. At the age of 60, Thurston Moore plays like a 20-year-old and paves a new way for rock. Eternal sonic youth. – Stéphane Deschamps
Tracklist:
1-01. Thurston Moore – Hashish (05:46)
1-02. Thurston Moore – Cantaloupe (04:44)
1-03. Thurston Moore – Breath (10:48)
1-04. Thurston Moore – Siren (12:17)
1-05. Thurston Moore – Calligraphy (05:20)
1-06. Thurston Moore – Locomotives (16:48)
1-07. Thurston Moore – Dreamers Work (04:57)
1-08. Thurston Moore – They Believe In Love [When They Look At You] (07:50)
1-09. Thurston Moore – Venus (13:44)
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