The Hideout is crazy hard to find, but worth it.

After the first act, I was able to make my way right up to the front of the stage, a mere feet away from Thurston Moore. I don’t know why, but I am always at awe whenever I see Moore. It seems no matter how old he is, he’s always remains the perpetually youthful teenager.

I have seen Sonic Youth three times. The first time was at The New Daisy, and I was also on the front row until someone crowd surfing (remember those days?) accidently kicked me in the head. Actually, it wasn’t that that made me move from my prime position, it was an asthma attack. After hearing “Teenage Riot” up close, I moved up to the upper level seats where I stuck out the rest of the show, struggling to breathe.

Second time, Sonic Youth were in town opening up for Pearl Jam. I didn’t go to that show but word got around fast that Thurston had made it known at the concert that the Youth were playing an “unannouced” show at The Last Place on Earth . Of course, I went and even though it was packed I had great view from the high platform near the front door. Jim O’ Rourke was playing with them at this time, and he actually opened up that night with a solo performance. I had been such a fan of Eureka (still am) so I guess I was hoping for something along those lines. But it was more of his devotion to John Fahey. The other thing that I really remember from that night was one of the musicians on stage who was very low key and stayed in the back near the drums. I wouldn’t have known who it was if Thurston hadn’t stated at the end of the show “Thanks Ed”. So, Eddie Vender was in Sonic Youth, at least for one night.

The last time I saw Sonic Youth was at this year’s Bonnaroo. They were actually the last group I saw at the festival, and one of the best of the week. I’m so glad to see that Sonic Youth are still putting out great records, including this year’s Rather Ripped.

So, you asked me about last nigh’st show and I gave you a history of my Sonic Youth concert outings. Sorry about that.

Actually, last evening’s performance wasn’t that far from what I would have imagined. If you have ever heard of Thurston’s more experimental side (or even Sonic Youth’s for that matter), you would have a fair idea of how Thurston interpreted Sun Ra. What was great was how that was balanced with Jim Baker on keys/ARP synthezier and Avreeyal Ra on drums. As I can gather, there were three long compositions performed.

It’s a bit hard to describe the combination. The next day I searched around the web to see what folks were saying about it, and my favorite quote comes from The Nuclear Suppository: Just saw Thurston Moore play a free jazz set at the Hideout. Sun Ra tribute. I don’t know what planet I just got back from, but I liked it there..

So, I’ll end there on someone else’s note.

Love you Ash!