Sonic Youth: Alt-Rock Noise & Influence!

Glenn Branca ran Sonic Youth's first label, Neutral Records, showcasing his role in the early development and promotion of the band's music. Branca's involvement in the label highlights his influence on the underground music scene and his support for emerging artists like Sonic Youth.

Thurston Moore is the correct answer to the question because he is a founding member of the band Sonic Youth and married Kim Gordon in 1984. Moore and Gordon were both integral members of the band and their marriage was a significant part of the band's history and dynamic.

"Confusion Is Sex" is the correct answer because it is the title of the album that contains the Sonic Youth song "Confusion is Next." The song is a track on this particular album, which was released by the band in 1983. The album is known for its experimental and noise rock sound, which was a departure from their earlier work and helped to establish Sonic Youth as a pioneering force in alternative music.

Sonic Youth made their debut in 1981 at The Noise Festival, which served as a platform for the band to showcase their unique sound and experimental style to a wider audience. This event marked the beginning of their influential career in the alternative music scene, establishing them as one of the pioneering bands in the genre.

Alec Foege's 1994 book on Sonic Youth is titled "Confusion Is Next". This title likely refers to the chaotic and experimental nature of the band's music, capturing the essence of their unique sound and approach to creating music.

Kim Gordon is a member of Sonic Youth who has a side project called Free Kitten. Kim Gordon is known for her involvement in various musical projects outside of Sonic Youth, including Free Kitten, which is a collaboration with Julie Cafritz of Pussy Galore. This project allowed Gordon to explore different musical styles and experiment with new sounds while still maintaining her unique artistic voice.

Sonic Youth opened for Neil Young during their tour for their album "Goo" in 1990. This collaboration between the two iconic bands allowed Sonic Youth to reach a wider audience and gain more recognition in the music industry. Neil Young's influence and popularity also helped Sonic Youth to further establish their place in the alternative rock scene during that time.

In the "Homerpalooza" episode of "The Simpsons," Cypress Hill and Smashing Pumpkins were the two bands that appeared alongside Sonic Youth. This episode featured a music festival where Homer becomes a sideshow freak, and these two bands were among the performers at the event. Both Cypress Hill and Smashing Pumpkins are well-known bands from the 90s alternative music scene, making them fitting choices for the episode's lineup.

In 1999, custom guitars were stolen from Sonic Youth's van in Southern California. This incident likely caused a significant loss for the band both financially and sentimentally, as custom guitars are specially made to fit the musician's preferences and playing style. The theft of these guitars would have impacted the band's ability to perform and create music, as well as the emotional attachment they may have had to these personalized instruments.

Sonic Youth paid tribute to Madonna with their side project "Ciccone Youth" by creating experimental covers of her songs and incorporating elements of her music into their own unique sound. Madonna's influence on popular culture and music made her a fitting choice for Sonic Youth to explore and reinterpret through their own artistic lens.

Thurston Moore renamed the song "Kill Yr Idols" as a slam at critic Robert Christgau, possibly as a response to Christgau's negative reviews or criticism of Sonic Youth's music. This act could be seen as a rebellious and defiant gesture towards the critic, challenging his opinions and asserting the band's independence and artistic integrity.

Jim O'Rourke left Sonic Youth in 2005 to pursue film directing. This decision likely stemmed from his interest and passion for the art of filmmaking, leading him to shift his focus and career towards a different creative outlet. O'Rourke may have seen an opportunity to explore a new artistic medium and express himself in a different way, ultimately choosing to leave the band in order to fully dedicate himself to his film directing aspirations.

The Sonic Youth song "Youth Against Fascism" mentions Anita Hill and the Klu Klux Klan, reflecting the band's politically charged lyrics and their criticism of societal issues such as racism and sexism. The song confronts the presence of fascism in American culture by referencing these controversial figures and events, urging listeners to stand up against injustice and discrimination.

Butch Vig is a renowned record producer known for his work with Sonic Youth and Nirvana. He is credited with producing Nirvana's iconic album "Nevermind," which helped propel the band to mainstream success. Vig's production style, which often incorporates elements of noise and distortion, was a perfect match for both Sonic Youth and Nirvana, resulting in critically acclaimed and influential albums for both bands.

Experimental Jet Set is the correct answer because it was the only Sonic Youth album released in the 1990s that entered both the U.S. charts at #34 and the U.K. charts at #10. The album received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its experimental nature and departure from their previous sound.

Bob Bert was the drummer for Sonic Youth directly before Steve Shelly because he was part of the band during their early years and played on their first album. Bert was later replaced by Shelly, who became the band's drummer for a significant portion of their career.

Richard Edson was a former member of Sonic Youth who left the band and pursued a career in acting. He is best known for his role as the parking garage attendant in the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". Edson's departure from Sonic Youth allowed him to explore his passion for acting, leading to various roles in films and television shows.

"Death Valley '69" is a Sonic Youth song from the 1980s that was inspired by the Charles Manson Family murders. The song references the notorious event in which Charles Manson and his followers committed a series of brutal murders in California in 1969. The lyrics and dark, brooding atmosphere of the song evoke the sense of violence and chaos associated with the Manson Family murders.

The last song in the self-titled 1982 Sonic Youth album is "The Good And The Bad". This track serves as a fitting conclusion to the album, encapsulating the experimental and boundary-pushing sound that Sonic Youth was known for during that time period. The title suggests a juxtaposition of opposing elements, mirroring the band's eclectic and innovative approach to music.

The cover of Sonic Youth's 1995 album "Washing Machine" features a photograph of two guys wearing t-shirts. This image is a simple yet intriguing choice for the album cover, possibly reflecting the band's alternative and experimental style. The use of this visual element may also tie into the overall theme or message of the music contained within the album.

Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore are the parents of Coco Haley. Kim Gordon is a founding member of Sonic Youth, known for her vocals and bass guitar playing, while Thurston Moore is also a founding member and the guitarist of the band. Their daughter, Coco Haley, was born during their time together as a couple and bandmates, before they eventually divorced in 2013.

The fifth track of the album "In the Fishtank 9" featuring Sonic Youth is titled "II". This track is likely to be the second track on the album, hence the title "II".