Sacred Trickster

Album: The Eternal (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was the opening track of the New York alternative rock band Sonic Youth's 16th studio album. It was their first release for three years, marking the longest period in between studio albums to date by the band. It was also their first record since Pavement bassist Mark Ibold joined the band.
  • The band explained in publicity materials that on this hardcore track, Kim Gordon sings, "salutes to French painter Yves Klein and Western Massachusetts noise artist Noise Nomads."
  • The Eternal debuted at #18 on the Billboard 200 survey, giving Sonic Youth their best ever album chart position. Their previous highest peak had been the #34 slot that Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star reached in 1994.
  • The music video seems to be a homage to the 1966 film The Battle of Algiers, which was based on the Algerian war. One scene depicted three FLN women disguising themselves in French fashion in order to plant bombs disguised as purses in the French colonial sector of Algiers. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Julian - Kahnawake, QC

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Dave Mason

Dave MasonSongwriter Interviews

Dave reveals the inspiration for "Feelin' Alright" and explains how the first song he ever wrote became the biggest hit for his band Traffic.

Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went Mainstream

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went MainstreamSong Writing

These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal Tap

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal TapSong Writing

Based on criteria like girlfriend tension, stage mishaps and drummer turnover, these are the 10 bands most like Spinal Tap.