REISSUE: Sonic Youth – Hits Are For Squares

 

Unavailable on vinyl since 2010, Sonic Youth’s unique greatest hits compilation, Hits Are For Squares, has just been reissued on black 180-gram vinyl with gold lettering on the jacket via Geffen/UMe. 

The collection includes the exclusive (new as of 2009, upon original release) song, “Slow Revolution” as well as 15 catalog-spanning songs curated by some of Sonic Youth’s famous friends – writers, artists, actors and fellow musicians – such as, Beck, Mike D of Beastie Boys, Dave Eggers, Flea, Eddie Vedder, David Cross, Mike Watt, and more.  The liner notes include a quote from each person as they tell why they chose that track for the compilation.  Each quote is relatable to the average, “un-famous” fan and speaks to the legacy the highly-influential band has left behind.

From their grunge-era breakout album, Dirty; Mike D chose “100%” and Beck selected “Sugar Kane”.  Eddie Vedder added “Teenage Riot” from the 120 Minutes-era Daydream Nation and Dave Eggers and Mike Watt both included “Tuff Gnarl” from Sister.  Personally, I was pleased to see Diabo Cody’s addition with “Superstar”, their killer cover of The Carpenter’s classic, taken from the 90’s covers compilation, If I Were A Carpenter.   

To order, please visit: https://shop.udiscovermusic.com/products/sonic-youth-hits-are-for-squares-2lp?_pos=1&_sid=68f989169&_ss=r&oseid=oLQhn1PK5jbM1J4N6T5rwrQG

In honor, below is a special edition of my 3 Songs: On Repeat feature, with 3 Sonic Youth songs I would’ve chosen.

Sonic Youth – “100%” (My first intro. to the band via MTV):

Sonic Youth – “Bull In The Heather” (I’d race home after school to play drums along to the Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star album when it came out in 1994.):

Sonic Youth – “Superstar” (see above):