Sonic Youth’s latest, fantastic, release, The Eternal has earned the band’s highest chart performance, peaking at 18 on the Billboard 200. Previously, the band’s  highest chart placement was 34, with 1994’s Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star. Of course to a band like Sonic Youth, where artistic integrity means everything, I’m sure this is frivolous and as a fan, it is for me. On the other hand, I find it noteworthy, ironic and actually a little humorous that it is this album in particular that has reached the higher ends of the charts. As some of you already know, this album is the band’s first release without the support of a major label in over twenty years. I suppose this proves that the band did not need to be on a major label to reach wider audiences and gain some commercial success. Over the years, the band had built up enough of a fan base to let go of the major (perhaps they were on a contract with Geffen for all of these years?). We, fans, do not need anything else, but the simple notice that a new album is being released, to get off our asses and check it out. Maybe, others will play the SY game of signing to a major and creating a large following, then taking it with them when they return to their independent status. Unfortunately, it should be noted that SY is a rare example of a band that has remained completely true to themselves over the years within the corporate ogre.  All in all, check out the amazing album, The Eternal now!!!

Chris DeCarlo