Kategorie: CD-Reviews | Genre: Artrock | Heft: Jahrgang 2012, eclipsed Nr. 139 / 4-2012 | VÖ-Jahr: 2012 | Wertung: 8/10 | Label: Matador | Autor: WK
"Between The Times & The Tides" is not the first solo album by the Sonic-Youth guitarist. But it's the first song album that comes out under his name. Previously he had exclusively made avant-garde ambient and improv records. Opened by a riff strikingly reminiscent of "Paint It Black", Ranaldo stretches out his wings and floats over the history of progressive rock. He is supported by old friends like Wilco guitarist Nels Cline, former SY comrades Jim O'Rourke and Bob Bert as well as drummer Steve Shelley. Of course, many things sound like Sonic Youth and sometimes you miss the second voice of Thurston Moore. What was hinted at on the last two SY albums comes to full fruition here: Ranaldo is a master of formulating different soft levels in hard guitar rock. The two guitars can be as loud and cutting as you like, but they are always soft and cuddly at the same time. This is not only an album with very catchy song material, but also an hour of music that sounds very pleasant.
Top track: Xtina As I Know Her
