One source of creative renewal is to get out a bit; work with
somebody else, do something different. Since Sonic Youth turned into a
significant commercial entity, Thurston Moore has turned to work with
improvising musicians to keep himself on his toes and have some fun.
This record, which is attractively packaged in a gatefold cardboard sleeve,
documents his encounter with fellow string-bender Nels Cline. If you ever
listened to the locked-groove hum at the end of "Xpressway To Your Skull"
and thought you'd like to hear a lot more of it, or if you just want to
hear two masters of sound manipulation bouncing ideas off of each other in
real time, this album's for you.
It starts with some startlingly lovely textural explorations; the duo linger for nearly ten minutes inside a couple of arpeggios and a lot of amp hum on "Burnt Klubgirl Lid Tone" without
ever inspiring a wristwatch check. From there things rise and fall several
times before building to a climax on the penultimate "We Love Our Blood,"
on which Cline peals out high, keening ice-pick notes over Moore's
digitally layered orbital chord sequences. Both men remain true to their
roots, playing spontaneously without avoiding rock-derived patterns when
the spirit moves them. Like the titular implement, Pillow Wand is ideal
for both solitary pleasure and shared moments with one you love.
If you like Pillow Wand, check out:
Jason Bill & Jack Rose Via St. Louis
Nels Cline and Devin Sarno Edible Flowers
Hash Jar Tempo Under Glass
William Hooker Hard Time
Sonic Youth Confusion is Sex
