57. Kim Gordon - "The Collective"

Sonic Youth changed my life in so many ways. When I discovered them in the late 80’s, they opened up to me a world that existed in parallel to my beloved metal and contained different and more earthly treasures. This was a world of scuzzy guitars, distorted time signatures and fiercely independent aesthetics.

Sonic Youth were the stoic rulers of this alt-rock otherworld and Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore were its king and queen. Sonic Youth never once compromised in their 30-year career, managing to become a name band whilst pushing musical boundaries and fiercely nonconforming. It all fell apart in 2011 when Kim and Thurston separated due to the latter’s infidelity. They were the beating heart of Sonic Youth and with relations still to this day acrimonious and bitter, that is therefore it for one of greatest musical provocateurs that we have ever seen.

Whilst Thurston, now residing in Stoke Newington, has released a brace of solo albums it is Kim who seemingly has picked up the baton of continuing Sonic Youth’s legacy of being distinctly forward-thinking in their nonconformity. “The Collective” is her second outing under her own name and it is a wonderfully austere cacophony of experimental rock. She may be in her early 70’s but this is still a fiercely unconventional album that baths in its unconventional eccentricity.

There is a distinct air of wanting to rebel against convention and expectation. She disdainfully plays with numerous musical forms never really committing to any, but liberally stealing where she sees any virtue. What it results in is a truly undefinable album that still challenges after many many listens. This is the sound of a true auteur and musical visionary flexing her muscles of dissent.