Any Sonic Youth new release is always cause for sweaty anticipation and much discussion amongst the rock cognoscenti. Through the years just the name Sonic Youth seemed to have a magical aura to it. This magnificent new CD/LP is no exception. Their penchant for full tilt no-wave punk, art rock, power riff, and unflagging love of experimental sounds coupled with a consistency and longevity has made them second to none in several modern music armies. That they left their long standing affiliation with one of the big corporate labels and partnered with Matador Records is really nice as well. No Target, Best Buy, Wal-Mart exclusive (as opposed to the money grubbing displayed by Eagles, AC/DC, Rolling Stones, Prince and sadly recently by Pearl Jam). Equally wonderful and operating in a similar but parallel universe is the kingdom of David Byrne (that Talking Heads guy) and the mind behind a label called LUAKA BOP, whose mission has been as a platform for overlooked, obscure and often uncategorizable music and artists, oddball delights, global pop artists that Byrne has discovered and wants us to share. Luaka Bop celebrates 21 years of existence with a sampler CD you can read about below and better yet buy a copy here for just $6.98.

David Byrne, Sonic Youth, the ever energetic Elvis Costello, the mysterious and serious Mark E Everette aka eels, the biting and irreverent Todd Snider and the young and trend busting African American blues trio Homemade Jamz Blues Band are what make the music business bearable. Their varied and collective vision of their work is a testament to the reason we all collect tunes and go to record stores. I’ll bet not one of them owns an Eagles record.

Come see us.