Sonic Youth's 'Hits' Heading To Starbucks

June 29, 2007, 10:10 AM ET
Michael Paoletta, N.Y.

In a recent interview, Sonic Youth guitarist Thurston Moore mentioned that the band needed to record a new song for a Starbucks compilation. Within minutes of his remarks hitting the Internet, chat rooms and fan sites were awash in cries of "foul" and "sellouts."

For many, the idea of the ultimate indie art band getting into bed with the ultimate mainstream lifestyle brand was pure blasphemy. "I never thought of it as being more radical than recording for Universal Music," Moore tells Billboard. "They're both corporations that have ties to things that people find sort of problematic."

The compilation in question, "Hits Are for Squares," is a co-release by Starbucks Entertainment and Universal Special Markets. Scheduled for release early next year, it will be sold at select Starbucks locations in eight U.S. markets (including New York, Chicago and Seattle) as well as online at hearmusic.com.

In addition to one new, exclusive track, the limited-edition CD features Sonic Youth songs, handpicked by Chloe Sevigny, Dave Eggers, Michelle Williams and other enthusiasts. Participants will also each write a few words, explaining their selections, for the liner notes.

"I guess, for some, Sonic Youth represents something that they don't really equate with Starbucks," Moore says. "But I kind of like the absurdity of it. Sonic Youth has always, in a way, made itself available to the super mainstream."

"In a way, Sonic Youth has a branded name," he continues. "People know the name, but not necessarily our music, which might be a little too outsider for some. And when they do hear a little something, it doesn't tell the whole story. I thought it would be interesting to have a CD available in a store like Starbucks where the casual consumer can sort of have access to [our music] more readily."

Sonic Youth has yet to record its own contribution to the compilation, but was recently in the studio recording an unidentified Bob Dylan cover that may be used in Todd Haynes' upcoming film "I'm Not There."

Moore is also looking ahead to the Sept. 18 release of a new solo album, "Trees Outside the Academy," which he will support with some live shows.

"Hopefully, I'll get together the group that plays on the record, including Steve Shelley," he says. "Samara Lubelski from Brooklyn plays the electric violin, which acts as a second instrument on almost every track. J Mascis from Dinosaur Jr. plays some killer guitar all over the record. And I play all the acoustic guitar and bass on it. It's a pretty heavy song-based record."

http://www.billboard.com/...1003605708

Despite the little sad face I attached to the thread, I don't think there's anything wrong with this either. Did I ever see it coming? Not at all, but if SY can fool Starbucks into selling their noise (and I mean 'noise' in the most complimentary sense), then good for them. Maybe some of those conservative Starbucks' patrons can even be converted. What I hope doesn't happen is the opposite and that SY fans will suddenly flock to Starbucks and begin supporting them. Judging from the grumblings I've heard on the SY message boards, that dosen't seem too likely.
[Edited 7/2/07 13:57pm]

sextonseven said:

Starbucks has become a pretty good place to peddle music to those who are too stupid or too rich to see how grossly overpriced the cds are.
I don't think there's anything wrong with it.

Beck, White Stripes, Lily Allen, the Police, Prince all have sold albums through good ole facist-ass Starbucks

God, I love my job

thekidsgirl said:

Oh yeah, you work for Starbucks.

sextonseven said:

Unfortunately

thekidsgirl said:

Does the chain ever play these exclusive discs in the stores? I would love to see the looks on some people's faces when they hear Thurston Moore doing his feedback thing.

grammar
[Edited 7/2/07 14:46pm]

Starbucks has become a pretty good place to peddle music to those who are too stupid or too rich to see how grossly overpriced the cds are. I don't think there's anything wrong with it.

Beck, White Stripes, Lily Allen, the Police, Prince all have sold albums through good ole facist-ass Starbucks

God, I love my job

sextonseven said:

We have like compilation cds of the music we sell playing throughout the day, but some artists get more play than others. For instance, if I have to hear too much more Corinne Bailey Rae, I'm gonna saw my ears off with a rusty blade

ironically, most of the people bitching about this are probabbly sitting at a starbucks on their laptops...

Despite the little sad face I attached to the thread, I don't think there's anything wrong with this either. Did I ever see it coming? Not at all, but if SY can fool Starbucks into selling their noise (and I mean 'noise' in the most complimentary sense), then good for them. Maybe some of those conservative Starbucks' patrons can even be converted. What I hope doesn't happen is the opposite and that SY fans will suddenly flock to Starbucks and begin supporting them. Judging from the grumblings I've heard on the SY message boards, that dosen't seem too likely.
[Edited 7/2/07 13:57pm]

sextonseven said:

well, they're probably sell to the not-conservative Starbucks empoloyees with 18 holes in their ears and faces and tattoos on their necks.

.

My problem with Starbucks stems from the marketing exec's wet dream that's sold people into believe you can buy cool and hip from a coffee joint.