I was going to write something, but I got distracted... I saw SY for the first time in Louisville on 16 June. It was a packed show with lots of youngsters, which surprised me. There was only a peppering of 30 and 40 somethings; the occasional guy in his 50s. I found the crowd rude and disrespectful on whole. There was a sick amount of chain smoking by almost everyone present; some much so that Thurston choked up during a song and they had to play the verse a couple times without vocals. There were assholes talking during what few quiet parts there were and yelling out Teenage Riot or songs off Dirty between sets. The playing was simply amazing, though. They had all the interplay and intensity that I would expect from them. There was no indication that they have lost energy as they age; the music is just getting more focused. Kim Gordon even danced during a few songs; silly, yes, but it was nice to see she still had that energy in her. Her vocals were somewhat hoarse, but generally mustered her past spirit. I was wowed by Thurston's presence and his technique, but it was Jim O'Rourke that really stunned me. He seemed very reserved during the beginning of the show playing mostly bass or rhythm guitar, but really opened up playing some searing solos and cranking out some inspired noise--equal to anything to anything Thurston or Lee can do. They played mostly songs off of Murray Street (I think they played almost every song), but threw in a few songs from Sister, Evol, and Goo. They also played a new single and another new song; which were disappointing. Maybe they need to tighten up the arrangement or do something with them, but they sucked. No where near the quality of even Murray Street. All in all they seemed like a big happy family: having a helluva time on stage. They joked and just looked so happy while playing. I would see them again a heartbeat. It would have been nice to see them with Wilco, but I enjoyed the small rock venue. Zach -----Original Message----- From: zorn-list-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:zorn-list-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of jason tors Sent: Monday, June 30, 2003 10:48 PM To: zornlist Subject: did anyone see sonic youth w/ wilco? I missed them in boston, they canceled and got mission of burma to play with wilco, I decided 35$ wasnt worth it reviews please, I have yet to check out sy live jt