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…and honestly, I’m heartbroken. The album I’m referring to is In The Fishtank 9 who’s cd case totes it as “sonic youth + ICP + The Ex.” It was actually a collaboration with the ICP Orchestra. In the Fishtank is actually a collaboration series where they take musicians who normally wouldn’t work together and they create an album. So, in light of this disappointment, I couldn’t listen to the album. I tried, I looked at it a couple of times and then sadly shook my head of what could have been. Instead, I listened to 30 second clips on itunes. It was alright. Your basic instrumental noise music. Not my cup of tea.
However, despite this disappointment, I can still hold the fantasy in my mind that Sonic Youth, Insane Clown Posse and The Ex did collaborate and make an album, and this is a review of that imaginary album.
I’m sure you’re thinking ‘“hip-hop duo” ICP, indie darlings Sonic Youth AND Dutch punk anarchists, the Ex making music together—how can this possibly be good? Don’t fret reader, I had the same doubts, but instead I discovered that they create sweet, sweet music together. Imagine Sonic Youth’s love of guitar distortion combined with the hip-hop stylings of ICP combined with the experimental wanderings of the EX make a love child. And it is a beautiful child. Thurston Moore wrote the lyrics, while Violent J performed them. The Ex provided the many solos sprinkled throughout the album. Instead of the horror focused lyrics that Violent J is fond of, he was rapping about literature! And pop culture! And other relevant things!
Their break out song Miracles Riot (Hands Up! You’re Free!), combines lyrics from break out singles from all of the groups, while still maintaining its own personal style. Think of Kanye West’s cover of Peter Bjorn & John’s Young Folks. The founding elements are still there but Kanye makes it his own. It’s possibly the most uplifting and important song I’ve ever heard in my life.
Yes, it is a bizarre mix of talent, but one that I feel is that it will bring music towards a greater good. Arguably juggalos, hipsters and anarchists are three of the most made fun of subgroups of society. These three bands represent those groups to one extent or another. And here they are creating music together. It gives hope to all three groups, allowing them to believe that one day, there will be a world where subcultures will be respected for who they are. Where they can make music together without being ridiculed. Where news outlets with no story to write, will make an article “unraveling” this subculture. In a sense—utopia created through music.
So please, for your own good, pick up this album. It will change your life for the good. I know mine is changed.
—Karin (who’s knowledge of sonic youth is based on the fact that she thinks she’s supposed to like them a lot more than she actually does. Her knowledge of ICP is based on the song “Miracles” and listening to her friends make fun of them. Finally, her knowledge of The Ex is based on solely wikipedia and youtube.)
