This two-dozen track anthology of Sonic Youth's enthusiastic embrace of the music video form begins in 1990 with 11 stylistically eclectic shorts, one to support each track of the band's hit album Goo. The effort drew considerable filmmaking talent in the form of Tamra Davis (Guncrazy), who directed the television-accessible video for "Dirty Boots" as well as the sexy "Kool Thing"; Todd Haynes (Far from Heaven), who makes a feverish study of the distinction between public and private identity in "Disappearer"; and Dave Markey, who stirs up a faux-experimental tribute to Joan Crawford in "Mildred Pierce." Other good things include the nutty 1994 "Bull in the Heather" (co-directed by Davis and bassist-singer Kim Gordon), the 1995 concert performance "The Diamond Sea" (a collaboration with Spike Jonze, later the director of Adaptation), and "Sunday," a mesmerizing, time-manipulated piece by Harmony Korine (Gummo). All together, the set is somewhat uneven in quality, but always interesting, with the best pieces genuine keepers. Special features include extensive commentary by the band and video artists, interviews, and a fan-created short film. Recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)
Sonic Youth: Corporate Ghost--Videos, 1990-2002
(2004) 104 min. DVD: $14.98. Universal Music & Video (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Volume 19, Issue 5
Sonic Youth: Corporate Ghost--Videos, 1990-2002
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