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Sonic Youth Trivia Quiz

Sonic Youth got their start in New York and went on to enjoy a devoted following and strong influence in alternative music. See how much you know about the group.

A multiple-choice quiz by neon000. Estimated time: 5 mins.

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Author
neon000

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
253,980

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
315

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What song opens with Kim Gordon muttering about "desire"? Hint

Kool Thing

Bull in the Heather

Fire Engine Dream

Teenage Riot

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Question 2 of 10

2. What song did Sonic Youth contribute to the 1994 CD "DGC Rarities, Vol. 1"? Hint

Compilation Blues

Don't Tell Your Mother

Mad Dog 20/20

Disappearer

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Question 3 of 10

3. What was the title of Sonic Youth's 2002 video compilation? Hint

Corporate Ghost

Short Films With Songs

I've Got Your Videos Right Here, Pal

Scratches on the Ether

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Question 4 of 10

4. What album's cover did not feature the object in the title, but instead, two fans wearing the band's t-shirts? Hint

A Thousand Leaves

The Destroyed Room

Washing Machine

Bad Moon Rising

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Question 5 of 10

5. Who was the producer for the 1997 EP "Anagrama"? Hint

Wharton Tiers

Stephen Street

Butch Vig

Mark Arm

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Question 6 of 10

6. From whom or what did Sonic Youth get the first part of their name? Hint

MC5 guitarist Fred "Sonic" Smith

The group liked to eat at Sonic restaurants

Thurston Moore worked in an audio equipment store

Kim Gordon was a big fan of the Seattle Supersonics

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Question 7 of 10

7. Early in the group's career, they recorded on a label owned by what figure of the New York music scene? Hint

Lou Reed

Glenn Branca

Tommy Erdelyi

Rick Rubin

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Question 8 of 10

8. What happened during a 1990s appearance by Sonic Youth on David Letterman's television show? Hint

Chickens from a previous skit broke loose and attacked the group

Three of the group members knocked each other over

The band members took part in a contest and won hams

The sound malfunctioned, and frustrated group members left the stage

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Question 9 of 10

9. What writer inspired many of the songs on the album "Sister"? Hint

Philip K. Dick

Henry James

Isaac Asimov

Scott Turow

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Question 10 of 10

10. The group recorded two versions of a song about a couple who are nervous about getting married. What is that song? Hint

Beauty Lies in the Eye

I Love You Golden Blue

Diamond Sea

Heather Angel

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What song opens with Kim Gordon muttering about "desire"?

Answer: Teenage Riot

It's an anthemic track from "Daydream Nation." The album has a lit candle on the cover.

2. What song did Sonic Youth contribute to the 1994 CD "DGC Rarities, Vol. 1"?

Answer: Compilation Blues

Ha ha. Very imaginative. "Mad Dog" is by Teenage Fanclub, "Don't Tell Your Mother" by the Sundays and "Disappearer" by Sonic Youth although not on this collection. (DGC stands for David Geffen Co., Sonic Youth's label.)

3. What was the title of Sonic Youth's 2002 video compilation?

Answer: Corporate Ghost

The cover image was of a transparent guitar. The video set came with a free sticker.

4. What album's cover did not feature the object in the title, but instead, two fans wearing the band's t-shirts?

Answer: Washing Machine

That was cheeky. The fans wore blue shirts with illustrations of washing machines on them.

5. Who was the producer for the 1997 EP "Anagrama"?

Answer: Wharton Tiers

Tiers also produced two follow-up EPs after this one. The CDs were sold in art museums as well as music stores.

6. From whom or what did Sonic Youth get the first part of their name?

Answer: MC5 guitarist Fred "Sonic" Smith

Guitarist Fred Smith was married to fellow musician Patti Smith. Fred passed away from a heart attack in 1994. Rest in peace.

7. Early in the group's career, they recorded on a label owned by what figure of the New York music scene?

Answer: Glenn Branca

Glenn Branca is a guitarist known for free-form experimental pieces. Legend has it that following a break-up with his girlfriend of the time, Branca took to the stage at CBGB's and played the G chord for fifteen straight minutes. In 1981, Branca signed Sonic Youth to Neutral Records.

Rick Reed is a producer, Lou Reed is a performer but has never owned a recording label and Tommy Erdelyi is the real name of Tommy Ramone.

8. What happened during a 1990s appearance by Sonic Youth on David Letterman's television show?

Answer: Three of the group members knocked each other over

When caught up in the energy of a performance, the musicians would often knock into each other. They did so toward the end of a song while on the Letterman show. Letterman became a bit concerned. He asked, "Are they fighting?" and helped them get to their feet. Kim Gordon, Lee Ranaldo and Thurston Moore were all okay.

The only person unaffected in the incident was drummer Steve Shelley, who stayed at his drum set.

9. What writer inspired many of the songs on the album "Sister"?

Answer: Philip K. Dick

Philip K. Dick was the author of "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" This was made into the classic movie, "Blade Runner."

10. The group recorded two versions of a song about a couple who are nervous about getting married. What is that song?

Answer: Diamond Sea

The version on the album "Washing Machine" runs for twenty minutes. Another take, available on the B-sides collection "The Destroyed Room," runs for twenty-five minutes.

Source: Author neon000

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ertrum before going online.
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