Program Guide 2012 Program Guide | Page 25

Australian PREMIERE MUSIC “Here are a wealth of rock gems that shine with a warm-hearted, Neil Young‑like intensity.” Lee RAnaldo (USA) Supported by The Laurels NME (UK) (on Between the Times and the Tides) Legendary guitarist Lee Ranaldo emerges from the folds of Sonic Youth to perform an expansive suite of songs from his acclaimed solo album, Between the Times and the Tides. From his early days with Glenn Branca’s electric drone orchestra through to a 30-year tour of duty with Sonic Youth that came to define alternative music, Lee Ranaldo is a guitarist without measure. Indeed, his critical esteem is only now reaching its peak – Spin Magazine recently named Ranaldo and Sonic Youth bandmate Thurston Moore jointly as the greatest guitarists of all time. More song-oriented than any of Ranaldo’s previous outings, Between the Times and the Tides sees him joining up with Sonic Youth alumni Steve Shelley, Jim O’Rourke and Bob Bert, Wilco axe-man Nels Cline, organist John Medeski and long-time Text of Light collaborator Alan Licht to dish out a powerful sequence of rock gems – a rollicking constellation of shimmering, 60s-tinged melody and soaring poetry. Performing solo with his new group in Australia for the first time, Ranaldo brings to bear his three decades of experience to craft a live show that is powerful and ever-changing, oscillating between bracing indie rock, quiet introspection and, of course, the spontaneous guitar-fuzz overloads he’s famous for. Ranaldo will be supported by up-and-coming Sydney shoegazers, The Laurels, fresh from launching their debut album Plains. Channelling Velvet Underground-style noise experiments and transcendent guitar freak-outs, their sound is psychedelic, surging and overwhelming, an astral journey contained in a wall of blissful guitar noise. Over 18s event Event Information The Hi-Fi Melbourne Wed 24 Oct at 8.30pm Doors at 8pm Support act from 8.30pm $45 Transaction & booking fees may apply The Hi-Fi Melbourne 1300 843 443 thehifi.com.au Ticketmaster 136 100 melbournefestival.com.au Supported by Lee Ranaldo also performs with Text of Light (see page 40). 25