| 1 | Frozen GTR | 4:06 |
| 2 | The Shape Is In A Trance | 4:39 |
| 3 | Honest James | 3:49 |
| 4 | Silver>Blue | 5:51 |
| 5 | Fri/End | 3:31 |
| 6 | American Coffin | 3:56 |
| 7 | Wonderful Witches + Language Meanies | 2:24 |
| 8 | Off Work | 4:12 |
| 9 | Never Day | 4:01 |
| 10 | Free Noise Among Friends | 0:37 |
| 11 | Trees Outside The Academy | 5:53 |
| 12 | Thurston@13 | 2:39 |
Released in 2007 on his own Ecstatic Peace! label, Thurston Moore’s Trees Outside The Academy marks a fascinating pivot from the signature noise-rock of Sonic Youth toward a more contemplative, song-oriented landscape. Recorded at J. Mascis’ Bisquetten Studio, this solo outing masters the delicate balance between "solemn dirges" and "mystic pop," proving that Moore is as much an expert songwriter as he is a pioneer of distortion.
The album showcases Moore embracing the "bare architecture" of acoustic guitar and verse-chorus structures, elevated by lush, pastoral arrangements. With contributions from violinist Samara Lubelski, Sonic Youth’s Steve Shelley, and guest vocalists like Christina Carter (Charalambides), the record glides through moments of serene folk-noise and skewed unease.
Key Highlights:
- A Masterclass in Songcraft: Features the driving "Wonderful Witches," the bittersweet "Off Work," and the evocative instrumental title track.
- Collaborative Depth: Includes the poignant Anglo-folk duet "Honest James."
- Ecstatic Peace Vibe: Captures the label’s signature off-kilter fragility and cutting noise-folk aesthetic.
Whether you're a devoted Sonic Youth fan or a lover of experimental folk-rock, Trees Outside The Academy is a unique, mid-career masterwork that finds Moore exploring new, introspective territory.
