Beck produces, plays on Thurston Moore’s new solo album

Sonic Youth guitarist Thurston Moore always has multiple irons in the fire. Most recently, there’s Ecstatic Peace Library, the book publishing wing of his similarly named record label; his co-authorship of No Wave: Post-Punk. Underground. New York. 1976-1980; and a gig in Philadelphia this weekend with guitarist Bill Nace, violinist Samara Lubelski and harpist Mary Lattimore. Plus, he’s got a solo album on the way that features a big contribution from Moore’s longtime friend and collaborator Beck.

“It’s called Benediction, recorded in Southern California at Beck’s home studio with him producing,” Moore told Philadelphia Weekly. “Beck sings and plays a little bit on it. Samara and Mary both play on it quite extensively and very, very beautifully. Beck really put them through the paces.” The album is expected to be released on Matador sometime next year.

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The pair, who have been friends since the early 1990s — Moore recalled meeting Beck for the first time in his liner notes for the 2007 reissue of Odelay — teamed up earlier this year for some Yanni covers on Beck’s Record Club. 

As for Sonic Youth’s plans for 2011, Moore said they’ll be playing gigs a London show for New Year’s Eve and then some February dates in Chile. “We’re laying low and preparing to record some secret sides,” he said.

Q&A with Thurston Moore [Philadelphia Weekly via Consequence of Sound]