Invisible Fractures | Schizophrenics | Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth's "Schizophrenics" is a song that has been misunderstood by many listeners over the years. The song was released on their 1988 album "Daydream Nation," which is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. On the surface, the song appears to be about mental illness and chaos, but upon closer examination, it's clear that the song is actually a commentary on the state of society during the late 1980s.

The lyrics of the song are often fragmented and disjointed, which adds to the sense of chaos and disorder. However, if you listen closely, you can hear themes of social disconnection and alienation running throughout the song. The band's lead singer, Thurston Moore, has said in interviews that the song is about the feeling of being disconnected from society, and the sense of disorientation that comes with it.

One of the most interesting aspects of "Schizophrenics" is its use of unconventional sounds and instrumentation. The song features a wide range of noises, from distorted guitars to found objects and industrial sounds. This use of noise as a musical element was a hallmark of Sonic Youth's sound, and it helped to set them apart from other bands at the time.

Despite its complexity, "Schizophrenics" is actually a very catchy and memorable song. The chorus is simple and repetitive, with Moore singing about feeling like he's "lost in the haze." This simplicity provides a nice contrast to the rest of the song, which is more free-form and experimental. Overall, "Schizophrenics" is a great example of Sonic Youth's ability to create music that is both challenging and accessible.