Starpower

For other uses, see Star power.

"Starpower" is a song by American alternative rock band Sonic Youth. It was released in 1986 by record label SST as the first and only single from the band's third studio album, EVOL. It was re-released on colored vinyl in both 1990 and 1991.

"Starpower"
Single by Sonic Youth
from the album Evol
B-side	"Bubblegum", "Expressway to Yr Skull"
Released	July 1986
Genre	Alternative rock, noise rock
Label	SST
Songwriter(s)	Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore, Lee Ranaldo, Steve Shelley
Producer(s)	Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth singles chronology
"Flower" (1985) "Starpower" (1986) "Teen Age Riot" (1988)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[1]

Writing

Though Kim Gordon sang the studio version, the lyrics were written by Thurston Moore, and he sings on all concert versions.

Content

Both versions of "Starpower" and "Expressway to Yr Skull" are edits. Mike Watt played bass on "Bubblegum", a Kim Fowley cover which was also the bonus track on the EVOL CD. Only the 7" version featured the first two songs; all other releases had all three. A live version of "Starpower" was referred to by Moore as "Watt Power", referring to bassist Watt.

Release

"Starpower" was released in July 1986 by record label SST. Its first pressing on 7" vinyl" included an EVOL poster and pendant. A 10" was issued on various colors of vinyl, including grey and purple.

The 2009 Gossip Girl episode "Rufus Getting Married" featured a live version of this song, with Gordon on vocals. Gordon also acted in a small speaking role. Before the performance, Moore and guitarist Lee Ranaldo were shown tuning their guitars.^[2]

Track listing

1. "Starpower (Edit)" – 2:50
2. "Bubblegum" (Kim Fowley) – 2:45
3. "Expressway to Yr Skull (Edit)" – 4:30