the album sounds like it’s title. panda asked how to get over her seasonal affective disorder soon after this album was released, and i sent this to her after just spending three days straight listening to on repeat. it is calming, with flowing rythyms, unassuming in typical thurston moore intrigue, with a lot of positive imagery in lyrical tone. it’s the kind of thing that adds pep to daily tasks when a little motivation is needed.
the best day does, however, go way beyond mood music and a spiritual uplifting. throughout his career, thurston moore has mostly marched to his own beat. the stereotypical image of a rabble rouser is that of a tough, ne’er-do-well miscreants, which is far from the reality. it’s not about being a troublemaker, it’s about doing what is right, regardless of what the rules are, the consequences, or what the social definition of acceptable behavior is. rules don’t always make sense, they don’t always serve to achieve their intended outcome. speak to the wild sets a tone for the best day much like teenage riot did. before anyone can be expected to enjoy themself, they have to be comfortable with their place and what they’re doing. speak to the wild is a lay down your arms type song, but still not falling in line with authority. hear the teachings with such lyrics as “protect your child, from empty empire…extinguish things, of earthly desire…don’t let the dark get you lost…the king has come to join the band, the king has come with no demands.” that’s all about creating a stress-free environment, a way to get angst out to be able to settle down.
moore returns with a couple more rabble rouser themes in detonation and germs burn, but just like sonic youth did at their best, it’s innocent and playful angst. detonation ends with, “game crashing seekers find the truth. just you wait, maybe we’ll use a toy grenade.” idaho greats finn riggins writes quite similar, subtle meanings into their songs. thurston moore just happens to be more fluid at it because he’s been doing it forever, since before even i was in high school. even at his age, moore still looks young and keeps that kid-like freedom of exploration. he knows how to appeal to others while being himself.
the record isn't preachy and doesn't give any formula for success. the lyrics leave it up to the individual listener. for instance, the songs forevermore and the best day don’t really make a lot of sense, they have obtuse and indirect meanings. “animals they sing and adore, intuitions flash before you. born to kiss the live and soul face, is happiness the throne of your grace?” it’s certainly full of meaning, but the meaning is manipulable. the imagery creates an atmosphere of something beautiful and positive. grace lake especially gives that feeling, while being an instrumental. feelings are present, and the listener can easily flow with it. yet, even in the midst of some of these most laid back tunes, thurston will shake things up with his sort of off-kilter guitar riffs.
the first few times i heard it, the album felt too long, too much noodling. that may result from expectation on my part. moore has had a penchant to go off on trippy tangents or get too experimental. but repeated listenings really have made it sound appropriate as if more things are being said. he basically just hangs and enjoys that “best day” with his best friend, like the cover photo from the 1940s of his mother and her dog in the water. you want to swim in the warm water a little longer, you want to feel the breeze while laying back and staring at the sky a little longer. without getting carried away, the recording holds on to that fleeting moment of happiness.
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