Kim Gordon's *PLAY ME* Album Drops
Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon dropped her third solo album, *PLAY ME*, to critical acclaim, with SPIN calling her presence "captivating" and "commanding" [https://www.spin.com/2026/03/kim-gordon-play-me-review/]. Technical glitches during the review process gave the album a "remix" feel, highlighting its experimental spirit [https://www.spin.com/2026/03/kim-gordon-play-me-review/]. The album is out now on Matador Records.
*PLAY ME*, released March 13, 2026, is Gordon's third solo album, following 2019's *No Home Record* and 2024's *The Collective*. Like *The Collective*, it was produced by Justin Raisen, known for working with artists like Charli XCX and Yves Tumor. The album's sound expands to include more melodic beats and krautrock influences. Gordon has said that she wanted the songs to be short and fast, resulting in a more focused and confident record. Lyrically, *PLAY ME* addresses modern life, including US politics and the rise of AI. The album also sees Gordon singing in a way she hadn't in a long time, bringing out "another voice". Two singles preceded the album: "Not Today," accompanied by a music video directed by Rodarte founders Kate and Laura Mulleavy, and "Dirty Tech," a trap song inspired by AI. A reworked version of "Bye Bye" from *The Collective*, titled "ByeBye25!", also appears on *PLAY ME*. Dave Grohl makes an appearance on "Busy Bee," playing drums. Sonic Youth, the band that Gordon co-founded with Thurston Moore, disbanded in 2011 after their separation. Their final show was in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The end of their 27-year marriage and the band's subsequent breakup caused disappointment among fans.
