8. A Thousand Leaves (1998)
This album answers the question: what if Sonic Youth took a stab at Shoegaze? This is an undeniable masterpiece of fuzzy guitars that will remind longtime fans why they fell in love with Sonic Youth and became insufferable pricks in the first place. Probably their best album to get high to.
Play it Again: “Sunday” is quite possibly one of SY’s best tracks off of any of their works.
Skip It: “Contre le Sexism’ is a bit of a dud that thankfully is track one so it’s out of the way early.
7. Experimental Jet Set Trash No Star (1994)
1994 was the year that gave us “Pulp Fiction” and this lo-fi-inspired Sonic Youth masterpiece. This one is their “The Silmarillion” in that you really need to be familiar with the band before attempting to listen to it. While that may sound pretentious, try diving into SY with this one and you’ll see what we mean.
Play it Again: This is one you can queue up and listen to on repeat multiple times and never get sick of it.
Skip It: We know where you live.
6. Washing Machine (1995)
Sonic Youth’s take on psychedelia and experimental rock is a welcome change from the numerous post-grunge albums that were being shat out in 1995. After 15 years of performing and recording, Sonic Youth showed that they could still grow and challenge themselves as musicians with “Washing Machine.” This album features some of their longest tracks so save this one for when you’re stuck at your kid’s recital.
Play it Again: “Little Trouble Girl” is a hauntingly beautiful track with a duet from Kim Gordon and Kim Deal.
Skip It: ‘The Diamond Sea” not even Sonic Youth can get away with a twenty-minute track.
5. Goo (1990)
This is Sonic Youth’s most accessible album. Probably, because it was their first album for a mainstream label. From a pop-cultural standpoint, this might be their most important album as it was instrumental in NIrvana making the jump to a major label. Every time someone plays this album, Steve Albini dies inside a little.
Play it Again: “Tunic (Song for Karen)” Karen Carpenter was punk, just watch her drum. Fight me.
Skip It: “Kool Thing” there’s nothing wrong with this song, but whoever does the Spotify radio algorithms must not be aware there are Sonic Youth songs other than this one.
4. Murray Street (2002)
Recording for this one in downtown NYC was halted due to the September 11th attacks, but other than naming this one for the street the studio is on, Sonic Youth spared us the maudlin corporate patriotism, like any good punks, and got back to their roots of kick-ass distorted guitars.
Play it Again: All of it, but especially “Disconnection Notice”
Skip It: Why though?
3. Evol (1986)
A haunting and seductive album that seamlessly combines noise rock with pop hooks. Play this one when you’re trying to get across the finish line with your crush by showing them how cool you think you are. Because at the end of the day, 90 percent of liking Sonic Youth is about trying to get laid, and we really aren’t sure if Gen Z is carrying on that tradition.
Play it Again: “Shadow of Doubt” Kim’s vocals and the almost ambient guitars are guaranteed to get you laid or scare off your potential mate. It could go either way.
Skip It: You do not skip tracks on this album. Ever.
2. Daydream Nation (1988)
Since all musical comparisons have to be made with the bands boomers grew up with, thank you very much Rolling Stone, this album is the “Pet Sounds” to “Nevermind’s” “Sgt. Pepper.” We feel sick for having to write that, but this was the album that every alternative rock band since has been trying to replicate. It’s also a double album, so if you’re listening on vinyl, and since this is a list about Sonic Youth you probably are, there’s a lot of standing and walking involved.
Play it Again: “Teen Age Riot,’ is seven minutes in heaven only without the awkward heavy petting.
Skip It: I guess If you’re pressed for time, “Providence” is just a recording of a voicemail from Mike Watt.
1. Sister (1987)
While “Daydream Nation” was busy being your obnoxiously, perfect sibling, and the source of countless ‘why can’t you be more like ‘Daydream Nation’” demands, “Sister” replies with a ‘fuck you, I was ‘Daydream Nation’ before ‘Daydream Nation.’” This album effortlessly brought together noise, punk, art-rock, and pop into one perfect amalgamation of Philip K. Dick references, distorted guitars playing pop hooks, and a cover of “Hot Wire My Heart” that slaps.
Play it Again: The whole album
Skip It: Fuck you
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