Another milestone for one of the great alternative bands of
A. Boyd | Boston MA | 12/12/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Rather Ripped is Sonic Youth's 17th album and represents a yet another milepost of the gradual and graceful maturing of one of alternative / indie rock's forefathers. Absent here (for the most part) is the squealing severity for which the band is so revered; instead, there is more overt melody, more tight production and musicianship. And as always, underneath it all are well-crafted, smart songs. Is this moderately polished sound really Sonic Youth? Indeed, and thank God. Today's alternative rock would be nowhere without these guys, and this album is both accessible (for those whose background does not include grungier, dirty stuff like this) but also edgy enough to appeal to, and not too badly piss off, long-time Sonic Youth devotees. GENRES: Alternative.
BUY IF YOU LIKE: The Pixies, Pavement, Nirvana.
MUST HEAR TRACKS: "Reena," "Incinerate," "What A Waste," "Jams Run Free.""