SONIC YOUTH
Rather Ripped
Geffen
· Sonic Youth aren’t getting any younger, but then again, neither am I.
Saying that Rather Ripped is Sonic Youth’s best album since 1990’s Goo may be true, but it’s also misleading. When you consider the breadth of their catalogue, which includes college-rock chart-toppers, experimental soundscapes and everything in between, how you enjoy the latest from New York’s seminal noise rockers depends on which facet you prefer. I love their cacophonous wall of feedback, but I love the way they fuck with straight-up rock songs even more. In that sense, Rather Ripped is a welcome return to form.
Thurston Moore does the bulk of the vocal work in his usual monotone, with bassist Kim Gordon shedding her riot grrl wail in favour of a childlike sing-song. Lyrically the album raises a few eyebrows, but most of the poetry is oblique or hypnotic enough to be successful. Musically they return to the intricate guitar melodies of Daydream Nation, but tighten up the delivery.
With their trademark guitar acrobatics and atmospheric soundscapes, Rather Ripped is one of the prettiest albums in the Sonic Youth catalogue. It’s not a revolutionary album – it isn’t even that original – however, it does combine the best elements of the band in the best way possible. And even after all this time, nobody does it like they do.
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