After hear most of the songs from the new album I gotta say Rats. Lee once again you have blown my mind.

Then you don't count.

I think they're all tied for "Favorite".

They're also all tied for "Least Favorite".

You see, it's a default thing, because every song on it is also tied for "Worst song ever" on the "worst album ever".

So, if every song equally sucks, it equally rules too.

But enough of that.

That album blows goat turds.

All this fuss over downloading an album before you buy it is getting a bit hysterical.

I see downloading music as the same thing as trying on a pair of shoes. If I see a pair I like, by a maker that I respect, then I'll try them on.
If I like the fit and they suit me, then I'll buy them.
Same with music.
In the past (before the internet) I have bought some dreadful albums based on hearing the only decent track on them because that was all you could hear, because that was the track released as a single and played on the radio. It used to really piss me off. I felt like I'd been ripped off.

Now I can try before I buy. It seems fair, you can do it with virtually every other commodity, so why not music?

Another thing on the plus side about downloading is that you can get to listen to bands you never heard of before, and if you like what you hear, buy their stuff.
I reckon that about 30% of my record collection is comprised of bands that I was introduced to via random downloads from slsk or some other 'non legitimate' source. Artists like 'Circle', 'Harold Budd', Susumu Yokota, Mono, Explosions in the Sky, Calla, Giardino de Miro, Sigur Ros, Clouddead, Buck 65, and many others are only part of my record collection because I downloaded a track or two, liked what I heard, and went out and bought as much of their back catalogue as I could find.

Downloading has enabled me to buy more of the music I really like and to support lesser known bands at the same time. What's wrong with that?

Of course it's wrong to download copyrighted music with the intention of copying it and selling it for profit, and I have never done that. But I maintain that I have the right to know what I'm buying, because there aren't many record shops or companies that will take you seriously if you ask for a refund based solely on the premise that, in your opinion, the record you just spent £15 on, is shit.

If people want to choose to listen to 'Rather Ripped' only on the day of release, and rely solely on the bands reputation as a reason to buy, then that's up to them.
Personally, I prefer to make an informed choice about what I spend my money on.

Sorry Florya, heard that many times before, but I don't think that this is true for the most of downloaders. Just because it is nowdays much more nerve and time-consuming (not speaking of money) to buy a DECENT (not a mainstream) record, than to dl it somewhere, be a little creative and do your own artwork, eventually using some pix you downloaded too.
PLUS: you can dl every album you can buy, but you can't buy every album you can dl!

You may have heard it before, doesn't mean it's not true for me. My conscience is clear when it comes to downloading.
I take your point about not being able to buy everything you download, but there are very few people who try to make a profit from selling live recordings and oop rarities. What would be the point when they are freely available to anyone that wants them, as long as they have an internet connection?
In the bad old days, I used to go to record fairs and try and find copies of live recordings of gigs that I'd been to. If I found one I'd have to pay £5-£10 for a cheap cassette copy which very often snagged itself in the workings of my car stereo before I'd even got it home!
Now I can get much better quality recordings at no cost. OK so the band don't get paid for unofficial concert recordings. Tough. I don't ask for royalties every time I'm filmed on CCTV even though that's done against my will and without my knowledge.
Listen, I've been in bands, I've had records released, people have recorded concerts that I've played in, I've seen my music available for download on slsk. Does it bother me? Not in the slightest. Why? Because it's all advertising.

advertising for what? If the number of sold cds decreases steadily you have to say that's not the best method of advertising! don't you think?

I think it is that simple: It is possible to dl, therefore people will dl. Bad or good isn't really a question. That's the blessing (for the majority of music-listeners and some musicians like florya) or the curse (for the minority of some of the music-makers, -labels, recordshops and so on) of progress!

i'm glad there are still a few true SY fans around who actually get it. glad you are around rob (;

we get it already, you are anti-everything. you have the most scene points blah blah etc.

I heard the Paris gig and I really, really loved "Rats." And also, "Do You Believe in Rapture" which sounded like an odd amalgam of TheVelvet Underground, and DND-era Liars with a bit of CIS thrown in for good measure.

"RATS"! & "Pink Steam" is fucking amazing as well. The whole album is great.

rats! it doesn't sound like any other youth song.

i really like jams run free too.

Reena is a hell of an opener. I like the whole album so far.

Dude my opinion is that a real fan of the music, artist or album in general wouldn't steal or download the album. I believe as a artist to have originals due to the fact I don't want the same to be done to my work. As for argueing with someone about download it's not up to me, we live in a so called free country & these days people just don't give 2 flying fucks about it! It's a shame that the new SY album has leaked, I wouldn't lie I would love to have a copy before the release. It's like having a new toy that no one else has but, I have not downloaded & I'm eagerly awaiting the release. I can let someone know that it's wrong but I won't shove it down their throught. Unfortunately people don't have the same heart & conviction for Sonic Youth as you or I may have. All I have to say is listen to the streamed version until the official release. SONIC LIFE..SONIC LUST...SONIC PASSION..Until..SONIC DEATH!!!!!!!!!!................

-schizo-
Yes, "Jams Run Free" is an excellent track. I also like "What A Waste", & "The Neutral". I love the whole album.

Pink Steam also kicks MAJOR ASS!!!

It's a way different album, and I really like Reena, Incinerate, and Do you Belive In Rapture, but it does'nt seem as strong as Nurse.

i havnt listened to the album. I heard the Paris gig and like rats, raptire, etc. I love it all man!

"Lights Out" is also an excellent track. Love the bass line.

Being able to stream the LP is great. I had it on in work today, very nice LP in my opinion. Good to finally hear it.

I always liked 'Sleepin Around', and I really like all of that psychocansyish feedback they've put in.

BUT...'Pink Steam' is also amazing, and just pips it. Both tracks stand up to anything SY have previously done, though, it has to be said.

I'm looking forward to having an actual cd and hearing it through some better speakers.

Hell, I've been listening to this album through my stereo on cd.
Speaking of which, my stereo has 2 100w channels, so it sounds great to me. & a 50w subwoofer for that thump.

Bling Bling!

Rats is my favorite followed closely by Jams Run Free.

Or is a perfect closing track and the best track on the album. Like been said, it could have clocked in at ten minutes+ but I really like the fact it' so short.
The acoustic tune used really sets this track on flames.
Many will surely dissagree.

If this tune sounds anything like what to expect from T's 2nd solo album, I can' wait!

"The plan is to go to D.C & hang out.
Go see girl's rock"
-Or

It's such a hard decision. I want to choose this as my fave, but the entire album is mind boggeling.
My favorite song off "Rather Ripped" is the entire fucking album. A *** rating.

Right now it's Pink Steam, but i'm really taken w/ Do You Believe in Rapture & The Neutral as well..Shit, Incinerate is totally rad, Rats is amazing, Or..but yeah, Pink Steam takes it.

I love how they stretch out the song ("Pink Steam") to make the 1st verse be in the middle of the song. If that made any sense.

OK i turned the volume up three notches and PINK STEAM is commencing to kick my belongings... SO

Or and Pink Steam - definitely

I'd have to go with Reena or Jams Run Free.

Have you guys heard the song Rats by The Kinks?

Doesn't have anything to do with the SY song. Except that Dave Davies was sort of the Lee of the Kinks.

Edit: Holy shit, I just searched Allmusic and there are a lot of songs called "Rats":

Syd Barrett - Barrett(1970)
The Kinks - Lola vs. the Powerman & the Money-Go-Round, Pt. 1(1970)
Tuff Darts
Subhumans
Pink Lincolns
Krewmen
blah blah and so on - interesting ones: Pearl Jam (I'm sure some of you idiots know this one), Billy Corgan, Rasputina (hahaha), etc.

I also found some other bands with songs called "Lights Out". The Residents, John Fahey, UFO (yummy). The UFO track is on a lot of compilation albums, the best being "This Is Mullet Rock."

"Lighs Out"

It reminded me of "With The Lights Out", when I first heard the title.
Loved Thurston's essay in the liner notes. (BTW)

neutral and rats

I guess if i'd have to pick one at this point my favorite song would be Turqoise Boy and/or Reena. I've only been able to hear the album when i get up in the morning, and it's been just as potent as coffe for me this week. I like the whole flow the album. It's just so fuckin damn great to have a new sonic youth to listen to. Thanks, SY, for making another cd. Can't wait to get the lp!!!

"Turqoiuse Boy"

I can't believe I forgot that song. Yes, That is an excellent track.

"Hey Dawg"
-Thurston

I do agree with Turquoise boy being a hell of a track!!!

The noisy section in the middle of Turqoise Boy is an exact steal from the Goo album. Pink Steam and Sleepin' Around are the best!

well i love"rats" because Lee is always my fav
besides,incinerate and renna are not bad
but as a whole,it's not like a SY album
it disappointed me

I have to admit, "Incinerate" blows me away everytime I hear it.
But so does the rest of the album. Especially "Pink Steam".

OR!

but i love the whoooooole album.