http://arts.guardian.co.uk/filmandmu...113796,00.html
Sonic Youth, Daydream Nation
(Universal)
Michael Hann
Friday June 29, 2007
The Guardian
Buy Daydream Nation now
When the US rock underground began poking its head above the surface in 1988 with the release of Daydream Nation, a process was set in train that would lead to Nirvana becoming the biggest rock band in the world. Sonic Youth had been putting out records of varying degrees of listenability for several years, but Daydream Nation, a sprawling double album, saw them harnessing their strange guitar tunings and freeform leanings to tighter song structures and melodies, with startling results. Nearly 20 years on, Daydream Nation sounds almost flawless, from wistful opener Teen Age Riot ("It's getting kinda quiet in my city head/ It takes a teenage riot to get me out of bed right now") through to its proggy closer, Trilogy. This new edition contains that rarest of beasts: a bonus disc of live versions that enhances rather than dilutes the power of the core material, and reveals a band of rare power and control.