Sonic Youth – Destroyed Room: B-Sides And Rarities

This entry was posted by owl and bear staff on Wednesday, January 17th, 2007 at 11:19 am.

2006, Geffen

In the past, after an initial taste, Sonic Youth virgins might’ve expressed anything from intrigue to a fight-or-flight reaction.

These days, the legendary NYC foursome are more musically accessible. To wit, The Destroyed Room—Sonic Youth’s new compilation of b-sides and rarities—has something for everyone, without sacrificing the trademark dissonance.

On “Razor Blade,” Kim Gordon channels Velvet Underground. Later, the Youth light a “Campfire” in outer space to create hypnotic beauty(!). “Beautiful Plateau” really cuts loose, a la Daydream Nation, and then does exactly what it describes: the song plateaus divinely. Also- not a lot of vocals here, so this one might be worth a listen for those listeners traditionally bothered by songs not quite sung.
The only real cause for distress? The furniture focus: what’s the deal with the song titles “Three-Part Sectional Love Seat” and “Queen Anne Chair.” Maybe they’re just getting old. You should hear my mom bitch when I put my feet on the sofa.

A