Reviews (page 8 of 11)
I got into Sonic Youth around my freshman year of college. This was the first album I heard from them and I remember how listening to this while driving under gray skies just fit somehow. (Maybe the reference to stormy weather on Teen Age Riot?) Anyway this album started a big love for this band. Maybe it's because it was first, but this has remained my favorite. They have some other really great albums but this is always the one I'm most likely to play if it's been a while since I spent time with SY
I only listened to part of the album. Not my type of music.
Killer indie type album, was way more into this than I figured I’d be. Good time
Ok some noisy noisy noise Really not my thing, like I can hear the influence on later artists and some of the songs are good! Its really interesting and I know they really pioneered a lot of the elements that later grunge groups ended up adapting but I think those reformulations were a little more palatable for me. Maybe some of their later stuff where they are experimenting a little less would be more my thing!
BL: An album I've not heard anything from. I wasn't a massive fan of the previous Sonic Youth album I got on the generator "E.V.O.L", To me it felt quite reductive, not having the punk flare of Gang of Four, or Dead Kennedys, nor the post-punk charm of something like Joy Division. However I am going into this with an open mind to see if I change my mind. BL: This album was certainly a lot better than their previous work. It feels like there was a big sonic progression, utilising complex guitar parts with harmonics and crushing walls of drum lines. Vocally the performances were still rather hit-or-miss I found, generally at a 1:1 ratio of hits and misses. I can definitely hear big inspiration from a project I like "Parannoul", they clearly listened to SY heavily. Overall this was not a wasted listen, but definitely could've done with some heavy fat trimming. FT: "Teen Age Riot", "Eric's Trip", "Hey Joni", "Candle", "B) Hyperstation" 3/5
Fun retro punk listen, just enough dynamism to keep things moving, but otherwise falls into patterns that are easy to work too (and obviously upbeat passages in there). A little frantic here and there but tis the nature of the genre
High energy bangers
Catchy song that descend into chaos
noise noise noise. sometimes you're in the mood for that. today I wasn't.
Not for me. I skipped a few songs... 2/5
I understand the importance of this album and its place in the history of alt/grunge rock and I like a lot of the song on it, but I don’t think I’m ever going to get hooked on any of the songs enough to came back to it over time.
Not my kind of music but it is now. I love this.
I liked many songs on this album and loved many
I think I like it, but I think I have to be in the mood. The older I get the more I realize I am not interested in the affectations of the cool kid bands.
Parts of this feel like if the Yeah Yeah Yeahs were a post-rock band. Other parts felt like really fresh and original indie-rock. Not what I expected from a 35yo album???
Not much to say about this album. Just not a fan.
fun!
Now I know why I didn't listen to this work in college. Many of my friends in architecture school were Sonic Youth fans. I don't enjoy their sound. It's probably amazing for the period when set against pop rock, but to my ear the music has nothing on Bauhaus and The Cure.
Not an album I would go back and listen too. Others have built on it since then. Can definitely hear the influence - particularly in Nirvana. Makes sense why KC loved them
every time i recognise an album here i feel cool af
Mediocre.
It's just a conversation with some guitars and drums in the background. There's little singing, and when there is singing, it's kinda okay. Also, why is a song almost eight minutes long when the lyrics end before the three-minute mark? I get having some music after the lyrics end, but FIVE WHOLE MINUTES is wayyyy too much.
It's sonic, it's youthy, it's all a little loopy. It's the fourth damn SY record on this list so far. Were these guys really THAT important in the collective scene to warrant four+ albums on a list? Anyway, this is probably my favorite overall effort from Moore and co. It's unstructured, but in a good way to the point where you're kind of always hanging on to hear what's coming next. In a way, I felt like the entire album was building up for some big reveal, and while I may not have gotten exactly that, I did enjoy the ride. I enjoy the more mainstream rock tunes here more than the soundscapes. Each individual track goes a bit too long, but the whole things blends well enough together to where I'm not completely bothered by it.
The crown jewel of Sonic Youth’s discography and an unassailable alt-rock masterpiece.
Depressed art kids in the 90s must have gone crazy for this. Favorite song: Silver Rocket Least favorite: ‘Cross the Breese
I feel like I’m not giving the album a fair shake, but there is just something about this genre of fuzzy, amorphous guitar+bass that makes me super anxious. Listening to The Sprawl on the drive home was an actively bad experience. The more structured songs were easier to listen to, but once they dissolved into miscellaneous sounds it would trigger the stress part of my brain again.
Eh didn’t wow me
I was somewhat familiar with the sonic youth (mostly from Ed Templeton's 'Welcome to Hell' part) but had never listened to an album in full before. This one is really really good. Super noisy and eclectic, and I think it's aged very well. I am a bit of a post punk sucker so it feels right up my alley. Also Providence Rhode Island mentioned
Not heard much Sonic Youth before, and this has really impressed me. I really can't believe that it's 35 years old this year, it could have dropped yesterday. A cohesive soundscape from beginning to end, although it does feel a bit repetitive at times.
To really understand this album's impact and its impassioned fandom, you have to understand the music landscape at the time: most of us were held hostage by our local radio stations and forced to listen to the overproduced easylistening pablum of 80s pop. Daydream Nation takes a hammer to all that.
Everyone who likes this liked it first when they were 16. Pure nostalgia bait. I am not one of those people. Sonic youth? Grow up.
A culmination of what was being worked towards and, somewhat oddly, a looming presence that was both unrepresentative of their oveure and a hallmark of their career, Daydream Nation is Sonic Youth not only in full flight but at the height of their powers. Starting off with one of the plenty of clarion calls that would summon the big bang of '91, it was off to the races from here on out as Daydream Nation represents a documentation of a more carefree, rambunctious time; less Disneyland and more delirious hellscape. Of course, the no wave kids had to grow up some time and this is one hell of a way to plant a flag. Put it all behind you, for I've put it all behind me too.
Some days I like SY. Some days I don't. Today I don't. But I might tomorrow.
I want to like it more than I do. I'm too old and not cool.
Veel goede nummers, vet geheel, en mega invloedrijk. Toch niet helemaal mijn favoriet.
Meh. Listened to it, not offensive or unpleasant, just did nothing for me
Good lord, this album is absolutely brilliant. It's psychedelic alternative, and I cannot get enough of it. Seriously, the instrumentals here are so special. They almost contribute more to the melody than the vocals. Favorite tracks: The Sprawl, Eric's Trip, Hyperstation
Sonic Youth's "Daydream Nation," released in 1988, is a landmark in alternative rock and noise experimentation. This double album showcases Sonic Youth at their most expansive and adventurous. From the dissonant beauty of "Teen Age Riot" to the sprawling landscapes of "Trilogy," the album is a sonic journey that transcends traditional rock structures. The blending of avant-garde noise elements with melodic hooks sets "Daydream Nation" apart. Its influence on the '90s alternative scene is immeasurable. While its challenging nature might not be for everyone, for those attuned to its dissonant brilliance, "Daydream Nation" is a masterpiece, deserving a strong 4/5 for its innovation and enduring impact.
Teen Age Riot is a great track to kick the album off and it never drops off. Great record! Love the guitar work
I wanted to Iike this so much more and while there were a few I did love - Silver Rocket, The Sprawl, Eric’s Trip, Candle - I can’t see myself coming back to the rest of the album as often (noisy in a way I found more headache-inducing than enjoyable).
fine
Not as good as the their other album Sister but ok
Was looking forward to this album as a lot of artist that inspire me, we're inspired by the Youth of Sonic. I can totally see why this band was as popular as they were, and at the same time, why they didn't get super popular. A lot of their music isn't very commercial.. It's like they're one of the best underground artists of this genre. But couldn't break through. I know those who like this band, really like them. I think most music lovers know of this band. Sort of like The Pixies. Both iconic bands but not commercially huge. Which is a shame given how talented they are. I was introduced to this band in my teens, and I wonder how many people in their teens in 2023 even know this band? Long story short, decent album. Love the guitar work. Kim Gordon is incredible!
Nr. 40/1001 Teen Age Riot 3/5 Silver Rocket 2/5 The Sprawl 3/5 'Cross The Breeze 3/5 Eric's Trip 3/5 Total Trash 2/5 Hey Joni 3/5 Providence - 1/5 Candle 3/5 Rain King 2/5 Kissability 2/5 A) the Wonder 1/5 B) Hyperstation 2/5 Z) Eliminator, Jr. 1/5 Average: 2,07 Didn't like the vocal or musical performances. Felt really pretentious.
Daydream Nation" by Sonic Youth is widely regarded as a landmark album in the alternative and indie rock genres. Released in 1988, the album showcases Sonic Youth at the peak of their creative powers, blending noise rock, punk, and avant-garde elements into a unique and influential sonic experience. Lyrics: The lyrics on "Daydream Nation" are often abstract and poetic, reflecting the band's interest in surrealism and avant-garde literature. Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon's vocals intertwine, creating a dynamic contrast between Moore's more melodic and Gordon's more abrasive delivery. The lyrics explore themes of alienation, youth culture, and the anxieties of the contemporary world. While not always straightforward, the lyrics contribute to the album's overall atmosphere and complement the experimental nature of the music. Music: The music on "Daydream Nation" is characterized by Sonic Youth's unconventional approach to guitar playing. The band often employs alternate tunings, feedback, and dissonance to create a wall of sound that is both chaotic and controlled. The interplay between Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo's guitars is a defining feature, with intricate layers and textures that push the boundaries of traditional rock music. The rhythm section, consisting of Kim Gordon on bass and Steve Shelley on drums, provides a solid foundation for the sonic experimentation. Production: The production on "Daydream Nation" is raw and unpolished, capturing the energy and spontaneity of Sonic Youth's live performances. The album was recorded with producer Nick Sansano, who managed to preserve the band's chaotic sound while enhancing the clarity of individual instruments. The mix allows the dissonant elements to coexist with more melodic passages, creating a balance that contributes to the album's lasting appeal. Themes: "Daydream Nation" explores themes of youth, disillusionment, and the disintegration of societal norms. The title itself suggests a state of mind where reality and fantasy coalesce. The songs often convey a sense of urgency and unrest, mirroring the social and political climate of the late 1980s. Sonic Youth's exploration of unconventional guitar techniques and avant-garde influences aligns with the album's themes, creating a sound that reflects the chaos and complexity of contemporary life. Influence: "Daydream Nation" has had a profound influence on subsequent generations of musicians, shaping the alternative and indie rock scenes. Sonic Youth's experimental approach to guitar playing and their willingness to challenge conventional song structures have inspired countless bands and artists. The album's impact extends beyond its initial release, with its legacy evident in the work of many prominent musicians in the alternative and experimental music genres. Pros: Innovative Sound: Sonic Youth's unconventional use of guitars and experimental soundscapes set "Daydream Nation" apart from conventional rock albums. Influential: The album's impact on alternative and indie rock cannot be overstated, influencing a wide range of artists across genres. Lyrically Evocative: While abstract, the lyrics contribute to the album's atmosphere, exploring themes that resonate with the uncertainties of youth and society. Cons: Acquired Taste: The dissonant and experimental nature of Sonic Youth's sound may be challenging for listeners accustomed to more conventional rock music. Lyrically Dense: The abstract and poetic nature of the lyrics may be a drawback for those who prefer more straightforward and narrative songwriting. Production Quality: While the raw production suits the band's aesthetic, some listeners may find it less polished compared to more mainstream releases of the time. In summary, "Daydream Nation" is a groundbreaking album that pushed the boundaries of alternative rock. Its innovative sound, coupled with evocative lyrics and raw production, has solidified its place as a classic in the alternative music canon. While it may not be universally accessible, its influence on subsequent generations of musicians is undeniable.
I like But felt it was missing something
- Alternative rock vibe - Sort of punk sound - Favorite tracks: Teen Age Riot, ‘Cross the Breeze
Het tweede album dat ik mag gaan luisteren Sonic & the Youths. Ik weet nog waar ik was toen ik de eerste luisterde en ik weet ook nog dat ik het idee had dat het me zou kunnen pakken, maar het dat nog niet deed. Ook dit album heeft dat een beetje. De openingstracks grijpen me wel, maar het is maar een klein klittenbandje. Het hangt een beetje in tussen post-punk en experimentele pre-grunge, waarbij het experimentele me interesseert maar de post-punk me wat stoort. Met name op het gebied van zang is het me nog net iets teveel van dat laatste. Als je qua instrumenten zo los gaat, vind ik het niet helemaal rijmen dat de zang zo braaf blijft. Ik heb dat bij zowel de man als de vrouw. Vanaf track 9 tot het einde is het genieten geblazen, met energieke, experimentele tracks die me doen denken aan IDLES. Mannen die eruit zien alsof ze elk moment dood neer kunnen vallen omdat ze liever muziek maken dan fatsoenlijk voor zichzelf zorgen, die met hun kletsnatte hoofd bijna in de monitor geduwd hun gitaar straf staan te geven. Goed album en een leuke toevoeging aan deze lijst vind ik. Dat andere album rondde ik naar beneden af, in dit geval lijk het me terecht als ik deze naar boven afrond: 4 sterren. Het laatste half uur zou zelfs 5 sterren zijn.
Teen Age Riot - 4/5 Silver Rocket - 4/5 The Sprawl - 4/5 'Cross the Breeze - 4/5 Eric's Trip - 4/5 Total Trash - 1/5 total trash Hey Joni - 2/5 Providence - 2/5 Candle - 2/5 Rain King - 3/5 Kissability - 3/5 The Wonder - 3/5 Hyperstation - 3/5 Eliminator Jr. - 3/5
1.83 per track. Did not like at all but I can see how it influenced other music that I don't like too.
The instrumentals throughout this are fast paced and incredible. I can tell this album inspired a lot of 90's & early 2000's alternative bands. The vocals are really the only thing holding this back from being a 4 for me. [Silver Rocket] probably wins out as my favorite.
I thought this was an okay album. They did some cool experimental stuff but I felt bored after a while
Probs like a 3.7 for me
3.5, actually
More like a 3.6
yes!
Good album. A lot of great tracks. Musically, it fired on all cylinders. Nothing particularly memorable other than Track 1.
Good stuff
I like the genre, maybe a bit too rock for me Top Tracks: 1) The Sprawl 2) Cross the Breeze 3) Candle (Restored) 4) A) The Wonder
Not bad, didn't blow my skirt up either.
Nah
Perfectly encapsulates how I feel when we finally flip the closed sign at the shop after a long stressful day at work, and I let out a piercing scream of release Pretty solid experimental rock here; I have no complaints but the album also didn't really move me enough to want to save any tracks either.
I appreciate Sonic Youth but have never been a super fan. Listening and focusing on it again after so many years, I am maybe more impressed than previously.
Teenage Riot alone almost earns 5 stars for me. Love the noise.
I just don't know. It seems like an influential album and various people in our group have strong feelings about it. The overall sound is fine and it does seem to be well ahead of its time for 1988. But after a couple of listens I'm just not hooked by any songs. I guess I'm glad Sonic Youth influenced other bands to make music I actually like?
One of those albums that I wished I'd stumbled across when it first came out. I probably would have loved it. As is, I appreciate a lot, and some feels like a time capsule from that period.
Sleater Kinney's lyric should have been, "I wanna be your Kim Gordon." But maybe it doesn't rhyme as well.
There really shouldn’t be any reason for me to not like this. It has all the ground work laid out for an album I would love. And for an album of this caliber and acclaim, it should be a banger. But I could tell something was off when I put the first song on. And I’m saddened to say that I didn’t like this very much. To be brutally honest, I thought it was boring. There were a lot of times where I was sitting and waiting for the album to be over. It tries a number of things, and doesn’t hit it on the mark for any of them. Noisy and aggressive, but not noisy and aggressive enough. Slacker rock adjacent vocals, but sometimes it feels like the singers couldn’t care to try. And drumming that is trying to be fast and wild, but it just ends up coming out as amateurish and sloppy. Now I want to clarify this is just my opinion, and there are probably other people who feel very differently. And it sounds like I’m being harsh on this. Which to a degree I am, but this is also a huge record. One that people love and that is widely considered one of the best of all time. And there are certain parts of songs I enjoy. But I don’t think I could name one individual track that really stuck out to me. What I want to hear when I listen to other Sonic Youth records is more. More heaviness. Go crazier. Be more experimental and weird. Or do the complete opposite. Try something more lo-fi and chill, like the intro to Candle. But not this. This is too much of not enough for me to get into. Rating: 6/10
I weirdly loved this one: it felt just immediately familiar even tho I've never listen to it before. The strong powerful guitar and sounds which I would almost liken to Shoegaze, the whole album was to be enjoyed. Ofc there are some standout tracks but I would have to say I get the hype around this album. I'll let it cook but in my mind it's very solid.
A very 90s sound for 1988, I can understand the influence this album had on angsty alternative indie rock. It’s a sprawling album, long and varied with multiple vocalists and driving guitar riffs. But ultimately, I find it to just be a bit average in todays day and age. “Teen Age Riot” is the obvious standout, but that comes so early as the opening track you forget it an hour later.
A few tracks that are quite interesting and enjoyable ("'Cross the Breeze" being a real standout) - but overall, I feel the album has a lot of forgettable songs which makes it feel like it goes on for far too long. If they cut some of the weaker songs, i think i'd put this album at a 3.5
Hipsterry, but not too many vocals, which I like
melhor que goo, enquanto na minha memória era o inverso?
Pretty cool. jammier than I thought it would be. Not sure it's in the permanent rotation.
Grosse influence sur le alternative et indie rock genre. Je m'attendais à plus, mais je m'en sors avec un mehh.
The way they are able to shape noise into movement means there’s moments where it all comes together and makes sense.
So many of these songs go on for too long. Not a fan of the vocalists. Teen Age Riot is probably the only song I'd listen to again. The rest all felt messy and too grungey/screechy for my taste. Was hard to finish this one.
Nervig, nicht min Ding
The better of the two sonic youth albums I’ve gotten, I enjoyed Goo but this one was much better
Sounded muddy-ok but not my favorite. 3/5
Instant anemoia - nostalgic for a time I never lived through. Faves: Silver Rocket & ‘Cross the Breeze.
Some really strong songs. Can clearly hear how music later was influenced by this album. Does have a tendency to sound the same :/
First song has a nice intro
Loved it. Brought back some memories from my youth
Not for me
album could have stopped halfway. Vocals were just not bearable after a while.
So many unique and complex sounds on this. There’s a weird dissonance in the songs that make everything sound so wrong, yet it sounds so right. Legit every track is a roller coaster.
Solid Album but not my favorite. Felt it was a little long and noisy sometimes. First time listening to sonic youth so I'm still not sure what my opinion is on them. So overall, I really dont know
I feel like this was still noisy all while being a fairly coherent album, unlike their following album that had a bit to much edge for my taste. idk. i like it.
Really like the soundscape in this album. Longish songs allow for them to develop a little more, though on first listen a bit samey sometimes.
rlly liked it, bardzo moje klimaty, nie chce mi się więcej pisać srry
groovy, very nice, loved it, especially mother nature
One of favourite albums ever. I've listened to Teen Age Riot what feels like everyday since I was sixteen and it's still thrilling. It's is one of those cosmic tracks that gives the impression it's always existed in its absolute and perfect form. Perhaps the album isn't actually perfect but it's just such a satisfying, deranged, nostalgia trip that it's fastened itself someplace deep in my skull. Candle, Silver Rocket, 'Cross the Breeze, Eric's Trip, I mean, come on! Kissability! Maaan.
This is my second Sonic Youth album in a week and I’m not that impressed. I came around to Goo in the end but Daydream Nation does not do it for me. I just don’t think I get Sonic Youth.
I only knew Teen Age Riot coming in, and there was a lot more post-punk type stuff than I expected. Neither singer did much for me, and some parts definitely lost me with a noisier sound. But the highlights were great, really 90s sounding layered guitars and fun drum beats. Wish they stuck with that just a little more.
Very alternative. A little too much for me currently.
Did not like this album
Yllättävän fresh ollakseen 35-vuotta vanha levy. Sopi oikein hyvin lenkkimusiikiksi.
No me ha entantado, no me ha dicho nada. No es mi estilo.
Love this. Have for a long time.
Сначала думал говно, но в целом неплохо Как будто ем дошик без специй намальна пошел нахуй За финальный разьеб можно и до 7 поднять 7/10
Pretty good but not really for me as a whole, too chaotic.
Really grew on me. Got a distinct, fun sound throughout.
Yeah, cool. OK that sounds good too. Man, I wish I knew this back in the day! Alright, another with that dirty sound. And another. OK, this sounds a bit like the previous, just a tad nastier. Again, not bad. Right, I got the gist now. Hmm, let's see how much more songs there is on this album. Still not bad, but my head is spinning now. Still not over? There is too much of this, I'm afraid. OK, please turn it off, I'm tired.
Nice melodies, sometimes very lengthy instrumentals and second class singer
pretty awesome. love their sound
Not into this one :x
I don't understand it. For now, it gets a placeholder grade of five, but I'll have to delve into the lyrics more when I have the time. There's definitely some unique guitar sounds though. Reminds me of Lou Reed "speaking" on I'm Waiting For The Man.
A tad much for me sometimes (the "noise") but fucking awesome. Love it.
1988. Pretty solid alt/punk
Meh. Didn't love it or hate it.
1. Teen Age Riot - weird intro but I liked it once it started the verse and the music is good. 2. Silver Rocket -i didn't mind the sound of this one. 3. The Sprawl - pretty aggressive...but it has an ok sound, but way too long. 4. ’Cross the Breeze - a bit more mellow sounding, although it got more aggresive. very long instrumental to start with and end with. 5. Eric’s Trip - interesting sound, don't love the singing. 6. Total Trash - similar sound, it's ok 7. Hey Joni - not what I expected from the name, i thought it would be less upbeat. I kinda like it. 8. Providence - did not like the start of this one so I skipped. 9. Candle - didn't like the melody in this one or singing style. 10. Rain King - this one is giving me urgency, very fast sounding. It's also a bit creepy and aggressive...don't love it. 11. Kissability - interesting theme about fame and its underbelly, but don't like the sound of it. 12. Trilogy - Split into three on Spotify... (a) wonder - sounds like a scratching record or pitchy, not pleasant (b) hyperstation - similar to the others (c) eliminator jr - weird, do not like it I listened to this really late so didn't give it my full attention...maybe will revisit most of the songs were ok for me but not like something I would seek out. Does seem like there are way too many 7 min songs. I prefer the male singer to the female singer.
Boring, monotonous, depressing.
Enjoyed several songs. (Feel like I remember Teenage Riot?) But others just seemed to drag on and went too ‘metal’ for too long for me enjoy.
Some ups and downs on this one. I liked the vibe a lot of the time, but the album could have used some editing—the last three tracks just felt painful. I enjoyed Kim Gordon's vocals a lot more than Thurston Moore's. Favorite track: 'Cross the Breeze 5/10
Grunge/punk is not usually my thing, I thought a lot of the songs were a bit too long, however I did like the first song of the album.
Great early Sonic Youth.
Fun sonic landscape and you can see how it inspires albums like the seer by swans and other concept albums using discordant guitar and loose vocals
Daydream Nation melted my 16-year old brain and fused itself to my taste: I cannot review this fairly. Five stars, there you go. . The songs that stand tall to me are few: Teenage Riot, The Sprawl, Providence (love a good interstitial), Rain King and Hyperstation. That’s not a bad haul, but low for one of the big boys. I know every squeak and flinch on this record, but mostly as part of a continuum: I had to play the start of Candle to remember which part of the record the title labelled. More than any other record I love, I know this as an assemblage rather than a discrete sequence of songs. I think it's something to do with the abundance of unique, fleeting peculiar guitar and amp sounds - haunted electronics. The Sprawl is my favourite due to the long, especially ghostly outro, a gorgeous motif repeated to disintegration. Returning to it for the first time in a few years was tremendously moving. This was the first SY LP I heard, so I didn't realise how glossy it was compared to the earlier classics. After I'd spent a while memorising it (could have been just a month!), I sought out others, starting with Sister, I think, and was taken aback by how freakish those records sounded. Bad Moon Rising, EVOL and Sister are flying saucers; Daydream Nation is a manmade spaceplane painted by Chesley Bones. This is a bittersweet album, as it marked their move to Geffen, and I don’t think any of their later records are as great as this and the three that preceded it. But they are all laudably different. . I've seen Sonic Youth around five times; Shellac are the only band I've seen more of. Curiously, the songs they played never decided how much I enjoyed a gig. My favourite performance was mostly songs from Washing Machine, which never snagged me (Diamond Sea apart), and they were incredible. Ten years later, I saw what was close to a greatest hits playlist at the Shepherd Bush Empire and they were lacklustre, the only detail I remember being when I pointed out Bruce Gilbert from Wire to my youngest brother, and my brother went up and got his autograph. I miss my youngest brother.
I would typically vouch for this being one of the best of its era, although upon playing my copy today I was embarrassed to discover loud CD skipping noises in the middle of "Teen Age Riot"; evidently I haven't chosen to listen to this recording in over twenty years since the mp3 was first created. Shame on me.. So, basically I'm approaching Daydream Nation fresh and, frankly, it is fantastic. All the songwriters have their distinctive flavors and the result is unique (for the time) and genre-defining (for the rest of their peers). So much I love in later work (e.g., Pavement) can be found here for the first time, full of great tunes and great noise. Kim Gordon's book deservedly ruined Thurston Moore for me, but even that only knocks this classic down to 4.9* And, don't worry - I ripped another copy of "TAR" for the future
Je suis plutôt de la team Sonic Battle
plus rien ne me surprend .... (4 albums de sonic youth dans les 1001)
Couldn’t get into it. Will try again in future.
Interested to hear more SY
It's noisy to me.
SY were always on the periphery of my music world back in the day, but I never dug too deep into them. Although I will say "The Diamond Sea" is one of my favorite tracks of theirs (not on this album though) I liked this one quite a bit and probably will be revisiting again in the near future
Wow, got into this even less than Phrenology. Again, the flow is a major issue with me, but in this case it feels very disjointed within individual songs (outside of Teen Age Riot) and across the album. Nothing spoke to me. Glad to be experiencing music outside of what I generally like, though.
Raw and experimental, noisy without being overly aggressive
10/11/23. Wow, first time listening and crazy how well this holds up. The sound from this album is a blueprint for most punk and indie bands of today. I now understand why Sonic Youth is so influential.
Boring, to me.
Noise landscape! In a great way.
Bit of a chaotic hot mess at times but there are good tracks to be found here. Not enough to require a double album, but worth a listen if you have an hour to kill.
7/10. This sounds nicer than I remember the the other Sonic Youth albums I've had on this list being, not sure if that's just me getting used to them, though. And it felt liked it lacked some of the gritty energy that I was expecting. I dunno, I liked it.
This is my favorite out of all the Sonic Youth albums we've had. It felt like I could digest everything much better, and was quite a rewarding listen despite being 70 minutes long. 8/10
Bit too shoegazey for me.
A bit harder than my tastes usually go, but apart from the final track, it's all pretty listenable. Not sure I'd seek it out again in the future, but I totally hate it either
Good alternative rock band with hints of Steve Miller band and Pink Floyd with the instrumental breaks
One of these days I swear I'll get Sonic Youth. I'm so close to getting them, I swear. 7/10 Fave track: Silver Rocket
Crazy this is from ‘88. Should have listened to it in 6th grade
I've only heard of Sonic Youth before, don't think I'd every heard their music. I liked the album more than I thought I would after reading a bit about it. Kinda punky and industrial, some of it worked for me and sometimes it didn't. I was a little over it by then end of the album though.
Noisy and bombastic, my first real listen to Sonic Youth and my opinion is that experimentation is experimental, and every ones not gonna like it. I appreciate different and weird music, but this is just too hard for my ears(timbre0wise not necessarily arrangement) . Some really cool riffs along the way though. Highlights Include: Cross the Breeze Candle
5 stars
- Sounded kind of ahead if the time for when it came out - Well made - Kind of meandering though? - Not really my thing 6/10
Not really my thing
I didn’t and don’t listen to them enough. Bad ass.
A little bit of traditional song structure, with a dash of noise.
This album makes me wish I smoked and lived in New York but only in the nighttime.
very nu-wave synthy punk vibes!
Still astounding
heavy guitars with ample amounts of distortion. some songs had a male vocalist, some had a female vocalist. all in all, a solid album.
I've never listened to Sonic Youth before. I really dug this. It's between a 3 and 4 for me. I'm going to give it a 4 so I don't forget to add it in later.
This was just noises to me.
This is the first time I have listened to Sonic Youth. I like the edgier, experimental songs on this album.
Best Song: Teen Age Riot
Just not my taste.
absolutely crazy good, feels like a ride on the highway during the apocalypse, crazy chops by the musicians, and the best guitar riffs on top of each other
New wave punk? Appreciate the music but not my cup of tea.
i n f l u e n t i a l
I don't like this one. The sounds are interesting, but not something I'd want to keep listening to.
Interesting precursor to grunge. Overall enjoyed
Another one that’s not for me. Can’t hear anything in this that would justify it being on the list.
Excellent vibe, a place in time
First hit is awesome! Although I like the noisy alt rock sound, rest of the album is too much of the same.
Noisy shit
Just a bit shit
Took me a while to get through this one
Teenage Riot is a cool song, after that it's mainly a lot of noise again as we've come to expect from Sonic Youth
Classic album.
I knew a few Sonic Youth songs but definitely hadn’t listened to a full album from them until now. I really loved this. I know it’s not for everyone, but it’s grunge and weird and amazing. My favorite songs were “Teenage Riot” and “Hey Joni” but there wasn’t a song on this album I didn’t enjoy at least somewhat.
It’s not a bad record, just maybe a bit too experimental for my specific mood today…
classy alternative/noise rock, but no distinctive bangers (beside teenage riot)
I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that if this album was just Teenage Riot I'd give it 5 stars. This album changed my life, at least as a music fan. It still sounds like it comes from some alternate reality or one of those Star Trek planets that almost like Earth but just a little different, maybe one where J. Mascis is president ;)
I have always loved this album!
not my cup of tea ..
Can totally understand the influence here, but not my fave
3/5. I love the jam aspect of the album, a lot of long form guitar riffs and solos. This one feels like an investment to get into, I didn't not like the songs, I just felt distant at times. I understand the importance of this album but I would have to be willing to sit through it which feels like not a 5/5. I listened to it once and the second time I was dreading it. It's not bad, just not the best overall.
Ok, again, I liked half. I had to give up about an hour in, the Amazon version of this album is 2 hours long and about an hour in is where it became a lot of noise. I do see how select tracks influenced future artists.
While E.V.O.L. left a bad sound in my ears, I tried my best to listen to this album objectively. And, I'm happy to say that unlike the aforementioned album, this actually resembles music. That being said, I don't care for 92.1% of this album. There are a few minutes here and there that exhibit interesting sounds, sounds foreshadowing something like modern day progressive rock: The first 30sec of Track 4, Cross the Breeze, and 30sec in the last 1/3; 40sec of into in Track 6, Total Trash; As a token of good will, I'll give them all 2min 41sec of ambient track 8, Providence; and 1min 9sec of intro of track 9, Candle. That's 330 seconds—5.5 minutes—out of 70 minutes of music that was palatable. I struggled to finish listening to this album, and it's highly unlikely I will ever return to it.
I liked this one more than the first Sonic Youth album. It still wasn't great, and I'll probably never listen to it again, but I don't remember hating any of these songs, and some of them were...hmm. I think I'm trying to find a way to justify giving this a 3 just because I liked it more than the last one, but it's hard to do that when my overall reaction was "it wasn't bad" vs. "at least some of them were good." It was fine. Let's pretend this is a 2.5.
Mostly similar thoughts as with EVOL. I listened to a lot of alternative rock on Columbus radio in the 90s. I imagine I heard some of their songs on it, but found them forgettable, and forgot them, as I will forget this.
I am a fan of this record. It is interesting to see some of the early aural building block for what would become favorites of mine.
Going to this already liking Kim Gordon but I've never listened to this album in full before Enjoying this album as a one off listen, although sonic youth tends to lack a 'relistenable' quality to me due to their unconventional song patterns and lengthy instrumentals full of their trademark noise Turned it off halfway through because it was turning into annoying background noise sorry to sonic youth
Interesting, I particularly enjoyed Total Trash
Love sonic youth, loved a few songs on this album but I don’t picture myself listening to it front to back again.
OK, fourth song in - I think I'll throw the towel in on this one
Iconic indie album! Good guitar and drum work plastered everywhere on this thing. Very influential and has no tracks I’d consider BAD. It’s pretty good, but not very good.
A Sonic Trip from Sonic Youth
5 except for the needless profanity in some songs
This album to me from track one seems to be about atmosphere. Teen Age Riot has a rebellious and free atmosphere that carries the song for 7 minutes which is hard for punk. One of the best opening tracks to an album ever. Silver Rocket continues this major guitar tone and the freedom that Teen Age Riot started. This is my first time listening to any Sonic Youth and my mind is being blown by the guitar sounds. The tone of these guitars are excellent. The Sprawl has these abrasive lyrics and they’re sort of sarcastic in tone. I love the glorious noise, the guitar harmonies are excellent again. This is hard to do, this takes freaking skill, why isn’t this album among the greats in Rolling Stone. The Production is crystal clear too. Oh wait people do think this is great, I was wrong. My mind is being blown with guitar music, like hearing music for the first time and it’s glorious. It’s fun, it’s spontaneous. Track 3 and this is a perfect album already. I’ll not write anything more until I listen to the rest and then come back and see if it’s still perfect. Yeah this perfect, I don’t doubt this band.
Not the worst Sonic Youth album. I actually enjoyed this one. The noise was loud but not as chaotic as it was in past albums.
Well I must say this completely passed me by at the time and ever since then I've had a distorted opinion on them. Until now. I won't say I think it's the most original music thinking on Velvet Underground and a number of 70s New York underground bands and onto the New Wave in the UK at the beginning of the 80s. But I think the up and coming bands will mainly listen to what's there at that time and in 1988 this influenced a chunk of bands that I like now. I love the distorted guitars, meandering tunes and muffled lyrics. Better late than never.
Ok. Surprisingly melodic guitar.
Part of going through this list is learning how there is always someone or a band that did a thing first or at the least, earlier than when "it" became a thing. Alternative gained a significant popularity for many listeners during the 1990s but when this album was released in 1988, it forces those same listeners to go further back into the genre's history. This album makes 1988 feel very 1998. The change in sound makes Sonic Youth seem younger than they actually are, but by 1988 this was their fifth album. By the time the genre started to hit fever pitches in the mid-90s, the assumption is that these guys appeared out of nowhere, but this has been there the whole time.
Album 154 of 1001 Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation Rating : 3 / 5 Favorite Track : Candle From some of the reviews I saw, this is should be appealing to an angsty teenager. I can see how that could be the case, but it had some good moments for me, as well. I think I may have came across this one a little late in life for it to hit as it might have...or it came about a little late in mine. The previous album of theirs I listened to, EVOL, was really good but this didn't quite hit the same mark for me. Still, I really enjoyed a few of the tracks and those made it worth the listen.
Not the hottest take but Teen Age Riot is an incredible opener - in fact the whole of Side 1 is pretty spectacular. The rest of the record doesn’t quite reach those heights, though songs like Kissability and the closing trilogy certainly have their moments, but the ebb and flow of energy over the 70 minutes really benefits the pacing, and the overall atmosphere is enveloping and enchanting, not really feeling it’s length at all. Is it perfect? Probably not - but it is incendiary and a joy to listen to
Gillade övergångarna mellan vissa låtar och tycker allmänt att albumet hade ett coolt sound. Värt att nämna är att jag tyckte det blev lite repetitivt efter första halvan. Coolt men hade behövts klippas ner. Favorit låtar: Rock You och Thoughts @ Work
Tråkigt album, tråkiga låtar Bästa låt: Teen age riot
Njäej... En del potential, men bara lite för mycket men samtidigt "bland" liksom. Tycker om när killen sjunger mycket mer än när tjejen sjunger... 😳 Tycker om annat jag hört av Sonic Youth mer! Favs: kanske typ rain king och eric's trip?
Inte så mycket variation i låtarna men teen age riot är bra
Jag tycker verkligen inte om det här albumet. Alldeles för skrikig rock och alla låtar lät likadant, kommer inte ihåg namnet på en enda. Gillade inte nån låt alls så har ingen favorit
Helt average album, men det fanns typ inga minnesvärda låtar, de flesta lät typ likadant. Det blev tråkigt att lyssna på Bästa låt: Teen age riot
I might be that auto 5 star for SY guy
first listen a vibe
25 minutes too long
Like sonic youth but this one is not their best
I get the angst and the effect this album had on teenage youth... 3/5
I love the formula, its a great album and almost every track made my head move. But the problem is that it gets repetitive, this one would have benefitted a lot of being a 30 minutes album A solid 4+ for me
While I have a soft spot for Kim Gordon, this album proves a little too noisy for regular rotation. However, the standouts and exceptions to that notion include Teen Age Root, The Sprawl, and 'Cross The Breeze.
Går bra å ikkje hørra på da også liksom
I've been fairly aware of this band for years and saw them live at a club in Santa Cruz CA (the Catalyst) back in 1993 or 1994. Wild show, crazy crowd, to the point where the band threatened to end the show early if people didn't calm down -- too much stagediving apparently. Anyhow, I have never really dug into their back catalog... and apparently need to make plans to do so.
this is bad so very bad 1/5 maybe 0 if possible
Good album vibe, good headphone listen while working.
pretty decent alt rock/punk rock album with some interesting stylistic choices that make it a bit more harsh
Easily the best Sonic Youth album...really like this one as a full album listen. The title track is also a top 2 SY song. 4.5/5
3.5/5
Initially thought it was better than my last Sonic Youth (which I don't think I liked), then it went on a bit. Quite Undertones-esque for a bit
с только женщиной на вокале мог бы быть хорошим альбомом, а её очень мало, инструментальные приколы есть крутые со звуком дослушал даже до конца, но 3 всё равно
really dope like chaotic and upbeat
Aunque en mi lista personal le di un 5, le voy a dar un 4. No venga, un 5.
Such a good album.
Sonic Youth had been more noisy in the past and they would also be more noisy in the future, but they've never been so monumental. A true masterpiece of noise rock.
Not as noisy as I expected, but not really my "cup of tea" in term of everyday music either. I largely prefer out of tune saxophones throwing themselves on the walls than out of tune guitars on 8 different fuzz pedals.
One of the most mindblowing album of the late 80s for sure. Strong and energetic songs infused with noise, raw passion and anger. A personal favorite.
More wonderful noise from Sonic Youth. Plenty of feedback etc. This is how guitars should be played.
Another Sonic Youth album. It just sounds all the same to me.
Wayyy to many songs and each is like 7 mins long -5/10
JUMALAUTA! YLLÄPITO!!! KIITOS...KIITOS... ROCK-INDIE -TYYPPINEN ALBUMI... VIHDOIN..VIHDOIN.. JA TÄMÄ ALBUMI HEH, HEH INFLUENTIAALINEN TÄMÄN TYYPPISELLE, YKSI ENSIMMÄISISTÄ TÄMÄ... LOVE IT...ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT...heh ja leikki seis... paskaa musiikkia heh... the sprawl
Quite interesting. 3,5/5
its not a bad album but less of few songs i didnt really clicked with it. +Nardwuar -1Point bcs yall need to be humble to interviewers especially for him
I prefer other Sonic Youth albums. Was OK
This got a bit grating after a whle. i quite like the chunky guitars but the vocals I can take or leave. Just too long...
Not bad. Would listen again. Long.
Some pretty good songs. High three, like the sound, but just didn’t strike a chord with me, especially with the 70 minute length.
One of the must hear it
Decent vibe but very much a background album.
A bit too long.
Not bad, can see how they imagined linfluenced a lot of artists
Solid album, but didn’t have a lot of songs that really stood out to me. I didn’t mind it, but I couldn’t see myself coming back to this album a lot. 3/5
A lot of the songs do sound very similar, but there are some stand outs that are very good and I will revisit. About half of the album is pure instrumentals which is fine, but a lot of the time it sounds like pure loud noise. To me I have to be in a certain mood to enjoy this, as I am not a big fan of noise rock, but it is a good album, and some songs will be revisited. Standouts: - Teen Age Riot - Silver Rocket - Eric's Trip - Providence - Candle - A)
Often baffling, sometimes sparkling, an elusive, firey, compelling record.
I can see how this album influenced the alternative and punk rock I listened to in the late 90s and early 2000s. I like Kim Gordon's lyrics in the song, "The Sprawl" (which I'm sure refers to being a teenager lost in the cultural dystopia of the suburbs): "I wanted to know the exact dimension of hell, Does this sound simple?, F*** you, are you for sale?, Does f*** you sound simple enough?" Tell 'em, Kim! The opening track Teenage Riot is six minutes long and amazing. I really enjoyed this album. Pay homage to the alt rock pioneers!
Crazy that this album was made in 1988. It sounds so mid-90s. I early like it.
I didn’t really get it.Like some of the time I got it and it was fun rock ambit for like 25% it was just noise and not in a cool nirvana way just in a kinda boring way.It was fine.I can see why it was revolutionary without liking it that much.
At times I loved it and thought it had some really cool, dark post-rocky sounds that were way ahead of its time. And other times, it was kinda meh. 3.5/5
It was alright 2.5/5
Started out rough but really grew on me. Similar to the pixies. I’ll have to give it another listen, but for now it’s a 3/5
Magnum opus
Really good stuff that set the stage for even more good stuff later on. I enjoyed listening to this.
A strange trip and one that doesn’t last long enough for me. I loved this. They don’t sound like their contemporaries in the slightest and that’s the most intrigue and interesting thing about them.
Fastnade inte riktigt för denna men bra musik ig
Surprisingly, this was my least favorite of the Sonic Youth albums that I’ve listened to so far (the others were Goo and Sister). I guess I didn’t dislike it, but it didn’t leave an impression at all.
Not my cup of noise
enjoying hearing more sonic youth for sure, didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would but I'm pretty sure this'll grow massively on me
The best indie record in my opinion. Only hits!
Great, messy, iconic.
guitar and indie rock sound are solid, clearly see why they were influential. but songs are almost too long to be enjoyable and singing is pretty rough
Total trash 2
Sonic Youth are soooo cool. Coolness is overrated. They're so cool they didn't even bother finishing the songs on this album. It's not terrible, but it's terribly half arsed
Great stuff
A cheerful version of Joy Division, but boring. Just a wall of noise.
Confirma o talento da banda em produzir um som único ao misturar com inteligência elementos do punk ao indie.
One of the most sonically inspiring albums ever made—as an instrumentalist/artist, this simultaneously motivates the hell out of me and frustrates me that I’ll likely never make anything remotely close to as good as this! (Favorite Tracks: Teen Age Riot, Silver Rocket, ‘Cross the Breeze, Hey Joni, Providence, A) The Wonder, B) Hyperstation)
While it did beat some sonic hallmarks of it's time, this is basically perfect. An amazing piece of indie rock.
Best Song: Eliminator Jr. A high energy punk track, far better than the rest. Worst Song: Total Trash. Nominative determinism. Over 7 minutes of guitars caterwauling. Overall: Boy am I glad that's over. Everything - from the songwriting down to the production - has this sleepy, muffled quality to it. It felt like a head cold and too much codeine. None of the songs really stood out from any of the others, just one endless drone.
Didn’t love it. The album spurns attention, there is nothing catchy to hold on to, it just drones on until it is done. I almost forgot I had it on.
Good! fast paced, angry. I liked it better than I thought I would, and almost (?) a 4.
Has bits where this album really shines, but then there's also some really generic stuff in there too. The album itself is cohesive, it's just the level of creativity that is a bit whack imo
I've always liked this album and appreciated it. When I put it on, I always think "Yeah, this is good!" But by the end I'm ready for something else. There's a lot to like here, yet there's something about it that keeps me from really loving it. I think it's just a little too "noisy" at times. I like the songs, but sometimes they stray too far into cacophony. But I still like it and appreciate it. So much so, that I will give it 4 1/2 stars. (But I'm rounding down.)
fun
first time listening
From their no wave roots, Sonic Youth would effortless evolve into a noisy alt rock group that had all of the style of New York's artsy scene without any of the pretentiousness. EVOL and Sister were sibling albums that showed band's progression, both excellent in their own ways. If we're to make conclusions about Daydream Nation based on this assessment, I'd say it's peak of this evolution. A perfectly stylized, no-frills alt rock masterpiece that knows it's at the top of it's game. Every song hits it's stride. Every song has it's place. Even the interlude Providence feels momentous. The first half's songs have more weight to them than the second half's, but this is made up by the grand 14-minute finale Trilogy. This an album that is consistently make it's case for how impressive it is. Given Sonic Youth's album run from 1985 to 1988, it's clear to see why they're so revered.
It's Sonic Youth. You either love them or hate them. I'm pretty meh myself.
Pretty long but also is pretty fun. They really are the sonic youth, this is a loud and crazy album. I like the mix of male and female vocals. A lot of the songs seem to follow the same motif but it doesn't really get old. I liked this one a lot. Score: 80 Art: 70
Ooh, the album with the candle on it I've never heard before. It's authentic, noisy music with plenty of layers. I really loved Teen Age Riot.
Just ok
I can see how this album helped inspire a new generation of music, Teen Age Riot & Eric's Trip stood out for me. Some of the songs were just too song and I had to stop listening to the album at one point to listen to something else more upbeat.
bangin'
Pretty good, I enjoyed it.
Reminds me of Joy Division
Goddamn boring. And their singing skill are just amazingly low. But it gets 2 just for paving roots for alternative scene
If they ever put me on trial for all my crimes and shove me in a cement mixer, this is what I want playing in the background as I leave all you mortals behind. I want to go back in time to the 1600s and play "Silver Rocket" to the king of England so his face melts like Raiders of the Lost Ark. Amazing album. Could be considered The Velvet Underground of the 80s influence-vise. Definitely a 5/5.
Good rock
Um albumzinho bem medíocre, nenhuma música marcante
Good. Need to listen again :)
Shoegazy goodness, going to listen to this again when I’ve finished my damn backlog
Perfection
Classic.
great sonic youth album
Noisy
That first track is awesome. It comes in and you're just surfing that groove SY wave right away. Nice and clean, like welcome my friend we were waiting for you (but we aren't gonna tell you what's comin even though we know...). Second song is like, let's keep going, but we're gonna grind a little and we're gonna break up the pace a bit and throw in a couple gnarly pieces of distortion sound wall. Oh ok, yup, this is SY. Oh and then Kim is gonna come in and make it a little bit sexy with her 'more more more more'. A couple more tracks with her singing is a treat. She's just singing at me and hitting my emotions in waves. Later in the album, we get their classic breakdown and knuckledrag heavy rock guitar like on Total Trash. I kind of get this kind of sound from them, but if I'm being honest, sometimes it seems a little much like they are just making a sound demonstration and this if anything is my criticism of SY. Joni is just straight rock. And then we get art noise with Providence. And then we get sweet relief with Providence because every SY album has to have a reprieve. It's gonna be edgy, but it's organized and transcendental. Lovely hard edge flowers. And then they just beat it up for the rest of the album.
I don't think I'll ever get tired of listening to Teen Age Riot, but this album isn't my favorite SY. I know, I know .. "super influential ... masterfully crafted, respected by your heroes, blah, blah, blah" but there are some tracks on this that kill the vibe and it's hard to listen all the way thru without skipping a couple tracks.
"Daydream Nation" really solidifies Sonic Youth's role in shifting the direction of rock music. As a little kid in the 80s, the indie and alternative rock of that decade was mostly missed. But without Sonic Youth and their contemporaries, the music I loved in the 90s never would have happened. They saved us from hair metal and yacht rock. Thank you Thurston and Kim.
Best Sonic Youth album on this list.
There is some quite amazing guitar work on this album, like the last 90 seconds of ‘Cross The Breeze. Every time the album feels like it’s lost direction due some noise or another, the guitar brings it back to ear pleasureland. Teen Age Riot is a great song. Candle too. I’m going to keep coming back for the guitars.
Some interesting experimentation, providing the foundation for many alt rock groups to come. But did it really need to be 70 minutes long?
HLs: "Teen Age Riot", "Candle", "The Sprawl", the trilogy Here's the 5th and last Sonic Youth album on this list, and while they haven't ever been one of my favourite acts, I have at least an appreciation of the "sonics", aka the sounds they could produce with mere guitars. Between this & Sister, they definitely tapped into a sound that I quite enjoy. The songs do sprawl, but the atonal, seemingly unstructured breakdowns carried a weight & energy I thought was absent in some of their other albums- "Rain King" sounds like they're trying to summon a monsoon. "Providence" is a moment of unexpected beauty, I don't really understand the context of the voicemail but it's ok May 11, 2023
Simpatico, non di più
It's alright, not my jam
Hell yeah
its ok. probably wouldn't listen to the whole album again