This is such a listenable album. some favorite songs were "paper cup exit" and "stones", this is good driving music. and just good for a lot of things.

Amazing. Continues on Murray Street's promie and takes it to a whole new level. The instrumental interludes are mind-blowing.

The best album of the year 2004!!!

one of the greatest albums of their incredible career. there is still some time left as far as album of the year goes, but this one will be difficult to beat.

This is their strongest album since before 1000 Leaves. Being an adult in rock is not especially easy, but these guys have managed it without crapping out. They've left behind the inexplicable lameness of Murray Street, and found a way to be grown-ups who can still kick you in the head. Aging hipsters of the world, rejoice!

Great album, better tham murray street imo. Notice how the mediocre reviews come from the paper press? what does this say? I've no idea

Sonic Youth for the mass!!!!

I never post stuff online, but i love this cd so much that i must emit my infatuation into the electro-abyss. This was my first sy album other than their contributions to the suburbia soundtrack, but now i have a bunch of them and this ranks with my other favorite, the creepily monochromatic "nyc ghosts and flowers". if you can find the japanese version of sonic nurse, risk life and limb to get it. the two extra instrumental tracks are as good as any of the rest, but with less conventional structures.… Expand

In hindsight, I think this is better than Murray Street, at least I listen to it more. It sounds to me like a collision of Crazy Horse with (insert name of any 80's feedback act here).

I thought this was a very good album, but doesn't reach the same heights as some of their other releases... (You all remember those)

After 19 albums, what exactly do you expect? Sonic Youth is currently 10/100 times better than the Stones were after the album they made in their 22nd year. As far as I can tell, there's nothing wrong with any of the songs; they just tend to follow the SY formula. "Murray Street" reinvigorated them, perhaps because their studio was so close to the Twin Towers. They definitely seem more relaxed now. But for anyone who enjoys the affirmation of an old friend during a very troubling time, "Sonic Youth" should provide some assurance. I agree it's too long at an hour, but what exactly do you want to cut out, W?… Expand

It´s just sonic youth, and it´s good!!very good!

Wow, it's definitely not worth bothering with.

Great album. Not "Daydream Nation," and perahps not quite as good as "Murray Street." Yet it's another impressive album in their catalogue.

every single song is a valuable addition to the sonic youth catalog, even MCATADHC (track 4) I dont understand how that guy could rate it a 0.

I remember when I got this CD. It was my last day of middle school and my mom took me to Best Buy. I was surprised to see multiple rows of this CD. But, it was only the second day after it was released. I put it in my CD player on the way home and once Pattern Recognition started playing I got some chills. I don't know why, but I always seem to like the songs where Kim sings better. I love Pattern Recognition, Kim Gordon And The Arthur Doyle Hand Cream, Stones, Dude Ranch, and I Love You Golden Blue the best. The best album since Experimental Jet Set, I think.… Expand

Not as good as Murray Street, but not too bad.

there last few records have consentrated more on instremental parts then song structure(a chorus). this record captures those ideas but with strong choruses added to the mix. this might be the best hard rock record of the last ten years and definatlly their best album since daydream nation. check out stones and paper cup.

A surprisingly beautiful record. There's something in here that you'll find in the best of Sonic Youth's album. That something is their ability to make something sound beautiful and remain dangerous, never straining their sound or sounding like they're trying to hard. This ranks amongst their best.

Unlike the other reviews i say it does have stand out tracks namely patern reconition and probably i'd say unmade bed. I saw them play live so maybe i am biased but i think it has a daydream nation feel which is just what music today needs. everything is bland and sonic youth comes out and says it in the album. years have gone by since daydream nation but times have not changed and this album seems to say that out and open.… Expand

This was my favorite album of 2004. If you listen to Pattern Recognition and Unmade Bed, you'll find out why. The album as a whole rocks - and for these reasons - outstanding rhythm, guitar work, and lyrics. Kim Gordon rules!!

The only thing preventing a 10 is that not all of the tracks are up to the high standard of standouts such as Pattern Recognition and Unmade Bed, namely Kim's songs about Mariah Carey and Dude Ranch Nurse. They're only good if you are in the mood for them. This cd, to me, is among SY's very best.