The Destroyed Room: B-Sides And Rarities
by Sonic Youth
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Dec 12, 2006
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. Filter
    91
    An impeccably selected hodgepodge.
  2. PopMatters
    80
    Even as its technically a retread as much as a new release, through its cohesive mood, and the exciting pieces that make up the whole, The Destroyed Room is yet another fresh new statement, one that shines brightly even within the complete, storied discography of Sonic Youth.
  3. Pitchfork
    72
    Each track offers something worthwhile, yet none raises any question as to why it ended up here.
  5. Slant Magazine
    70
    The Destroyed Room is certainly more than a hastily cobbled together stocking stuffer for indie snobs, but it still kind of feels like one.
  6. AllMusic
    70
    The Destroyed Room is a creative -- and quintessentially Sonic Youth -- approach to the rarities and B-sides comp.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    You hear a band capable of genuine prettiness as well as arch cleverness. [6 Jan 2007, p.26]
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  8. Austin Chronicle
    67
    A sonically interesting mess but proof that not everything they record should be released.
  9. Amazon.com
    60
    Fans and casual enthusiasts will no doubt be bewildered by the extra experimental outings of an already daunting band--but for completists, this is the last word.
  10. Playlouder
    60
    Some of this record is excellent and after all this time they can still sound like four teenagers kicking up a racket in a rehearsal room.
  11. NOW Magazine
    60
    More for the dedicated convert than the curious.
  12. Hartford Courant
    60
    Even when they're abrasive, though, the songs are fascinating for what they show about the band's creative process.
  13. Rolling Stone
    60
    Nonessential stuff, for sure, but worthwhile for anyone interested in hearing old pros kicking back and working out ideas.
  14. Under The Radar
    60
    Often more exciting, edgy and experimental than their recent official work. [#16, p.97]
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  15. Uncut
    60
    This largely instrumental set is a nicely ambient version of their usual hellacious harmonics, but also a reminder how the band have attained creative control on a major label. [Feb 2007, p.85]
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  16. Spin
    60
    Some of the tracks sound pretty tossed-off, but it's nice to hear such a brainy bunch not overthinking things. [Feb 2007, p.86]
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  17. Stylus Magazine
    58
    At 11 tracks, it doesn’t exactly famish the vaults, and its instrumental-heavy tracklist prohibits it from being a good newbie recommendation.
  18. Drowned In Sound
    50
    The majority of this record meanders along like a fuel-starved express train whose driver has taken an extended lunchbreak; experimental noise follows more experimental noise.
  19. Billboard
    40
    Overall, worth a spin or two, but one hopes there's a better stash left to sample. [16 Dec 2006]
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  20. Dot Music
    30
    Track after track in an aimless blur of humming amps, pointless mucking about with effects, dreary jams propelled by meandering guitar interplay, and bleak, endless droning.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 3 out of 11
  1. Joe
    May 24, 2009
    7
    A nice album.
  2. Seeds13
    Feb 9, 2007
    5
    Knowing all too well that the style of Sonic Youth is to just make experimental noise, I expected a 6 out of this record and that's what Knowing all too well that the style of Sonic Youth is to just make experimental noise, I expected a 6 out of this record and that's what it is. Some songs flat out blow to me. Some songs are insanely catchy. But mostly, since some of them gave me a positive charge, it was worth the listen. They'll come up in playlists here and there. Worth nothing more, nothing less.… Full Review »
  3. rodolfos
    Dec 19, 2006
    9
    Casi es un disco perfecto
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