Well duh, of course this would be in here. Did you really think I'd leave this off? Really?
'Daydream Nation' is regarded by most Sonic Youth fans as their magnum opus (shudders). Yes, you'll get the odd try-hard who'll tell you that 'Confusion is Sex' (the first album) is better, but they're full of shit. Whilst 'Confusion' is a worthy first effort, it doesn't even begin to come close to the finesse and artistry of 'Daydream Nation'.
If you're a Sonic Youth fan, then you'll know this is the album that really put the band on the map, it is also the album that features many of their strongest songs, and where they refined their sound. The full, well-rounded production brings out the best in DN's 12 songs, and Ranaldo, Moore and Gordon all bring exceptional works to the table.
The very first time I heard this album way back when, Sonic Youth hadn't quite clicked, but somewhere between my third and fourth listen, it all fell into place. The abstracted, alternately tuned guitar sounds and unusual melodies, the way the songs would unexpectedly morph into dissonant, elemental jams and the surreal lyrics... all of it suddenly made sense, and changed the way I approached the band's music. After that, I couldn't get enough. Whilst 'Evol' is an arguably better album for me, there is no denying the enduring potency of this record, not to mention its legacy on the alternative rock landscape.
Choosing a song to showcase below was difficult. 'Rain King' is a favourite, but was pipped at the post by 'The Sprawl' whose hypnotic closing minutes feature some of the best guitar work I have ever heard. A true masterpiece in every sense.
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