American experimental rock band formed in New York City in 1981. Core members across their most influential period included Thurston Moore, Kim Gordon, Lee Ranaldo and Steve Shelley; Jim O'Rourke later collaborated and is mentioned as an official member in reviews.

Sonic Youth emerged from the early-80s New York no wave scene and helped define noise rock and alternative guitar practices. Daydream Nation is frequently cited as their landmark album. They signed to Geffen for Goo, explored quieter and more melodic directions in later records, and produced numerous live performances and experimental SYR releases.

DeBaser reviews celebrate Sonic Youth as pioneering New York noise/no-wave experimenters who matured into a defining alternative rock band. Key albums repeatedly praised include Daydream Nation, Sister, EVOL and Dirty. Reviews cover studio records, live shows and their later collaborations with Jim O'Rourke.

For:Fans of experimental/alternative rock, noise/no-wave, guitar experimentation and 1980s-2000s indie history.

 Daydream Nation is a masterpiece. Without a doubt.

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 This is "Confusion Is Sex". An aural assault.

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 Youth against time!

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 "In the beginning, it was the Word," and the Word was an explosion of noise...

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