Daydream Nation Review: Noise Rock With a Heart
9/10 — Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation (1988)
Pros
- Inventive guitar interplay
- 'Teen Age Riot'
- Ambitious sprawl
Cons
- Long
- Noisy passages
Daydream Nation was recorded in New York and cemented Sonic Youth as leaders of the American underground. The sleeve shows a Gerhard Richter candle painting.
What works
‘Teen Age Riot’, ‘Silver Rocket’ and ‘The Sprawl’ are thrilling, and the guitar interplay, using unusual tunings, is a thing of wonder. Kim Gordon’s ‘The Sprawl’ is a highlight, and the album builds to the three-part ‘Trilogy’.
Where it falters
The extended jams and feedback sections are not for everyone, and it’s a long listen.
Verdict
A sprawling, thrilling high point of indie rock.
