Sonic Youth - NYC Ghosts & Flowers

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Music reviews of NYC Ghosts & Flowers

Music Review: Further & Further "Out There"
Rating: 2 Stars

The flip side of that coin is that after 1994's thoroughly enjoyable 'Experimental Jet Set,' listening to every new Sonic Youth album has become less enjoyable with each go-round.

Much has been written about the band's slow but steady ascendence from purveyors of abrasive art-rock in the early 80's to masters of both sound-sculpting and songcraft by the end of that decade (yes, 'Daydream Nation' is a masterwork) but many critics are split as to whether they've been in a holding pattern throughout the 90's or a steady decline. I think the fall off was minimal until very recently. In spite of the use of alternate tunings & 8-plus minute track lenghths on recent releases, it's supposed to be about songs, man... I counted 5 keepers on 1995's "Washing Machine," and only 4 on 1998's "A Thousand Leaves"... this time out, maybe 2... if that.

When they began releasing EP's (and eventually a 2CD all-avant-covers album) on their own independent "SY" label a couple of years ago, one suspected it was to give themselves an outlet for their least commercial, most "out there" musical tendencies.... When it came time for another major label release, they were surely going to give the casual fans something not quite so demanding, something enjoyable even... no such luck.

Sonic Youth are pushing boundries yet again & asking us to come along for the ride... The songs meander, have long instrumental passages, come close to dispensing with songform altogether and/or feature lyrics spoken-not-sung. Only on "Renegade Princess" do the band "rock out" in any conventional sense, not that they're expected to anymore (most of the highlights of their last few albums have been the quieter moments after all) but on 'NYC Ghosts & Flowers' both the quiet & loud spots are equally uninvolving.

I'm sure there a slew of SY diehards who will find things to praise & admire here but for once, on one of their Geffen releases anyway, I don't hear it. If you need a barometer, anyone who didn't connect with the band's recent self-released EP's should steer clear. Not only have they failed to deliver another 'Daydream Nation,' they haven't even given us another 'Washing Machine.'

Description of NYC Ghosts & Flowers

Alternative Rock CDs

• Music > Styles
• Pop
• Rock