http://music.monstersandcritics.com/..._Rather_Ripped
Fifteen albums in,
Sonic Youth remains one of the most reliable, uncompromising rock acts of its generation. On the heels of 2002`s delightful but meandering 'Murray Street' and 2004`s uneven 'Sonic Nurse,' 'Rather Ripped' is a concise serving of what the band does best.
The opening one-two punch of the Kim Gordon-sung 'Reena' and the propulsive 'Incinerate' returns to the glorious, melodic guitar rock of 'Daydream Nation,' while 'Turquoise Blue' and 'The Neutral,' both voiced by Gordon, expertly blend beauty with bombast. Gordon is also back on bass following the departure of Jim O`Rourke, reasserting herself as a vital cog in the Sonic Youth machine. Even guitarist Lee Ranaldo gets in on the act with the dark, dingy 'Rats,' his best contribution to a SY record in years.