Sonic Youth - The Eternal

Although it only leaked at 128 kbps so far, I couldn't resist posting the new Sonic Youth album, The Eternal. Unlike some Sonic Youth fans that loathe their post 2000's material and live for their older stuff, I actually enjoy most of Sonic Youth's lengthy discography (old and new). After taking a few days to let it sink it, I've come to the conclusion that The Eternal is nothing short of greatness. Starting off with the one-two punch of the Kim Gordon-led "Sacred Trickster" and the stabbing riffs and breathy vocals (courtesy of both Thurston Moore and Gordon) on "Anti-Orgasm," Sonic Youth clearly do not give a shit that they are all older than (or approaching) fifty years old, because they continue to remain fresh-sounding and put out some of the best music you've ever heard. Musically-speaking, The Eternal is pretty similar to 2006's Rather Ripped, in that it's not the sprawling Sonic Youth of the '80s and '90s at play here (well, save for the epic nine-minute plus closing track, "Massage The History"). Each track is fairly concise, focused largely on a verse-chorus-verse structure, with a good helping of that signature experimental guitar work that Moore and guitarist Lee Ranaldo are known for.

While diehard fans of the older Sonic Youth sound may not immediately embrace the terse side of the band, I can't imagine why anyone would try and fight against falling in love with such brilliant music. Don't take my word for it though, listen to the mounting tension and snakey guitars on "What We Know," or the snotty "whoa oh's" and "yeah yeah's" of "Thunderclap (For Bobby Pyn)," or the nine minutes of almost bluesy-sounding guitar riffs on "Massage The History." When it comes down to it, you have to give Sonic Youth credit for their ability to release album after album of relevant music. There's not that many bands that have been around for almost thirty years that can still pull that off. The Eternal is an excellent step forward for their discography and a must-have download for any and all fans.

DOWNLOAD: Sonic Youth - The Eternal [Matador]
Recommended Tracks: "Sacred Trickster," "Anti-Orgasm," "Antenna," "What We Know," "Thunderclap (For Bobby Pyn)," "Massage The History."