The Alternative-Rock band’s fifth album was recorded in New York and released by Enigma Records. It was their last recording before they signed to a major label and received huge praise from critics. Considered to be the pinnacle of the band’s career: it fulfilled the band’s fullbore aesthetic and indulged their variegated and broad emotional palette. Few albums of the 1980s were as spectacular, influential and profound. The song’s compositions were varied and textured whilst the lyrics switched between mature reflectiveness and emotionally-charged. Several friends of the band, including Henry Rollins, had long praised the band’s long live improvisations and told the group that its records never captured them. With Moore on a writing spree, the album ultimately had to be expanded to a double album. Sonic Youth were,
- Thurston Moore – guitar, vocals, piano, production
- Kim Gordon – bass, guitar, vocals, production
- Lee Ranaldo – guitar, vocals, production
- Steve Shelley – drums, production
It’s radical, political edge stunned critics at the time. It is hard to say how important the album is and how many bands were compelled to record music because of Daydream Nation – but Sonic Youth laid down an astonishing album. Many would have liked it stretched to a triple album but that might have been excessive. It only has twelve tracks but longer numbers The Sprawl and Total Trash both exceed seven minutes whilst the finale, Trilogy, is nearly fifteen minutes in length. An essential album for those who appreciate genius music – not just reserved for Sonic Youth fans.
The Fat Angel Sings 