June 18, 1998
You'd think Sonic Youth have nothing left to prove. After literally redefining the limits of what amplified electric guitar can do, releasing a number of atonal masterpieces and influencing virtually every band who hears them, they could easily call it a day. Yet they continue to challenge themselves and their audience, even growing more potent with age.
Most critics call 1988's Daydream Nation their best, but after countless listens I'm beginning to believe this one can compete for the title. Washing Machine doesn't have the formidable sprawl of Daydream Nation, but it has two things that masterpiece did not - greater maturity and a surprising, welcome dose of dark comedy. This album is warmer, more tightly focused and fun than anything they've done in years.
The songwriting is tight and melodic, though the melodies are naturally skewed and filtered through gorgeously abrasive harmonic feedback - it's still Sonic Youth, after all. And the vocals, particularly those from Kim Gordon, are hilarious. "Hey look Ma, no more panty lines!", she exclaims on one track, followed by a repeated barking of the last syllable that cracks me up every time.
This unexpected delivery is what Sonic Youth are all about - smashing expectations. For example, "Little Trouble Girl" guests Kim Deal (of The Breeders and The Pixies) in a 50's style dewy-eyed ballad, "No Queen Blues" is a bracing, dissonant rave-up, and "The Diamond Sea" a beautiful, elegant epic. Not only is Washing Machine an ambitious highlight from a fascinating career, its engaging tone makes it a perfect place for the uninitiated to begin discovering this remarkable band.
- Jared O'Connor
Smashing expectations