After a ten year hiatus, I can finally say I have a new found interest in Sonic Youth (or should I say Sonic Middle-Agers?). Is it just me or was the inclusion of Jim O'Rourke a bad idea? I feel that he's steered the group in the wrong direction. This band is at it's best when crafting pop songs out of bizarre noises and odd guitar riffs and that is precisely what they do on Rather Ripped. There are many examples of the group at their prime throughout, but noteworthy is the fuzz-infested Rats with Ranaldo taking over the mic and Reena which has this bizarre Rolling Stones vibe! I never thought it could be possible, but, Sonic Youth have released their most commercial album yet; I keep expecting Chris Martin of Coldplay to burst into song on some of these tracks. And that's not a bad thing, I for one really enjoy this career choice and will keep an eye out for more.