Merriam Webster's Dictionary labels the word Distortion as follows: the quality or state of being distorted: a product of distorting: as a: a lack of proportionality in an image resulting from defects in the optical system be falsified reproduction of an audio or video signal caused by change in the wave form of the original signal, i.e. Sonic Youth.

In 1992, when most bands were still trying to define themselves and jump onto the bandwagon of the grunge scenery, one band stood out and defied the latest musical demand that Corporate America was demanding of that time. That band was none other than Sonic Youth. Sonic Youth, along with their producer, Butch Vig, had, prior to Dirty, recorded Goo and their masterpiece, Day Dream Nation, never succumbing to this demand. Instead, they raised the bar for other bands to follow with clean but full bodied production giving Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo’s guitars greater punch and presence than they had exhibited in past recordings.

But what stands out on Dirty are the political statements. Railing against the abuses of the Reagan/Bush era, "Youth Against Fascism"; "Swimsuit Issue" and "Chapel Hill" are songs that present a surprising move from a band so often in love with cryptic irony and displacement. Hearing the haunting melodic but destructive "Theresa’s Sound World", one can sense their rooted beginnings. "Sugar Kane", a popular college/alternative staple of radio, also contributes to this.

"Nic Fit" is at best, highly descriptive of the youth movement of the time. It also bears to mention that "Nic Fit" was the band's final encore song during their live shows, leaving fans in awe as the circular dust left behind seethed through the air, a residue left behind by their indebted fans.

Fast forward eleven years to Geffen Records' ceremonial Deluxe Edition of Sonic Youth's defining Dirty featuring 35 tracks over 2 CDs. This set includes the original album and supplies extras with B-sides, unreleased tracks and rehearsal recordings. But this set goes much further with fabulously detailed notes from all of the band members describing the rehearsal process and the actual recording equipment used ranging from a dinky 4 track recorder to, as Lee Ranaldo puts it, 'their first serious recording gear - a ½" Tascam 8 Track reel to reel. And as in pure Sonic Youth fashion, there is some serious feedback, even in their rehearsals. The 8 B-sides here are exceptional which caused me amazement as to why they were left out of the original release.

Songs like "Personality Crisis" take a 180 degree departure from their normal material by performing with acoustic guitars. Kim Gordan's melodic voice raises the notch on this song that includes their infamous feed back towards the end. "Tamra" shows how Sonic Youth can turn an instrumental into a tantalizing piece of art. All of you Sonic Youth fans know exactly what I’m talking about.

The Rehearsal tapes are a special treat due to the fact that you’re essentially hearing Sonic Youth practicing and developing songs. Songs like "Youth against Fascism"; "New White Kross"; "Stalker" and my personal favorite, "Wish Fulfillment" are here. You can explore the raw and pure talent of this band on these rehearsal tracks.

I‘m very enthused that Geffen seen fit to expand Sonic Youth's Dirty by releasing this special Deluxe Edition. Although Sonic Youth needs to have their material released on a quality Box Set, this edition becomes a must for purists and completists fans. For the non-fan, this music is timeless, holding its own in this day of modern music. Give it a shot but do be warned - this music is addicting.

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Sonic Youth

Dirty
Deluxe Edition

Released: April 08, 2003
Origination Year: 1992
Time: 1:12:09 - Disc 1
Time: 1:04:42 - Disc 2
Tracks: 35
Produced by: Butch Vig
Engineered by: Andy Wallace
Mastered by: N/A
Remastered by:N/A
Deluxe Edition by: Aaron Mullen
Style: Studio
Format: CD
Enhancement: Remastering
Label: Geffen Records
Website:
www.sonicyouth.com

Sonic Youth:

100%
Swimsuit Issue
Theresa's Sound World
Shoot
Wish Fulfillment
Sugar Kane
Orange Rolls, Angel Spit
Youth Against Fascism
Nic Fit
On the Strip
Chapel Hill
JC
Purr
Creme Brulee
Stalker * (extra track)
Genetic * (100%)
Hendrix Necro * (100%)
The Destroyed Room * (Youth Against Fascism)