i think the album is rather great, and for a band that have so many recordings they are not all going to be flights of genius, take it for what it is.

Hope you don't mind my editing of your post, but this is what I want to agree with in particular.

I don't know SY's extensive catalog. I know 5 or 6 cds and am in the process of getting them all. But I've never listened to them as a 'Pop' band either....sure, much of their stuff have catchy riffs and melody's...but this new one hits me as PERFECT POP. And there's nothing at all wrong with POP when it's perfect !! IMHO. I do the same thing...sing the simple, catchy riffs....like Daydream nation says.....'Incinerate...Incinerate'.....I'm there !

Sonic Youth is taking me back to that time where the simplest denominator grabs me....As I listen more...I hear so much more though...it's very intricate, the interplay of guitars. That's what perfect pop is...you get drawn in by the simplicity..and the richness underlying reveals itself. It's a natural fulfillment that way. It's like a growing relationship, not just a wham-bam thank you mamm, jump into the sack at first glance. Uhh..I dunno. I just really like the record.....sheesshh..

I have followed this band avidly for 20 years. My respect is deep and long-standing.

I like exactly one song on this album (the Lee song, no big surprise there).
This album is a big disappointment to me, but I have no reason to think they'll never make another good album, because I know they can.

i don't think sonic youth have it in them to make a slick digestable pop record, which is what it sounds like they are trying to do with this album. i reckon the next few records are going to be lame, and then maybe they'll get back to being good, if they haven't retired by then.