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I agree on both counts that the two are undervalued because of certain "rock-isms" present.
But it is precisely the "rock-ism" of say, (just one example) the crunch from Drunken Butterfly coupled with those lyrics that do detract a bit from the album.
The album is still really strong though. It's their most successful outing, so, per the unspoken rock dictum it will always have its detractors among some longtime fans. Then again, I had an eighteen year-old young woman (likes The Beatles, Led Zep, Grateful Dead) tell me recently that she likes Sonic Youth, but that song that goes "I Love You/I Love You/What's Your Name" is annoyning. haha.
Experimental, Jet Set, Trash & No Star is also often unfairly sleighted. While the overall noise level is reined-in for the most part, the album has some of their most amazing arrangements of any of the songs in their entire catalogue. Kim has some of her all-time best vocals, Lee has some tasty guitar stuff on this album, Steve has an opportunity to show more range, and Thurston busts out on Androgynous Mind and Tokyo Eye, in particular.
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