Daydream Nation

by Matthew Stearns

Book Overview

Daydream Nation is the kind of gorgeous monstrosity (born of extremes, rife with difficulties, and mythic in proportion) that can crush the will of the most resilient, well-intentioned listener if the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 082641740X
• ISBN13: 9780826417404
• Release Date: March 2007
• Publisher: Continuum
• Length: 172 Pages
• Weight: 0.37 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.7" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

In Contrast...

I have to say that this is actually on of my favorites in the series so far. Stearns was able to go to the source, and spent a lot of time interviewing members of SY, which adds a lot of great information and depth to his book. I was also incredibly hooked by the introduction, where Stearns has some incredibly insightful things to say about music, recorded sound and the album format in general. I appear to be in the minority here, but I randk this one highly.

An excellent companion

I got this book after a friend recommended it, unfortunately I've had little previous experience with Sonic Youth. I bought it along with the album and used it as a guide (for which the author's layout was perfect) as I immersed myself in a new experience. I believe that to fully appreciate a work of art one must understand the context in which it was created and Stearns did a wonderful job painting a picture of how both the New York music scene and the band member's personal lives helped shape the music. I also enjoyed the lyrical analysis, and although I don't agree with all of the author's conclusions, I found his analysis interesting and provocative. Stearns invites us to wonder with him what these lyrics could mean and opening it up for debate is far more important than coming to the "right" conclusion. I can understand the die-hard fans who may complain that the author spends too much time raving about an album they already love. For someone new to the music though, this enthusiasm is infectious, and I found myself listening to the same track over and over again letting Stearns point out some of the moments he so obviously adores. Daydream Nation has been off my radar for the last twenty years (yes, I've been under a rather large rock), I thoroughly enjoyed the new experience and I highly recommend Matthew Stearns' book as a companion to the album.

A listening companion

This is my first 33 1/3, so I can't speak to the comparisons with other 33 1/3 offerings, but I'll definitely be checking out more of the series after reading this. There are tons of lengthy quotes from band members about the album's conception; the real charm of the book, though, is in the psyched and loving, irreverent but awed attempt to communicate the experience of listening to this epochal album. Sure, there are some rough and jagged edges. But that seems part of the point. The author's enthusiasm for listening hard and closely is infectious. If you're looking for a killer little book to listen to Daydream Nation with, this is it.

A little too much icing, but plenty of good cake!

Stearns' 33 1/3 contribution is a well thought out and contextualized treatment of this influential and groundbreaking album and cultural moment in American music history. Though some pages are too thickly covered in rich adjectival icing, the firmer core of the author's discussion is insightful, thought-provoking, and a unique perspective in some well-trodden territory in writing on Sonic Youth and this album in particular. Definitely worth a careful look (eat the cake, and let the icing slide off).

fasten seat belt/enjoy ride

Don't listen to the majority of the complaints posted here. Sure, the author takes a lot of risks with his writing, just as Sonic Youth does with their music. Some of the risks are a little much, but most of the time they pay off. The language is extreme, wild, and soaring, just like Daydream Nation. Fasten your seat belts, grab a dictionary, and enjoy the ride.