"Actually, if anything, signing to Geffen has given us more creative"
freedom in the long term, because it's afforded us a degree of fin-
ancial stability which allows us to concentrate on our music without
worrying about money."

The switch has been mutually beneficial argues Ranaldo. It's given
Sonic Youth the financial stability to establish SYR, through which
they release less mainstream songs - such as their current series of
experimental EPs, each in a different language - while giving Geffen
the kudos of having a celebrated cult act on their label.

"We're not gold-selling artists, so normally a band in our position
would be dropped by a major after a record or two," he asserts, "but
for what ever reason they really like having us there - whether it's
for prestige or to give them an air of cache.

"In fact, they recently asked us to re-sign our deal, so I think they
honestly respect what we do."

Listening to Sonic Youth's fifth Geffen album, A Thousand Leaves, it's
evident they haven't been forced to comprimise their ideals or succumb
to corporate commericialism.

It's model Sonic Youth, featuring disparate idea's and detuned guitars
on Sunday, the dreamy melodies of Snare, Girl, wry lyrics,
like "modern women cry, modern women don't cry" of Female Mechanic Now
On Duty, and their trademark, sonic distortion on Heather Angel.

It's proof that Sonic Youth continue to unfurl in new directions, while
simultaneously delving through their back-catalogue, as they embrace and
shun pop's conventions with equal abandon, like on the experimental Contre
Le Sexisme, bequiling Ineffable me, and psychedelic epic,
Wildflower Soul.

continue.....

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