Sonic Youth - Hits are for Squares

“It’s easy to be cynical about a Sonic Youth compilation available only at Starbucks, especially one with songs picked by other rock stars and highbrow Hollywood types. After all, weren’t these guys once the kings of the anti-establishment indie rock world? But hey: If this album introduces a few hundred rabid coffee drinkers to Sonic Youth, maybe it’s not such a bad thing. Plus, the band has never really been the subject of a compilation like this before, and it’s nice to have favorites like “Teenage Riot,” “Kool Thing” and “100%” all in one place. What really shine are underappreciated recent tracks like the gently unfolding “Rain on Tin” and the restrained freakout “Stones,” which embody Sonic Youth’s continuing evolution. As an overview, this is as satisfying as a large latte. —Jonathan Cohen”