for me it's def "BECUZ"
it's got the simple powerful drive / feel to it
the Kim vox
the massive skronk
the beautiful Lee dissonant notes
can't get enough of this songs
possibly my favourite song EVER

EXpressway to Yr Skhull

right on.

Schizophrenia is a good choice. Teen Age Riot came to mind too.

Haha I never even thought about those songs but they sure are great ones.

Cinderella's Big Score and maybe Unmade Bed.

Of course Schizophrenia but the live version in Reading 1991. (The Year Punk Broke)

Is there really a better version??
But I came up with one just now. What about Radical Adults Lick Godhead Style?

I love Her all the Time from The Year Punk Broke...

I think Teenage Riot is too pop. Very different from most of SY's stuff. And I think The Diamond Sea is just very unique. I don't think either song has much in common with a lot of their other work.

Schizophrenia is a good choice. Tom Violence also comes to mind.

I'm surprised someone would play The Diamond Sea to a SY novice in order to give them an idea of their trademark sound. I mean, the lyrics and playing are heavily indebted to Echo and The Bunnymen (down to Thurston Moore's vocal style), Neil Young, or psychedelic rock from the sixties (the instrumental part), not exactly the first things that I'd associate with the noise that they are generally known for. Great song and all that, though.

Song 1 on SYR8.

Theresa's Sound World

On the Strip.

2nd

expressway to yr skull.

if it's good enough for bruce russell to name his label after, it's good enough for anyone.

i'd say brother james

tom violence
disappearer(because i have absolutely no idea how it will sound live)
and the whole " sonic nurse" album

woops wrong thread

schizophrenia or...billie jean.

no. definitely schizophrenia.

satan is boring :P...

nah... um 'diamond sea' or 'candle' methinks

I don't think I woud attempt to indoctrinate someone into Sonic Youth just based on the strength of one song. I don't think that would be an accurate or thorough representation of such an enormously ecclectic and varied band. I suppose for arguments sake I would say The Sprawl if I had to pick 1 song

so... The Sprawl.

good choice.

Teenage Riot.

express way to yr. skull, definitley. perfectly cuts off and captures thier transition between atonal noise punk to grandioise noisy pop music, and the riffs, and the chorus, are some of the most explosive things ive ever heard in rock music. an incredible song.

I'm quite surprised nobody mentioned Silver Rocket. It's got it all: the energy, the noise bridge and great singing. Plus it's a neat poppy song that can get people hooked in less than 4 minutes.

this

"stones" is definitive for SY. it simply takes the same riff at the end that was at the beginning:

"androgynous mind"
"diamond sea" also.

I'd pick Mote. Sums SY up perfectly, the catchy melodies and the insane feedback at the end.

Sonic Youth have a definition to define?

I was going to say the same thing.

I think I'd really have to go with an overall album or even a carefully chosen compilation as a means to introduce someone to Sonic Youth.

I'm surprised no one picked Silver Rocket...