The definitive biography of Sonic Youth, architects of noise rock and the most beloved, longest-running house band of Alternative Nation. Sonic Youth's distinctive, uncompromising sounds have provided a map for innumerable musicians who followed, from '90s groundbreakers like Nirvana and Pavement to current faves. More than perhaps any other act, Sonic Youth brought "fringe" art to the mainstream, helping spawn an alternative arts scene that prospers to this day: a world of punk rock, underground films and comics, experimental music, conceptual art, contemporary classical compositions, and even fashion. Here, music writer Browne tells their story, based on extensive research, fresh interviews with the band and those who have worked with them, and unprecedented access to unreleased recordings and documents. This is a detailed portrait of an iconic band and the times they helped create.--From publisher description.