Sonic Youth, arguably pop music's best-loved art-rock band, have signed to NYC-based label, Matador Records. The band recently completed their recording obligations with the Universal Music Group. Their last album for UMG, Rather Ripped, was awesome, replete with memorable hooks and explosive jams.

Sonic Youth formed in New York City in 1981 when guitarists Thurston Moore and Lee Renaldo started jamming with bassist and vocalist, Kim Gordon. They became a cult favorite during the nineties, lauded by such acts as Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Mainstream success eluded Sonic Youth, much like their punk rock counterpart The Ramones, but the band accepted their role as influential artists, becoming a bit like elder statesman in the burgeoning alternative scene.

Twenty-seven years after forming, Sonic Youth will begin working on their Matador debut this autumn, which will be something like their 22nd release. Hopefully it'll be particularly inspired. - SB