After spending the 1980s terrorizing the underground alternative scene with their oddly tuned guitars and inventive song structure, this New York City art-punk band started the next decade with a major label deal and a determination to make rock loud and sexy for all concerned. The single "Kool Thing," which features a cameo from Public Enemy's Chuck D, immediately proved they had both the dynamic control and the range to meet such a challenge. Backed by an album of taut, riff-driven anthems ("Dirty Boots," "Titanium Expose") and moments of extended feedback bliss (Lee Ranaldo's "Mote"), Sonic Youth redefined what hard rock would sound like in the '90s. It's no wonder Nirvana respected them so. --Rob O'Connor