Rather Ripped is Sonic Youths fourteenth studio album and their first since Jim ORourke left the groups core lineup. The record finds the band working in a leaner, more song-focused mode while retaining the alternate tunings and guitar interplay that defined their later work.

Incinerate pairs a direct melodic hook with tightly wound guitars, while Reena opens the album on a lighter pulse and Pink Steam stretches into one of its longer, more expansive pieces. This edition is presented on CD.