Youth Against Fascism


"Youth Against Fascism" is the second single from Sonic Youth's 1992 album Dirty. It was released in 1992 on DGC.

Background

Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat and Fugazi contributed additional guitar parts to the track.
The line "I believe Anita Hill" referred to the controversy surrounding the 1991 appointment of Judge Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court over allegations of sexual harassment from Hill, a former subordinate.

Track listing

  1. "Youth Against Fascism "
  2. "The Destroyed Room"
  3. "Purr "
  4. "Youth Against Fascism "
The semi-acoustic "Purr" was taken from a Mark Goodier BBC session from July 20, 1992. A live version of "The Destroyed Room" was previously released on the "Dirty Boots" single under the title "The Bedroom".

Music video

The music video for "Youth Against Fascism" was directed by Nick Egan. The video was shot in the concrete flood control channel of the Los Angeles River, with the band playing while FMX bikers ride around. Imagery of fascism, Nazism and communism was spliced into the video.

Reception

In 2017, Paste listed "Youth Against Fascism" at No. 13 on a list of The 15 Best Anti-Fascist Songs.