Sonic Youth would never have become the icons that they are if they hadn't discovered early on how to sweeten their dissonant, toxic experiments with great pop hooks. Thurston Moore's second song-oriented solo release continues SY's recently revitalized love of melody. Rather than a dramatic departure from his group's MO, Trees is just a slight adjustment of a well-loved formula. Drummer Steve Shelley is here, along with Dino Jr. shredder J. Mascis, but the focus remains on Moore. Propelled by his catatonic cool and a bunch of warm acoustic guitar, this album is a whole lotta hazy beauty.