"Youth Against Fascism" is a song by the American rock band Sonic Youth from their seventh studio album, Dirty (1992). It was released as the second single from the album on October 26, 1992, by Geffen Records.
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 "Youth Against Fascism (Clean-Ex Mix)" "The Destroyed Room" "Purr (Mark Goodier Version)" "Youth Against Fascism (LP Version)"
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.
Charts +Chart performance for "Youth Against Fascism"Chart (1992)Peak positionAustralia Alternative Singles (ARIA)4
Release history +Release dates and formats for "Youth Against Fascism"RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United KingdomOctober 26, 1992GeffenAustraliaNovember 2, 1992
References