Yo La Tengo, any takers?

Posted by: Bruce Woodhouse on 17 December 2014

I have quietly amassed a fair few YLT records and after last year's excellent Fade just bought 'Extra Painful' 2 CD set. Typical bit of YLT generosity; the original re-issue, ten demos/acoustic/live versions on the second CD and then a download token for a further 15 tracks, 12 of which previously unreleased.

 

I am a sucker for YLT. I love the mix of sweetness, atmosphere and the snarling too-long guitar breaks, the chugging krautrock-esque beats, the endless fading feedback finishes. Just does it for me.

 

Painful is a key early album when they really found their level, the extra tracks on the CD are more interesting then the usual recording room floor-sweepings and although I have only listened to the downloads once there is plenty more fun here too.

 

One for completists probably, but if YLT float your boat it is great value. After 30 years I will still look forward to their next release too.

 

http://store.matadorrecords.com/extra-painful

 

Bruce

Posted on: 17 December 2014 by Jeff Anderson

I have tried a couple albums previously (don't remember which) and didn't make a complete connection with them.

 

I will start with "Painful", mentioned in your post, and see how I do.

 

I am still looking for an opportunity to listen to Tindersticks "Ypres" again.  I am looking for a completely uninterrupted time when I can turn it up a bit and enjoy it again.  Not something I would just throw on at any moment, but I really did like it 

 

thanks for the tips on both the above.

 

Jeff A

Posted on: 17 December 2014 by Premmyboy

I am a fan also. I bought extra painful on vinyl but had to return it because of bad surface noise on side 1. Currently awaiting a replacement.  I have seen them live on numerous occasions and they are always entertaining.

Posted on: 17 December 2014 by Bruce Woodhouse
Originally Posted by Jeff Anderson:

I have tried a couple albums previously (don't remember which) and didn't make a complete connection with them.

 

I will start with "Painful", mentioned in your post, and see how I do.

 

I am still looking for an opportunity to listen to Tindersticks "Ypres" again.  I am looking for a completely uninterrupted time when I can turn it up a bit and enjoy it again.  Not something I would just throw on at any moment, but I really did like it 

 

thanks for the tips on both the above.

 

Jeff A

I'd probably start with 'Fade' from last year; covers many of their moods and styles. YLT can be a bit of a love/hate thing I have found when lending it to friends.

 

Bruce

Posted on: 17 December 2014 by Jeff Anderson
 

I'd probably start with 'Fade' from last year; covers many of their moods and styles. YLT can be a bit of a love/hate thing I have found when lending it to friends.

 

Bruce

I will start with "Fade" then.

 

thanks

 

Posted on: 18 December 2014 by Kevin-W

Yep, really like them as well. My favourite album by them is probably "President Yo La Tengo" from 1989. Agree with Bruce that "Fade" is as good a place to start as any.

Posted on: 18 December 2014 by glevethan

I actually started with Fade last year. Where should I go next?

Posted on: 18 December 2014 by Kevin-W
Originally Posted by glevethan:

I actually started with Fade last year. Where should I go next?

"Painful" is a very good album - maybe their best? "I Am Not Afraid of You And Will Beat Your Ass" is also excellent.

Posted on: 18 December 2014 by Bruce Woodhouse

'...And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out' or 'Painful' for classic mid-period YLT albums.

 

'Summer Sun' is sweet and mellow throughout, like the second half of Fade. No crunching quitar solos. Excellent if you are in the mood.

 

'Fakebook' is a great album of cover versions (mostly), again largely acoustic.

 

' I am Am Not Afraid...' etc is fine but never quite hit the heights for me. 'Popular Songs' is also a bit patchy. One of the joys of YLT is the variety though-different moods for different days often on the same album.

 

Bruce

Posted on: 18 December 2014 by Jeff Anderson

I am starting my second listen to "Fade" this morning after having enjoyed it very much yesterday.   Thanks for the tip.

 

Jeff A

Posted on: 18 December 2014 by Bruce Woodhouse

This is what the Forum is for; enjoy.

 

Bruce

Posted on: 18 December 2014 by winkyincanada

I'm a bit of a fan. We have a few albums. Night Falls in Hoboken is a fave of mine.

Posted on: 18 December 2014 by glevethan

Thank you for all of the recommendations

 

Posted on: 19 December 2014 by Bruce Woodhouse
Originally Posted by winkyincanada:

I'm a bit of a fan. We have a few albums. Night Falls in Hoboken is a fave of mine.

A Desert Island track for me, fading into the night. The song that got me hooked on YLT.

 

Bruce

Posted on: 20 December 2014 by Philip Tate
One of my favourite bands in the world. I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One is their masterpiece in my opinion. It contains "Sugarcube", which is also the best music video ever made.

"Young band, you are going to Rock School!"
Posted on: 20 December 2014 by Ghettoyout

The Peel session version of Autumn Sweater takes some beating. Not sure if it has ever been released.