Yo La Tengo-Fade album review

This album is a real good way to start off my year. First of all, I had no idea Yo La Tengo were releasing a new album until 2 days before it dropped this week. And boy was I happy that I found out about this album.

Now if you don't know who Yo La Tengo let me break it down for you. First off, Yo La Tengo is NOT a spanish band even though the band name is in spanish and consist of a trio, two of which are husband and wife. Second, Yo La Tengo has been around for decades. I would consider them as one of the grandfathers to the indie rock scene along with Dinosaur Jr and Sonic Youth, which share similarities in musical style. Their music ranges between albums. Basically their older stuff is loud, melodic, very similar to that of Dinosaur Jr with a dash of Galaxie 500/Velvet Underground jam side thrown in. The newer stuff, 1997-2013, still has the loud edge to it but Yo La Tengo has quieted down with many albums and made beautiful sounding records. What you need to know is Yo La Tengo has a super wide range of styles which makes them one of the most interesting bands to get into.

This album might be Yo La Tengo's quietest and personal sounding yet. The album is very similar to And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out, one of the bands masterpieces, but without all the ambient sounds throughout that album. This album is a lot more consistent than their previous albums, which started to have the same feel to each other. Yo La Tengo was always known for change in direction which is what makes them so interesting and a little different than their contemporaries. They go beyond of just standard rock music and add in different elements while still sounding like Yo La Tengo. No other band other than Radiohead can change so drastically and still sound the same.

The album itself is gorgeous. I listened to it on the ride to school and was so immersed by the first track, Ohms, that I slowed down just so I could have a chance to listen to all of it in case I got there before it ended.The track pretty much sets up the whole album. It features really wonderful vocals and melodies while being super catchy and fun. The guitar is still there as well and still has the Yo La Tengo sound with its melodic sound and explosive solos. Although the guitar is not the main instrument to get your attention because the album features something somewhat new to it. It features really beautiful horn and string sections throughout the album, which make it feel very consistent and fresh. The album is very layered in many different instruments and sounds( production on YLT albums is always great). The album sort of reminded me of Belle and Sebastian but with more of Yo La Tengo's moody and melancholic sound to it. The whole album is just a huge pleasure to listen to, I've listened to it at least 5 times today and still love it.

Although if you are new to Yo La Tengo I would suggest starting off with more of the earlier stuff. Perhaps I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One, which showcases the bands talent by being a really wide range album. Also helps that it's one of the best albums of the 90s.

If you aren't new to Yo La Tengo, I encourage you to check it out if you have enjoyed the latter stuff. This one is probably the best they have done since I wanna say And Then Nothing.... because it feels really focused and has a distinctive feel to them, which previous albums lacked in my opinion.

Overall this album from the legendary group is truly wonderful front to back.