Yo La Tengo have been around for SO long that it’s no surprise that their sound has changed over the years. Their latest, “Stuff Like That There,” is much less experimental and noisy and more folk/americana, which is interesting because the majority of the songs on this album are covers. Hearing songs from The Cure, The Parliaments, and Al Green in a genre so different than their original makes you have somewhat of a new appreciation for the song, but also for YLT’s musical talent.
Stand outs on the album were the third track “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” mainly because I’m partial to anything Al Green, but also because Georgia Hubley’s voice sounds so much like Francoise Hardy; and track nine “Automatic Doom.”
There isn’t a lot of variety in the sound of the album, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The covers are thoughtful and unique, but YLT’s original songs don’t show much evolution in their overall sound as a band.
Recommended If You Like: Neil Young, Allman Brothers, Belle and Sebastian, Pavement
Recommended Tracks: 3 (I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry), 9 (Automatic Doom), 6 (Friday I’m in Love)
Do Not Play: None
Written by Caroline Roe on 09/01/2015