‘Fade’ is the 13th studio album to be released by Yo La Tengo since they formed in 1984. Hailing from America this three-piece band has worked on a multitude of projects, from charity singles, to soundtracks, to covers for compilation albums. Originally started by husband and wife duo Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley, the band has seen a number of different line-ups that have continued to produce records that have always received success.
Their newest album ‘Fade’ is a rather varied listening experience, providing something for everyone. Easy-going tracks like ‘I’ll Be Around’ are a stark contrast to ‘Paddle Forward’ or ‘Ohm’, the opening track on the album which starts things off with a guitar heavy, distorted indie rock feel. Tracks such as ‘Is That Enough’ are pleasant, string influenced tracks that move along nicely, and ‘Well You Better’ is a ‘boppy’ electronic number.
Although every track is different to the last the lyrics are a consistently prominent part of the album. They can often be melancholy, much like a self-indulgent lover. Georgia has a beautiful quality to her voice; although it is not strikingly powerful it sits well within each track to give the listener a feeling of comfort and content, much like a stable relationship.
Despite not being the type of album that will make you jump out of your seat, nor silence a room, it is easy to listen to and enjoy. A very summery sounding album, with meaningful lyrics and a range of song styles, it is worth having a listen to. Yo La Tengo are on tour in England in March, this will either be a fun loving, entertaining gig, or it could be a little slow, the only way to know will be to try and catch them on their mini UK tour. http://www.yolatengo.com/
I have always had a passion for music. Growing up I spent many a Friday night glued to TOTP and many a Sunday attempting to record the Top 40 to tape. In secondary school I learnt the guitar and drums as well as being in every choir, sound crew and production I could. Finally, It was at University in Chester where I began to start writing reviews. Until then I didn't really think anyone would want to know my opinion. We had a guest lecturer come in and he had us do a minute task where we listened to a song and them had to write a descriptive one liner about it. I realised from this point that I could combine creative writing, music knowledge and opinion into something productive and interesting. That's when I signed up to Silent Radio. It was the perfect thing for me to get involved with, I could voice my opinion on the student airwaves and then write it for the website.Now I am a Music Production and Radio graduate, living in London and working my first industry job. I spend my days working at Metropolis Studios and my nights attempting to write well educated, witty and interesting reviews.When it comes to my taste in music I guess it's rather varied. I will pretty much give anything a listen. The genres closet to my heart would probably be rock, soul, funk and dance but thankfully my job is broadening my listening horizons even further. As a reviewer I would say I have a fan type approach and sometimes I am a little to generous when turning that dial but they are always honest and I hope to some degree, relevant. My hopes are to continue writing for SR, growing as a reviewer and expanding my music knowledge.
