Posted by Liz Ahye on Monday, January 14, 2013
‘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.