Popular Songs * by Yo La Tengo (CD, Sep-2009, Matador record label)

Formed in 1984 Yo La Tengo has been around for 25 years. In this 12th album they deliver much of the same American alternative rock their cult fans have come to relish. In this Sept 2009 release Ira Kaplan (guitars, vocals), Georgia Hubley (drums, vocals), and James McNew (bass, vocals) continue to add polish to their established unique sound. ‘Popular Songs’ sounds like it should be a compilation of their greatest hits. While “Nothing to Hide" is wonderful pure indie-rock utilizing Kapan’s distorted quitar sound, opener “Here to Fall” with its ominous electric piano and rippling echos is a pleasant surprise for those expecting the same old usual. Clocking in at around 12 minutes, I found “The Fireside” utilizing a handful of guitar cords combined with a hint of bass to be too long for my tastes, but “If It Is True” interestingly conjured up the Supremes.
Though not great enough to pass as their greatest hits collection, those who already follow Yo La Tengo will enjoy the polished 12 diversified songs on this CD and newcomers will see why this band has made it through the ages continuing to test and improve the limits of their music.