Yo La Tengo 2/2/13

 "The consummate do it yourself band," "The essential indie rock band,"  "The modern day Velvet Underground," "The quintessential critics' band..." these are common monikers for the Hoboken, NJ trio, Yo La Tengo.  This band, whose career has spanned nearly three decades, stopped at the Turner Hall Ballroom on Saturday February 2nd for "An Evening with Yo La Tengo."  The band performed two sets  without an  opener.  Two set shows from non jam bands are a rare commodity in the concert world, and I was excited to take in a robust amount of music from a band who I've always been interested in, but had never truly peaked my interest (until recently).  What I discovered was an act whose humility and musical poise set them apart as masters of their craft.

The first set featured nine songs, all acoustic, performed with stripped-down instruments and the band seated on stools.  The near-capacity crowd, comprised mostly men in their forties dressed in plaid shirts or leather jackets, and wearing plastic-rimmed glasses (granted, I, too have plastic rimmed specs and was wearing a plaid shirt) was so quiet and respectful during the acoustic set, that you could only hear the faint popping of tall boy cans from the bar at the opposite end of the ballroom.  The band opened with "Ohm," the first track off of their latest release Fade (and, incidentally, the track that got me to really take notice of this band).  From there, other high points of the acoustic set were another number from Fade, "Corneia and Jane," as well as an intimate version of "Big Day Coming" off of their Painful LP released in 1993.  I was surprised how much the band traded off with vocal duties.  In addition, the trio harmonized extremely well together putting an intimate coffee house feel on many tunes that are used to being played with longer jams and distortion.

After a short intermission, where the acoustic gear was taken off the stage and replaced by electric guitars, synthesizers and a smorgasbord of distortion peddles, the band returned for what fans would likely describe as a more "traditional" Yo La Tengo experience.  Opening up, the band grooved through "Stupid Things" (another strand-out track on Fade).  A mid-set version of their pseudo-hit "Mr. Tough" energized the crowd, and propelled the music into a great three song sequence which included "Before We Run," and an electric version of "Ohm," which jammed out past the eight minute mark.   Perhaps the show highlight for me, however, was the set closer, "Blue Line Swinger," a 10 minute plus opus which featured some crazy guitar feedback jams layered upon Georgia Hubley's pounding drums. 

For an encore, the band took requests from the crowd.  My request of their cover of "Golden Road to Unlimited Devotion" by the Grateful Dead, was greeted with laughter from the band.  (They covered this tune at a record store gig in San Francisco as more or less, a one time thing, or so I was told by frontman Ira Kaplan whom I had the pleasure of chatting with after the show).  They didn't do "Golden Road," but did do an earlier tune (requested by a group of fans) as well as a track that featured Georgia Hubley coming to the front of the stage to do the vocals.

I am embarrassed to some degree that it's taken me this long to really get into Yo La Tengo. This band had  reputation of being stalwart performers live, and they exceeded expectations.  I am now regretting all the times I passed on seeing them play at the Regent Street Annex while I was at UW-Madison from 1996-2001, as I'm discovering that this was a really cool era for the band.  Expect to see me at the Yo La Tengo show again the next time they come through town.

This is a band whose humble nature, sincere song writing, and true joy for what they do comes across in their performance.

Show grade: A
Setlist: 

 

Steve Bloom, Ira Kaplan, me

This t-shirt cracked me up.  It is kind of hard to see, but featured the singer from 1980's hip-hop group Kid 'N Play with the writing: Yo La Tengo: Fade underneath.  While the merch guy was trying to get me to buy it, as I found it quite humorous, a text to my wife put the kibosh on that.  I think Jeni's sense probably played out well on that decision. 

5 Albums You Can't Live Without

Pretend, just for a second, that modern technology forced you to downsize your music collection into 5 albums that you would be able to listen to for, let's say, the foreseeable future (just for argument's sake, let's say for the next year).  What five albums would you choose as your "5 Albums You Can't Live Without?"

As with any list or conversation like this, let's lay down a few rules: 
1.  You have to choose albums, not entire catalogs by bands.  You may have the same band listed multiple times with different albums.
2.  As long as the music is marketed as an "album"it counts.  Therefore, for instance, you could choose a greatest hits compilation, a live record, or even an anthology, just as long as it is marketed as an album and not a box-set or "complete works" collection. 
3.  Throw convention aside... don't think about albums that are dubbed by critics as necessarily the 'most influential' in terms of modern music, but rather the ones that really resonated with you as a listener.  (Ex. Like most music fans and critics, you cannot help but tip your hat to the Beatles and the Stones, however, I cannot tell you the last time I spun Sgt. Pepper, or any other Beatles work for that matter).
4.  Have fun!

I'd love to hear your "Five Albums You Can't Live Without"  Here are mine:


5. The Flaming LipsThe Soft Bulletin 1999.
A concept album about the whole concept of being human... leave it to the Flaming Lips to construct this gem.  Before their elaborate live shows with front man Wayne Coyne running about the stage in a hamster wheel and the side-stage dancers, there was this record, The Soft Bulletin, which the Lips toured in support of by hosting a series of "headphones shows" (I was fortunate to catch them in Madison at the Barrymore during this run).  During these shows, the audience was given headphones and a closed-circuit station to tune in to so that you could (supposedly) hear the nuanced, layered tracks in the live renditions.  To this day, I don't think I can listen to this disc and not notice something new or interesting.  The tracks here all coincide with one another and provide the listener a beautiful sonic disposition between poppy melodies and electronic dissonance.
4.  Radiohead The Bends 1995.
A rock album for people who like rock 'n roll, Radiohead delivers a classic in their sophomore effort that I find personally their most enjoyable work.  In its truest sense, The Bends captures the raw power of Radiohead's sound in their earlier years. Clever guitar hooks, Thom Yorke's almost ethereal vocals, and steady percussion makes this a solid album from front to back.  Like The Soft Bulletin, The Bends is timeless and it feels like it could have been released last year (or 18 years ago).


3.  The Beastie Boys Paul's Boutique  1989
Is there a more fun album to listen to than Paul's Boutique?  I seriously challenge anyone to listen to it all the way through and say that they did not smile.  From the opening drum sample of "Shake Your Rump" to the sonically contagious bass loop of "Egg Man," to the funky guitar sample of "Hey Ladies," this album is packed full of well-sampled goodies.  While not much of a hip-hop fan, I can't think of a time when I haven't had this record on my iPad.

2.  Paul Simon Graceland 1986.
Arguably the greatest narrative record, told by one of rock's greatest storytellers, Graceland is one of those rare albums that never gets old.  Arguably dated sounding at times (note the synthesizer in "Call Me Al" for instance), Graceland doesn't necessarily come off as timeless, but rather an album that marks a time and place that you want to revisit over and over again.  Like the other albums on this list, Graceland is one of those rare pieces of music that you can listen to endlessly and constantly find new things that are intriguing.  The world music influences on this record make it even the more enjoyable.  Seeing Paul Simon perform at the height of the "Graceland tour" might be worth a trip in a time machine (but we can save that idea for another post).

1.  Wilco Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2001
I was hooked the moment I heard the opening drum riff of "I'm Trying To Break Your Heart," and I haven't been able to let go since.  Beautiful narrative, albeit often cryptic, lyrics, poured over a smorgasbord of nuanced, intricate sounds, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is both beautiful and challenging.  Each song stands alone well, and also fits into the piece as a whole perfectly.   This is the "granddaddy of them all" for me.  If I had just one album to listen to, this would be it, and I doubt I'd get bored.

Favorite Live Shows in Milwaukee:

10. Titus Andronicus + special guests Ceremony + Jaill (November 23, 2012) Turner Hall Ballroom While my expectations of Titus Andronicus may have been a bit unrealistic (reading about their legendary opening spot for Bright Eyes where the singer dove off of a speaker stack at the Riverside), I was plenty pleased with their straight ahead, high octane rock 'n roll show.  This was the first show I've been to in years that contained an actual mosh pit.

9. Sea Wolf (October 25, 2012) Club Garabaldi
There is something special about seeing a band in a really intimate setting.  Club Garabaldi proved to be the place to see Sea Wolf.   Backed by a tight band and a well-rehearsed live show, Alex Brown Church and his mates delivered a set that connected on so many levels with the crowd.  While not a folk-act, and not really a rock-act either, Sea Wolf delivered a heart-felt performance that showcased his latest release, "Old World Romance," one of my favorite discs of the year.

photo by Will Piper

8.  The xx + John Talabot (October 21, 2012) Pabst Theater
I knew I was in for a treat when I won the xx tickets from Radio Milwaukee.  What I didn't realize is how well this band exceeds expectations with its live performance.  The visual light display was on-par with some of my favorite acts (Phish and My Morning Jacket) and the band delivered a seamless, dreamy set that played perfectly with the Pabst crowd.

photo by Will Piper

7.  Polica (May 9, 2012) Turner Hall Ballroom
Channy Leaneagh is a first rate front woman, and, needless to say, she memorized the Turner Hall crowd. The double-drum percussion, coupled with wicked bass lines, and electronic loops via a MacBook were mixed perfectly, and resulted in a first rate show.  I can't wait to see where this act goes from here (I'm guessing a larger venue than Turner Hall is most likely in the future).

6.  Phish (June 30, 2012) Alpine Valley Music Theater
Seeing that I've been going to Phish shows since 1994, the Vermont quartet certainly has a soft spot in this critic's heart.  Tunes like "Runaway Jim" and "AC/DC Bag" brought about high school memories, whereas newer numbers like "Backwards Down the Number Line," channeled my iner "dad-rock."  The second set cover of "Golden Age" by TV on the Radio demonstrates how this band continues to evolve, and anchored the show with a funky jam.  Simply put, Phish remains an A list act.

Video from Steve Holmes via YouTube. "Golden Age -> Also Sprach Zarathustra"

 

5. Trampled By Turtles (November 10, 2012) Pabst Theater
"Trampled" is an act that I have wanted to see for years.  I can see why they have received so much praise for their live show.  Energetic is an understatement!  Trampled by Turtles is transitioning from being a straight blue-grass act to being more of a song-writer driven alt-country outfit, mixing ballads with foot stomping romps.  Trampled by Turtles clearly exceeded my expectations, as well as many others' during this sold-out performance.

4.  Sufjan Stevens' "Christmas Sing-A-Long Seasonal Affective Disorder Pageant on Ice"
(December 13, 2012)- Turner Hall Ballroom
I knew from the promotional materials hyping this concert that it would be a zany affair, but I did not anticipate how well-produced the music would be.  Strip away the myriad of inflatable Santas, menorahs, and unicorns on stage, get rid of the silly costumes and giant "Wheel Of Christmas," and what you have left are quality musicians who were able to make a two hour show of mostly Christmas music immensely entertaining.

photo by Stephen Bloch

3.  The Avett Brothers- (July 5, 2012) BMO Harris Pavillion, Summerfest Grounds
The Avetts continue to prove why they are one of the best and most consistent acts in the country by performing stellar live shows.  This warm summer night at  beautiful new BMO Harris Pavillion proved to be a classic Avetts show, drawing from material new and old.  The energy never seemed to let down from the first note to the last in this performance.

photo by Stephen Bloch

2.  Charles Bradley & His Extrodinaries  (February 17, 2012)- Turner Hall Ballroom
Who would have thought that a 64 year old soul singer would take my #2 honor for show of the year?  Simply put, Charles Bradley is a performer who leaves it all out there. I cannot think of an act that entertained me more the whole year, from his outfit changes, dancing, and even jumping into the crowd at the end of the show for hugs, Bradley channeled the spirit of James Brown while giving one of the most moving performances of the year at Turner Hall.

1.  My Morning Jacket with Band of Horses (July 8, 2012)- BMO Harris Pavillion, Summerfest Grounds
It had been a few years since I last saw My Morning Jacket.  Holy cow, has this band ever evolved.  This tour, dubbed the "Spontaneous Curation Series" saw the band delivering an entirely different show from night to night, drawing from all of their material, both new and old.  From the opening notes of "Mahgeetah" to the closing notes of "Phone Went West," MMJ delivered a first class, romping rock show.  

photo by Stephen Bloch

Top 12 for 2012

Will's Top 12 For '12:
This year was a great year for music.  Lots of my favorite established artists dropped new records, along with a lot of strong records from up-and-coming acts or other acts that I hadn't previously discovered.  I hope you enjoy my musings on my favorite releases 2012 had to offer:

Honorable Mention:Japandroids "Celebration Rock," Divine Fits "Thing Called Divine Fits," Trampled By Turtles "Stars and Satellites,"  Beach House, "Bloom"

12: David Wax Museum "Knock Knock Get Up"
If this disc doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will. David Wax Museum delivers feel-good music at its best with bright horn arrangements and some really fascinating percussion. This Mexican-American folk act definitely has a niche at this point, and I can only guess that they will continue to hone and diversify their sound in the years to come.
11. Alt-J- "An Awesome Wave"
Categorizing Alt-J's sound is a challenging task, aside from simply saying, "infectious."  If Soul Coughing and the xx were to get married Alt-J could be what their musical child might sound like.  Simple keyboard melodies combined with quirky instrumentation and beats help draw listeners into this album.  I am really looking forward to seeing this act in March 2013  @ Turner Hall.

10.  Titus Andronicus- "Local Business"
Pure rock 'n roll energy drives "Local Business," making it a favorite of mine from this year.  Front man Patrick Stickles' lyrical delivery and narrative song writing falls into a similar category to The Hold Steady's Craig Finn, and, to some extent, even fellow New Jersey native, Bruce Springsteen.  Favorite tracks include "In A Big City," and "I Am the Electric Man."


9. Hospitality- "Hospitality"
Catching this band open for Here We Go Magic at Stonefly this year put them on my radar.  This is an incredibly catchy indie-pop record with well-crafted melodic tunes, which really never went out of my rotation throughout the year.  Clever guitar and drum arrangements also add to the pure pop goodness of this record.  


8.  Polica- "Give You The Ghost"
Combine ethereal vocals, driving beats from two drummers, and grooving bass lines.  Mix with some added electronic effects and loops, and bake for about 45 minutes, and you have yourself,  "Give You The Ghost," one of the more interesting albums to come out of 2012.  Simply put, Channy Leaneagh's vocals are soulful and spellbinding and make this record a real stand-out on my list and plenty of others' lists this year.


7. Spiritualized- "Sweet Heart, Sweet Light"
Spirtualized is an act that defies time and place.  In  many ways, you can listen to "Sweet Heart, Sweet Light" and think that the album could be from the 1970's, or from the hay day of the British shoe-gaze acts in the late-nineties. However, one would be remiss if they simply tried to fit Spitualized into this category.  What sets Spitualized apart from other acts is the diverse songwriting of lead singer/guitarist Jason Pierce, who creates an album of stark contrasts, juxtaposing witty pop songs with spacey jams and even slower, more melancholy tracks.  This British psychedelic rock outfit is on a short list of acts I haven't seen live and would really like to. 


6.  Tame Impala- "Lonerism"
In many ways, Tame Impala is similar to Spititualized as an act that is hard to classify. Their latest, "Lonerism," is a poppy, jammy, tangled delight.  What gives Tame Impala one up on Spiritualized, in my opinion, is how cohesive the album is.  It is rare that I'll skip over a track, and can find myself often entrenched in the jams.


5.  Sea Wolf- "Old World Romance"
Alex Brown Chruch delivers a masterful singer-songwriter effort on "Old World Romance."  From the catchy opener, "Old Friend," through gems like "Priscilla," and "Miracle Cure," Sea Wolf's latest certainly put them on the radar of several indie-folk fans, myself included.

 

4.  Father John Misty- "Fear Fun"
J. Tillman delivers the album that has grown on me the most over the year, the whimsical "Fear Fun."  A diverse mix of alt-country, experimental folk, and straight ahead rock 'n roll,  Tillman's narrative tunes roll seamlessly into each other on the record, leading to a most enjoyable listen.  Stand out tracks include: "I'm Writing A Novel," "Nancy From Now On," "Only Son of the Ladies Man," and "Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings."  You know an album is good when you keep having a new favorite tune  after each listen.

 

3.  Band of Horses- "Mirage Rock"
"A ramshackle crew with something to prove, and the truck blew up, believe it."  This line from the opening track "Knock Knock," sets the tone for a straight ahead rock 'n roll effort which shows Ben Bridwell and the boys in prime form.  Bridwell's country-esque twang comes across wonderfully on tracks like "Electric Music," "How to Live," and "Heartbreak on the 101."  While I can argue that "Cease to Begin" is perhaps my favorite release from this band, "Mirage Rock" provides a satisfying, uplifting listen, which translates especially well live.
 
 

2.  Grizzly Bear- "Shields"
Grizzly Bear's wonderfully eclectic release, "Shields," is arguably their finest album to date, and a record that sees this New York City group rising in terms of popularity and critical acclaim.  I doubt I'll see them at a $15 Pabst Theater show again like I did a few years ago.  Bluesy vocals, multifaceted percussion, clever synthesizer loops and a haunting appeal makes "Shields" a beautiful listen from start to finish.  This is an act that I could see making the jump to an upper-mid level act very quickly. 


 1. Jack White- "Blunderbuss"
I'll admit, I'm late to the party with Jack White... or am I?  If "Blunderbuss" is any indication, White's best work may be still to come.  To be honest, I (foolishly) passed on seeing the White Stripes numerous times, and even passed on the Racontours, only now to be more than willing to hop in a car and drive to anywhere in the general vicinity to catch Jack White's act live.  Everyone who I've known who has seen him on this tour was simply blown away, and rightfully so, this record is loaded with awesome rock 'n roll. 

White puts together a thoughtful, fun, and varied album that makes you want to play air guitar to "Sixteen Salteens," pump your first in the sky to "Freedom at 21," tap your foot to "Hypothetical Kiss," and sing along to "Love Interruption."  This is a highly accessible album that appeals to a wide fan base.  It is a joyous listen from start to finish and has been played more than any other record this year, hence, earning the top spot on the chart.