The New York trio Yo La Tengo has excelled in three things for twenty-five years: pure pop, dreamy atmospheric music and relentless noise. We had not yet had fine, friendly listening pop, but with the thirteenth album Fade this will change. The band also seems to master the pampering of the listener down to the finest detail. Whether it be the little songs with their simple, dry drums and acoustic
… guitars, or the songs that are unpacked with wind instruments and violins; the listener can lean back. You hardly have to make an effort to take in the music. The tendency to let songs run for long has remained the same. Also here and there a considerable sound wall is being built. But it all remains accessible on Fade and that was different on previous albums. Yes, Yo La Tengo even sounds sweet. Let's hope that Fade is no harbinger of their career slowly coming to a standstill. (JE)more
