Yo La Tengo - I Can Hear the Heart Beating As One

Matador Records

April 22nd, 1997.

The fresh crunch of dead leaves are a ringer for Autumn. Things fall as they wither away - back to the essence. Time for change and a welcome of the next wave. The forthcoming path presents itself on its own accord - patience is key. Yo La Tengo's eighth studio album 'I Can Hear the Heart Beating As One' is something of a tame beast. A beast that waits its turn, steals the show, then returns to the ether in which it waits. Maybe another day, maybe another time.

One of the greatest autumn albums ever was released in spring. 'I Can hear the Heart...' has an aura surrounding it. A vibe that is captured often, but rarely as well. A hue of mango shades engulfs the music within - taking on tones of down and out, yet never fully defeated. The condition of survival kicks in each and every time. Just like nature and its recovery year in year out.

Like any amazing experience it's hard to define just what makes something special. Things feel good outside of their inherent 'value'. You wont necessarily find the greatest musicianship, singing or overall charismatic performance that you would hope, but it surpasses all of these qualities in and of itself. A band at their peak don’t rely on ability. They have a sense for what they want to achieve outside of others expectations - this is usually what separates the best from the rest. Give 'We're an American Band' a listen to hear what David Gilmour would have sounded like on the guitar if he was born in the 70's.

Long lost memories circulate on grainy VHS tapes stored away for a rainy day. Never to be returned to again. Consciousness confined to material, personal bootlegs. Locked away for an eternity. Trapped in the ether of infinite potential replay. The shimmer of existence, the glimpse in time, the window of family history. Things will find their place as long as they are meant to be. What is yours wont pass you by.

Notable Tracks: Sugarcube, Autumn Sweater

April 22nd, 1997.