Albums

Yo La Tengo - Prisoners Of Love: A Smattering Of Scintillating Senescent Songs 1984-2003

Mike Mantin 21/03/2005

Rating: 4/5

Yo La Tengo are one of those fashionable, classic American bands who never smashed the charts wide open but always remained a cult hit for those in the know. If, like me, you've never discovered the joys of their distinctive fuzz-pop, this is an absolutely perfect place to start. At a price usually reserved for a single disc, you get two CDs of all the 'hits', plus a bonus one with much sought-after rarities (so this is essential for collectors too). The music itself is sublime, ranging from early lo-fi ditties with a heart and a tune buried under the feedback ('Sugarcube', 'Barnaby, Hardly Working') to beautiful, almost sedated later songs ('Our Way To Fall', 'Little Eyes') via a number of covers (their excellent version of Sun Ra's 'Nuclear War'). Yo La Tengo are an essential, fine group, and newbies should begin their collection right here.

(originally part of the This Month We Have Mostly Been Listening To... feature)