There a few greater privileges in a music fan’s life than getting to review one of their favourite ever bands. That does however mean objectivity is a little more tricky, and by gosh do I love Yo La Tengo. Truthfully, I haven’t been as big a fan of their last few records as I am of their latest, Fade which has pretty much been on repeat on my stereo since it came out. It’s official: I’ve fallen for them all over again, so I’m already excited about hearing the new stuff played live, along with some old favourites.
There is no support tonight, instead we get two sets a ‘quiet’ and then a ‘loud’ set. The levels aren’t quite on the money, particularly in set one and it’s a shame that we can’t really here Georgia on keys as it’s always interesting to see the three members swap instruments. The changing dynamics of lo-fi softness to 70s guitar wig outs is one of the main things I love about this band.
The setting is rather magical; a small indoor forest on the stage creates an intimate setting for this large, iconic auditorium as a garland of flowers line the stage, and the plethora of instruments are set up in front of large, twinkly cardboard trees.
Sit down gigs can feel a little sedate, but Ira’s softly spoken patter offers a familiar warmth to break any ice. “I like it here, it’s good to be back” he says, I half expect him to say, “I love what you’ve done with the place”. Set one includes ‘Ohm’ and ‘I’ll be around’ from Fade as well as the atmospheric ‘Saturday’ from And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out.
I was pleased to hear ‘Ohm’ reprised for the electric set, as it’s such a great big sound that is deserving of the full YLT sonic treatment. Highlights include the distortion-infused ‘Shaker’ and a blissful, sweeping rendition of old favourite ‘Blue Line Swinger’.
They amble off casually before returning with enough time for a strong encore or ‘strongcore’ (Thanks, Sarah Bennetto) which includes oldie ‘ Damage’ and a brilliant tribute to London in the form of a cover of ‘Ant Music’. It’s fun to watch people you admire get a kick out of playing, and judging by the broad grins on stage, they’re having a blast.
There are a few absences, no ‘Autumn Sweater’ or ‘Stockholm Syndrome’, but with a room full of people yelling for their favourites and with a catalogue spanning three decades I guess something’s got to give. I’m totally floored by ‘Take Care’, their lilting Big Star cover, and I’m not ashamed to say I got a little glassy eyed over it.
I walk into the cold night air feeling uplifted, beautiful songs, a fine evening.