Wanna know how bad ass Yo La Tengo are? Not only did they name an album I’m Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your A**, but when invited to play an all-request set at the 2009 Pitchfork Music Festival, they used the opportunity to play not one, or two, but three new songs, even going so far as to start their “fan friendly” set with “Here to Fall,” the lead track from their forthcoming album, Popular Songs. To be fair, had the fans had a chance to hear the psychedelic, space pop of “Here to Fall,” and its big fuzz bass and whispery, shimmery keys prior to the festival, it may have elbowed its way into the top 11 or 12, on its own merits. But, that’s Yo La Tengo for you — irascible bad a**es and unquestionable tunesmiths.

MP3: Yo La Tengo – Here to Fall

Yo La Tengo’s forthcoming album, Popular Songs, is due out on September 8th and is available for pre-order now through Matador Records’ Buy Early Get Now program. Also, a national tour has been scheduled for this fall with a Cleveland date scheduled for October 5th at the Beachland Ballroom.

Yo La Tengo
Matador Records

photo by Steve Gullick