The new Yo La Tengo album, Popular Songs, is no departure from their typical sound. There are several lush pop songs like "When It's Dark," "If It's True," or "Avalon Or Someone Very Similar" that should be big radio hits. But that is extremely unlikely. That being said the most uncommercial song a 15 minute instrumental, "And The Glitter is Gone" is also one of my favorites. So far it is one of my favorite new albums of 2009.
Embryonic, The Flaming Lips latest album is another sonic feast for the ears with all sorts fo interesting sounds , but necessarily one of their most commercial albums. But that being said there are several cuts that make it worthwhile like:"Convinced Of The Hex," "See The Leaves," "The Egos Understand," and "Watching The Planets."
I reached back to an older Built To Spill album from 1994, There's Nothing Wrong With Love, after hearing the transcendent "Car" on Slate's Cultural Gabfest a few months back. It's a great guitar driven album full of melodies in songs like: "Big Dipper," "Distopian Dream Girl," and"Some" among others. It is a very strong alum overall. I really need to spend more time with it.
Thanks, Pat. It's been a while, but I think I might be in the mood for some new Yo La Tengo.
Posted by: phatrick | November 18, 2009 at 07:13 AM
If it's been a while I would also recommend Prisoner of Love, which is like a sort of greatest hits collection that I've been really digging lately as well.
Posted by: MC | November 18, 2009 at 12:43 PM