Yo La Tengo
Prisoners Of Love

THE REVIEW

Prisoners of Love: A Smattering of Scintillating Senescent Songs 1985-2003. This is the title of the new CD by Yo La Tengo, which, as one can understand, is not a studio album but rather a double compilation of their best songs after 18 years of work and an equally extensive discography.

The band, originally from New Jersey, always far from big clamors, has been a reference point in the American indie-rock scene on par with great bands like Pavement, though always remaining in the background compared to more celebrated bands. This group has traversed and indelibly marked the period between the eighties and nineties, always bringing new energy to their work: in fact, it is difficult to find a work in their discography that falls below a certain standard.
During the nineties, while bands like Nirvana (just to name one) quickly gained the approval of the general public with a handful of records, Yo La Tengo, as usual, worked behind the scenes, leaving an indelible mark this decade as well with their psychedelic yet sweet sounds.

Clearly influenced by the Velvet Underground, Yo La Tengo has managed to mix noise, melody, and psychedelia, creating a genre all their own. This is evident when listening to these two collections: a whirlwind of noise-rock songs, psych-rock tracks, and splendid ballads flow together, demonstrating in this last instance a great propensity for composing uniquely sweet songs. There are many gems, and I would like to mention a few: Little Eyes, Did I Tell You, Autumn Sweater, Stockholm Syndrome, Sugar Cube, Tears Are In Your Eyes, Season Of The Shark, for goodness' sake, I can't stop.....
A CD that I recommend to everyone, especially because all their records are not easily found in Italy, so having such a comprehensive collection at hand is always convenient. Fans will surely be happy, while newcomers will have the chance to approach new sounds and discover a great band.