There's A Riot Going On!

Record of the week in my house is the brand new album by veteran New Jersey rock band Yo La Tengo. And while there may be a RIOT in the album's title, a head fake to Sly and the Family Stone's 1971 masterpiece, it bears absolutely NO sonic resemblance to its namesake predecessor. If there's any rioting go on here it's all internal turbulence, the sound of a band reckoning with its own longevity, looking inward, and searching for answers in troublesome times. They make it seem effortless, but that's not unexpected for a band's that's been recording and touring for thirty-four years. Their fifteenth studio album has a warm, assured, enveloping sound, tranquil throbbing fuzz bass and blurry organ drone, hushed vocals and pulsing guitar thrum. It might take a couple listens for the layered, sprawling songs to take shape in your head, but a little bit of time and effort is worth it, just like catching up with an old friend again. Yo La Tengo play two SOLD OUT shows in Chicago this week at Thalia Hall. You can place a hold on the CD here.