UK Exclusive
The Lockdown Album, eh? How often have we heard that mentioned this past year? So ubiquitous is the narrative it's become an increasingly tired notion, and not least because it can be a triggering reminder of what was for some a traumatic time. And anyway, aren't most albums made in some version of isolation anyway? Yet, as has frequently been the case throughout their deep history, with Yo La Tengo things aren't quite the same. Recorded in July of last year and now finally available on record, We Have Amnesia Sometimes captures the trio at their intimate, dialogical best while hunkered down and bunkered up under lockdown restrictions. Unsurprisingly, something especially enriching came of it. These five gently pulsing, wordless pieces see them stretch out further into their avant instincts than we have perhaps been used to over the last few years, making a point of that unique Autumnal drone that seems to have been held suspended in the background of their entire career. Here it's front and centre, the sound of three people who have spent a lifetime making music together simply playing and listening and responding, aiming for a feeling, striking an infinite understanding. This is a beautiful and, dare i say it, quite emotional sounding collection, and for me personally, one of my favourite things this favourite band of mine have made in quite some time. Five recordings made over five days, yet something eternal captured beyond that. That classic Yo La Tengo. They didn't forget that.
