‘Freewheeling’ Yo La Tengo lighten up fans

By Erin Szrankowski
Collegian Staff
October 31, 2007

At the Sanctuary of the First Unitarian Church, the adoring fans of Yo La Tengo filled in to witness the band’s “freewheeling” side. Some people sat on the floor, while others resided in the numerous pews. The crowd was a healthy mix of teenagers and early 40-year-olds. Yo La Tengo has been around for over 20 years, with a track record of 15 albums, hence the variety of ages.

Opener and guitarist extraordinaire Jack Rose acoustically blew the crowd’s collective mind. He strummed skillfully at his guitar, generating a lovely organic echo throughout the church. The reaction to his music was assorted, but for the most part it was well-received. This was the beginning of a very interesting concert experience.

The night saw a comical and more easy-going side of the YLT. It was like a giant get-together, where everyone learned something about someone.

Plus, there was a guy with a wolf mask, sitting nonchalantly in a church pew. This was clearly not your typical Friday night concert.

Nevertheless, it was refreshing and worth more than the $15 we paid to get inside. YLT started its set off with “The Weakest Part,” from its most recent release, I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass. After two more songs, the band explained what its “freewheeling” tour was all about.

Basically, the excited crowd was able to ask questions (granted they raised their hands) like: “If you were on Sesame Street, what song would you do?”

Ira Kaplan (guitar/vocals) answered with, “A 45 minute improvisational jam.”

All three members displayed a very sharp wit which brought the church to near-hysterical laughter. Sidecars and other mixed drinks were also spoken about. As well as a discussion of 1997 video for “Sugarcube,” they also mentioned their work with the guys from Mr. Show (David Cross and Bob Odenkirk).

It seemed as if they trusted their audience to not ask any outrageous or uncomfortable questions. The crowd was also able to request a cover or YLT song. I tried to ask for some Beat Happening, but I chickened out. With this, the band would create a nice intro into the chosen song, using informational or silly knowledge.

One of the covers the trio preformed was Johnny Cash’s “I Still Miss Someone.” At one time there was a request for the feedback-y “Pass the Hatchet, I Think I’m Goodkind.” The requester chuckled after asking, as if she knew they weren’t going to perform the song. They did and everyone was astounded, because the equipment they played seemed unsuitable for such a jam.

The manner in which they were playing was definitely notable. At no time did they stand up; they all sat in their chairs shredding and drumming away. The night was turning out to be enchanting, more than expected.

Georgia’s breathy, deep vocals on “Center of Gravity,” lulled the already calm audience. There was not a sound to be heard throughout the entire sanctuary, which was remarkable. “Beach Party Tonight” was one of the show’s highlights—it was dreamy, atmospheric, and beautifully melodic. Yo La Tengo also covered the Velvet Underground’s tune “I Heard Her Call My Name.”

At the end of the night, the crowd wanted more. Yo La Tengo came back onstage and played three more songs. Danny Ray Thompson joined the band, playing an assortment of instruments—a flute, sax and a percussion instrument. Together, they performed an avant-garde, jazzy “Autumn Sweater” (a personal favorite), Sun Ra’s “Rocket #9” and The O’Jay’s “Love Train.”

Naturally, “Love Train” got everyone on their feet and the sounds of claps consumed the church. The night turned out better than expected, not that I doubt Yo La Tengo’s greatness; I was just concerned about how they were going to execute the whole concept. However, they did something right, and it made for an enjoyable night.

szrankowskie1@lasalle.edu