2012.03.07 Yo La Tengo - I’m Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass

Color: Black

Released: 2006, September 12

Label: Matador Records

I’m so prone to getting into bands in all the wrong ways. Well, actually I should retract that statement - there’s really no wrong way to enjoy music. But for this one I think you’ll agree I didn’t start at the best place. That’s not to say that the opening track of I’m not Afraid… isn’t a fine testament to the kind of squalling guitar workouts Yo La Tengo can whip up. The simplicity of the bass line that tethers the whole composition to earth is catchy as hell, too. But that opening track is a little deceptive if you’ve not heard the band before. Which is silly considering the bands 20 year (as of the release of this record) history. The majority of the remainder of the record showcases the mellower, smart pop song, side of the trio. Along the way, YLT reference a lot of stylistic touch points through rock and pop history. However in a similar manner to how the record starte, they go out with a bang at the end - as they often do. The artwork on this record has a very collage-y kind of thing going on, which is very fitting for Yo La Tengo’s music. The illustration on the front has a lot going on and then on the back of the sleeve you get a random collection of items that feels like small chapters in a bigger narrative. It’s probably no coincidence that the label on side D of the vinyl features an image of a baseball and that side features a song called “The Story of Yo La Tengo.”