Yo La Tengo

I've been going to shows since I was 11 years old. My first show was the Beastie Boys/Run DMC "Together Forever" tour. I LOVED both groups and would spend hours spinning the vinyl on my record player in my room. The show was at Cal Expo in Sacramento - an outdoor ampitheater. Not a super loud concert experience. In fact, of all the shows I've ever seen the loudest show ever was this past New Year's Eve.

I had never seen Yo La Tengo before. My girlfriend had several times but didn't warn me of the sound levels they could achieve. When I think of Yo La Tengo I think of pretty, often sprawling, songs. I imagined a celebration with some pop songs, some love songs, and some stretched out numbers. What we got was the Ira guitar freak out set! It was awesome! By the end of the night I had my fingers jammed in my ears! Unbelievable! I usually wear earplugs but didn't think I'd need them for this show. Before I used to wear earplugs I was never forced to put my fingers in my ears because of noise. This was a first.

Now I will share a song with you that will make you think that I must be making the above up. Madeline is a great little mellow pop song. Quite enjoyable. No reason to think you'd be plugging your ears at a show by this band! However, have you heard the Condo Fucks record? Here's a sampling for you - What'cha Gonna Do About It? Yes, the members of Yo La Tengo covering some of their favorite garage rockers. You can see how I was deceived. You would be deceived as well, no? If only I had heard the Condo Fucks record before that show I would have had an inkling...