Yo La

Out of all the pretentious, semi-obscure indie-bands that are out there, probably one of my favorites (and, incidentally, least obscure) is Yo La Tengo. I can listen to their album "I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One" without wanting to skip a track, which is an accomplishment for the ADD channel-flipper in my soul. From the entrancing bass line of "Moby Octopad" to the shambling organ of "Autumn Sweater", this album is the kind of solid gold that you'd never build a toilet out of, even if you were a ridiculously rich rapper. Hell, even their cover of the Beach Boys' (or the Hondells', depending on how you look at it) hit "Little Honda" manages to be sort of a pastiche and still rock harder than, uh... a piece of granite (creativity waning).

But wait, there's more! For some reason, I believe this album has occult powers of association. Pretty much every song on this album evokes a particular memory for me, whether it be of seasons and loves past, family and friends, or just staring out the window on bus trips.

Ok, to be fair, I should counter the hype so any unfortunate soul that has not had the opportunity to listen to this gem gets a fair chance at enjoying it on its own merits. Some of the songs are certainly alienating to people who aren't into more droning, shoegazer-type electronic jams. Several of the songs are instrumental tracks, which might turnoff some listeners. Personally, I think they're well placed in the continuous whole of the album, something like the interludes on "Pet Sounds", but others are allowed to have differing opinions.

That said, give it a chance. Please. For the good of humanity.