After years as one of indie rock's standard-bearing groups,
Yo La Tengo
surpasses itself with
And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out
. A culturally literate, emotionally rich album, on songs like
"Let's Save Tony Orlando's House,"
"The Crying of Lot G,"
and
"The Last Days of Disco,"
it alludes to
The Simpsons
, enigmatic author
Thomas Pynchon
and independent films while exploring the comforting, confining, complex aspects of relationships.
"Our Way to Fall"
sets
Ira Kaplan
's recollection of falling in love to a dreamy, down-to-earth backdrop of gently brushed drums, luminous organs and vibes;
"The Crying of Lot G"
transforms the syrupy sweetness of '50s ballads into a monologue about a relationship's shortcomings.
"Madeline"
's shimmery indie bossa-nova and the countrified ballad
"Tears Are in Your Eyes"
showcase
Georgia Hubley
's buttery, empathetic voice; her singing makes these vignettes universal as well as personal. Like mature indie rock records such as
Pavement
's
Terror Twilight
Jim O'Rourke
Eureka
,
And Then Nothing...
favors mellow songwriting, detailed arrangements, and eclectic influences, such as the
Silver Apples
-like drum machines and doo wop backing vocals that adorn many of the songs. The wintry, implosive
"Everyday"
uses both of these elements, along with a plaintive guitar and hushed, hypnotic vocals, to begin the album on a surprisingly somber note. Similarly, the off-kilter beats, odd piano bursts, and harmonies on
"Saturday"
add to the song's awkward, uneasy beauty. Finally, nine songs into the album,
breaks out the whammy and feedback action on
"Cherry Chapstick,"
their most incandescent song since
"Sugarcube."
Easily one of 2000's most accomplished albums,
isn't as immediate as some of the group's earlier work, but it's just as enduring, proving that
is the perfect band to grow old with. ~ Heather Phares