Yo La Tengo

And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out

  • MOG Editorial Review

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    Yo La Tengo hits all the bases on And Then Nothing. The longest of their many records, its foundation is great pop songwriting and accessible indie guitar-rock, with Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley taking turns at lead vocals. At the same time, though, it allows for contemplative, exploratory material too, with hushed tones and soft, diverse instrumentation. The interplay between Georgia's voice and the album's various keyboard tones is sublime. No percussion is overstated. Song sections are often built with guitar feedback textures, many of which are subtle and change over time rather than abruptly, which makes for amazing rainy day music. Sure, depending on your mood the record’s singular atmosphere can be trying at first, but after very little time it becomes like warm soup, or an old blanket. And Then Nothing also showcases some of their most mature writing, and unlike much of their later material, doesn’t sound nostalgic in the least.
  • AMG Review of And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out

    Amg
    Heather Phares
    All Music Guide

    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 and Jim O'Rourke's 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, Yo La Tengo breaks out the whammy and feedback action on "Cherry Chapstick," their most incandescent song since "Sugarcube." Easily one of 2000's most accomplished albums, And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out isn't as immediate as some of the group's earlier work, but it's just as enduring, proving that Yo La Tengo is the perfect band to grow old with.

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