Despite its long history as the biggest pariah of the 50 states, New Jersey is now more than ever the butt of the nation’s jokes. Thanks to MTV, to even mention New Jersey would be to evoke images of blowout haircuts, fake tans and boardwalk brawls. Things could not seem to be worse for the so-called armpit of America.
As if to remedy the situation (no pun intended) and prove that the Dirty Jerz actually produces normal people, Hoboken’s own Yo La Tengo returns to Madison on Jan. 23 with a show at the Barrymore. The veteran trio will be promoting its 12th studio album, Popular Songs, released in September. Aptly named, Popular Songs is the band’s most successful album and few groups have enjoyed such sweeping critical acclaim over a 25-year career as Yo La Tengo. Devoted fans, doubtlessly, will be intrigued by the album’s new sound, featuring a prominent string section not heard in the band’s earlier work.
“It’s always exciting to come back to Madison,” bassist James McNew said. “We’ve had so many shows there over the years and so many great records have come out of that area.”
The first thing one might notice about Yo La Tengo is its organic, almost cavalier creative process. Some artists, like Radiohead or Lady Gaga, seem to present every element of their work as a conscious and deliberate aesthetic thesis. Meanwhile, back in Hoboken, things are simpler (though equally artistic). When asked what new direction was being taken with Popular Songs, McNew replied with a laugh, “Oh I don’t know. I’d be bummed if we knew the answer to that question. But we’re very happy with it.”
This sort of simple authenticity has doubtlessly been responsible for the band’s success. While maintaining a dedicated fan base over the years, Yo La Tengo remains a very agreeable group to casual listeners and musicians who are lucky enough to discover them. A large part of its broad appeal results from their masterful and expansive cover songs, including Cat Stevens’ “Here Comes My Baby” and the Ramones’ “Blitzkreig Bop.”
“We do it for fun,” McNew said. “Ninety nine out of 100 times we cover a song because we say, ‘Oh that’s a good song! How does that one go?'”
McNew didn’t give any hints as to what would be up their sleeve for their show at the Barrymore, but this down to earth attitude reveals the greater normalcy of the trio. Like the Flaming Lips or Phish, Yo La Tengo seems to make music solely for the purpose of making music, no different from the scores of fans who have come along for the journey.
Yo La Tengo collaborated with Yoko Ono on a fundraising album in 2003, an experience that has stayed with McNew.
“And there was Yoko Ono in the studio, screaming her lungs out,” McNew said, with the respect and adoration of a 9-year-old boy who has just walked by Lebron James on the street. “Yoko Ono!”
The band recently contributed to a fundraising album for friend and musician Chris Knox who had a stroke several months ago (you may know his “It’s Love” track from recent Heineken commercials). It gives much support to its local independent radio station WFMU 91.1 in Jersey City (“the greatest little radio station in the world,” McNew said), and if the band members have a political agenda they certainly don’t use their music strictly as a promotional avenue. ITo put it simply, they’re really just a bunch of regular guys making exceptional music.
These easygoing yet passionate sentiments are apparent in Yo La Tengo’s work, as many of its tracks are both accessible and captivating. Their authenticity and average Joe attitude is their greatest asset; as such, Yo La Tengo promises to be a relaxed show where even someone who has never heard the band will recognize some of the music.
“For once in your life, I think you should just come to a show where you don’t know exactly what’s going to happen,” McNew said. “Wow. I just made that sound really threatening.”
Threatening or not, a Yo La Tengo show will be rewarding for dedicated fans as well as those of broader interests. So whether you’re in the mood to see some world-class rock music or if you have decided to give New Jersey a second chance, Yo La Tengo is for you.
Yo La Tengo will be at the Barrymore Theatre on Jan. 23. Tickets are $21 in advance, and $23 the day of the show.
