Michael Patrick Brady

My review of the new Yo La Tengo record, Popular Songs, ran today in the Boston Phoenix

I’ve always liked Yo La Tengo, but never counted myself as a rabid fan. Their music is sweet, pleasant, and reassuring, but I never found it captivating or invigorating. As I get older, though, I think there’s a larger place for it in my life. Popular Songs is a very good record, barring the unfortunate two-track, 25-minute instrumental epilogue. Aside from that, however, it’s cool, laid-back, and at times dreamy. A nice, relaxing record for a lazy summer afternoon.