The Mighty Yo La Tengo Show Their Continued Vibrancy On Latest LP ‘This Stupid World’ // Minneapolis Show Sunday

Over the winter I read Big Day Coming, the great biography of indie rock legends Yo La Tengo. The band were already movement elders in 2012 when the book dropped, carrying a catalog that would already have cemented them as a cornerstone band of the alternative music scene. Since then, including earlier this year with the outstanding This Stupid World, they showcase that they refuse to rest on their laurels. This Stupid World has gentle pop (the haunting “Aselestine”), chugging krautrock (“Tonight’s Episode”), fuzzy guitar freakouts (the title track) and menacing post-punk (“Sinatra Drive Breakdown”). Basically it’s a greatest hits level collection that just happens to be a new record 17 albums into the bands decades-long career. It has the spirit, innovation and adventorism bands 40 years their junior could only wish for.

In the spirit of showcasing their muscle, the band are touring with no openers, playing two full sets that blend the outstanding new record with their usual hits and covers. They land at First Ave Sunday night, with music starting at 8 p.m. Info/tickets HERE.