Yo La Tengo

[cluelessmom]

I've read rumors that Yo La Tengo will be at Bonnaroo. My husband & son saw them in concert last night, & my son says it was the best concert he's ever been to. Sounds like that ones a winner.

I'm also amused by the speculation that Bob Dylan will be a Headliner. That's because I have a personal Bob Dylan story. My husband & I were going on a cruise out of San Diego. Our son chose North Carolina with our family instead. Anyway, knowing that he's a huge Bob Dylan fan & missing him badly, as mom's do, I forced my husband to delay boarding the ship so I could purchase surprise concert tickets the minute they were released. After all, if it was going to be a good souvenir, they had to be great seats, right? We boarded the ship later than most, but we were the only ones with Bob Dylan tickets. ;D Fast forward until it's finally the day he's going to see BD live........ Imagine my dismay when both of my guys came home from the concert saying they had to fight to stay awake. After going through the hassle of getting tickets the second they were released, & paying an outrageous amount for a 15 min. internet connection at the hotel's business center, boarding the ship late, & they almost fell asleep. ??? At least, we get a good laugh out of it now. My son is still a huge fan of BD, but I think he's happy with just listening to his CDs for now. I don't think he's going to be obsessing about seeing him in concert again any time soon. LOL

Now, he's moved on to a Tom Waits obsession, & we're trying to find a way to see him live. Hopefully, Bonnaroo will come through for us. And Tom, if you're reading, please try not to put them to sleep. ;D

Sorry for the long, probably boring post, but every time I see BD mentioned on here I can't help but smile.

[Mrs. Featherbottom]

I caught Yo La Tengo in Louisville last week. Excellent show. But the venue was a very intimate setting and I am skeptical as to how YLT's live show would translate to such a large audience... I missed em at Roo 04

[joeyt]

Is the clueless refering to your knowledge of rock icon's last names?

[danbird]

I saw em at Roo in 04. It was a good show. They are better in a more intimate setting though.

[Mrs. Featherbottom]

danbird said:

I saw em at Roo in 04. It was a good show. They are better in a more intimate setting though.

Right, there were absolutely breathtaking moments of creation in the Lousiville show that would go unnoticed by 99% of a Roo sized crowd. Also, some of YLT's greatest moments come out of near silence, it just seems like such a task to convey that intimacy to such a massive crowd. They also have enough material to choose a more rockin'/louder setlist.

[cluelessmom]

joeyt said:

Is the clueless refering to your knowledge of rock icon's last names?

That's part of it. Basically, all I know is what I learn from him, but I try.

ETA: Okay, I changed it. My bad on the spelling.

[Dude]

dont worry about that guy. theres asshats everywhere in life. everyone ive talked to has had the same story about dylan. even my mom who saw him back in the day. i think its just kind of a boring show that is much better in a small setting.

and even if it put him to sleep im sure he recognized all the trouble you went to to be an awesome mom.

[jason]

Dylan was one of the l;oudest most constant rocking shows Ive ever seen. My ears were ringing. Hes a wierd cat it depends when you see him.

[oatmealschnappz]

1.) I loved Yo La Tengo's set in'04! It was a perfect way to spend a hot, muggy late afternoon. It was mellow, laid-back and even dirge-like...and it was great! Some guy walked-by mid-set and said "Yeah dude, Yo La Tengo rocks!" very sarcasticly. He obviously missed the point. They have a understated, emotional sound that is both desperate and beautiful. It was a great set that is a high-point of the Bonnaroo experience for me. I loved it and I hope they come back!
*During their set I was staring into the early evening sky. I saw the faintest image of a jet, way the f*ck up in the sky. It appeared from the cloudy blue backdrop only to disappear seconds later. It was beautiful! It was a great time all-around!
2.) Bob Dylan essentially shot himself in the foot when he released a "Victoria's Secret" only CD (available with any purchase of $29.99 or more). I defended him when he "plugged-in", but that sh*t was ridiculous. That is the very definition of a SELL-OUT!

[jason]

What do you mean yyou defended him when he plugged in? Wasnt that a little before your time?

[thefrp]

I've never been to a bad Dylan show. I've seen him every year for the last four and I've loved them all.

[oatmealschnappz]

jason said:

What do you mean yyou defended him when he plugged in? Wasnt that a little before your time?

Definitely before my time, but that sh*t followed him for years. Many people (at least ones I know) still say he sold-out then, but I have always disagreed. "Going electric" was just a manifestation of his musical progression/evolution, not an artistic dead-end like many believed(much like him going christian). Most of his Dylan's best material came in the following years, in my opinion. Him being a salesman for a lingerie company, however, can't be defended! It doesn't get more transparent than that! You can't ever convince me that he really prefered the support that the "wonder-bra" gives. I just don't believe that they produce his favorite thongs...or anything like that. When the "voice of a generation" resorts to selling panties (or "great new music" via panty sales), you have to accept it. He has sold-out!

[jason]

What about Willie Nelson's Gap spot?

[bojangles22]

I can't figure it out, but somehow I think Willie Nelson is just untouchable.

[bojangles22]

I also can't figure out why Yo La Tengo is soo great. But somehow they just are.

[oatmealschnappz]

jason said:

What about Willie Nelson's Gap spot?

That's not cool either, but Willie never had the whole "legendary,
voice of a generation, best-songwriter-ever" thing going on. Plus...after the IRS took their toll, Willie had a pretty good argument for trying to cash-in a little. Bob can't really say the same about himself. I'm not defending any artist who whores themselves out for some huge corporate payday, but you can't compare Nelson to Dylan. They've always done different things AND stood for different things. Dylan is supposed to be this icon of credibilty, standing strong against the "establishment". Willie is just a (amazing) singer/songwriter, pure and simple. IMO.

[oatmealschnappz]

This is supposed to be a "Yo La Tengo" thread. Love them, Hate them or whatever....let's just get back to that.

[placidcasual79]

yo la tengo's 04 set was great. anyone 'have it?' loved the Sun Ra cover and to see Ira wailing on the guitar and then over to the organ near the end of set...gave me the chills!