By the time Yo La Tengo released their 10th studio album, Summer Sun, they had already recorded one masterpiece in I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One as well as several other great releases. For this 2003 recording, the band still sounds like one of the great American indie rock bands but add various funk and jazz elements to their sound. The 10 minute penultimate track, “Let’s Be Still” adds horns and a flute to the underwater vocals of Ira Kaplan. The spare sound of “Nothing But You And Me” also takes on this jazz sound through the use of a piano.
The various textured sounds are a welcome addition but it’s still the guitar rock band sound that really makes the listener take notice. Georgia Hubley takes over the vocals on “Little Eyes”, her drumming beat drives the melody. “Today Is The Day” captures the spirit of someone stuck in a rut, waiting for their partner outside of smoky bars. Bassist James McNew takes over the vocals for “Tiny Birds”, his plaintive vocal style mixes in with the musical soundscapes behind him. The album closes with a country like cover of Alex Chilton’s track, “Take Care”. Summer Sun is a nuanced record, filled with quietly wonderful moments from this quietly wonderful band.
8/10
The Light Appears 