Each day in November, I’m revisiting a song from the 90’s — a decade that was a sorta coming of age for me. In that span, I experienced high school, college and my time as a young single guy in New York City. It was a decade of ups and downs, and the music never stopped playing during that span. It was always there with me. #30DaysOf90sSongs
Listening back to Yo La Tengo’s seminal album, I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One, I’m struck by the fact that it isn’t a particularly cohesive record, as celebrated as it is. But that fault may just be what makes it so good. It’s a musical hodge podge of sorts, showing the band’s ambitions and versatility across a variety of influences and genres. Sixteen tracks long, it’s really hard to get bored with this album. But “Autumn Sweater”, in particular, is the one track I can listen to over and over again.
Maybe what makes it so addictive for me is the fact that every musical element on the track has a visceral quality. You can feel everything inside your bones. It starts with the percussion that features a full drum kit, bongos and what sounds like an egg shaker. The bass line is dizzying and enveloping. But the keyboard is the star of the song. Like some space age church organ, it takes command and ushers you in with this mesmerizing three-chord progression. “Autumn Sweater” is a comfortable, cozy song to throw on all year long.
“We could slip away. Wouldn't that be better. Me with nothing to say. And you in your autumn sweater.”