Last night was a super treat due mainly to the Jewish Festival of Light. Yo La Tengo performed the final night of their annual eight-night stretch at Maxwell’s in Hoboken and featured a surprise opening appearance from The National. One of my favorite bands, I saw them play this summer in Prospect Park but this was different; we were standing right in front of them and the atmosphere was less party and more listen. They did what they do so well, building intensity and depth with pulsing rhythms and big harmonies in their songs. It is gorgeous and inspiring music. Yo La Tengo did what they do so well, weaving between bi-polar melody and noise extremes while crafting beauty out of chaos. To be next to Ira while he tweaked and stomped pedals was awesome and memorable. This band has been around for a long time and still maintains its originality and authenticity, representing something important in our disposable culture. I also really appreciate their devotion to the Jewish faith to play this string of shows, donating all profits to charities and providing fans with wonderful surprises like last night’s mitzvah.
As an added personally cool bonus, Yo La Tengo played with Hamish from The Clean, which meant that two of the performers, including Matt from The National, have brought their kids to my Music Together classes!