Fakebook

Yo La Tengo

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 13, 1994)
• Original Release Date: 1990
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Bar/None Records
• ASIN: B0000048CX
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #54,704 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > Indie Music > Alternative Rock > American Alternative

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording
Many people's favorite Yo La Tengo album, Fakebook puts five YLT originals up against 11 covers drawn from a college-radio DJ's dream library: there's American roots-rock heroes NRBQ up against New York City experimentalists the Scene Is Now; tracks from unknowns like the Escorts and Rex Garvin and the Mighty Cravers alongside somewhat better-known artists like the Kinks, the Flamin' Groovies, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and Cat Stevens; plus YLT's now-classic take on Daniel Johnston's "Speeding Motorcycle." Though the originals of these songs weren't shabby to begin with, YLT's versions are so heartfelt that they're well worth revisiting. And the originals sound perfectly comfortable next to the covers, giving a glimpse into what kind of songwriter Ira Kaplan was developing into. --Randy Silver

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yo La Tengo, Never made another album like it...., January 9, 2004

By	fetish_2000 (U.K.) - See all my reviews

Firstly It should be noted that this album isn't the usual collection of bittersweet, Autumnal wry Indie Rock & Alternative Pop/Rock songs that the band are usually famed(& applauded) for. That is a markedly radical one off change in direction for the band, instead choosing to focus on obscure covers songs, leaning toward Alt.Country-rock, (the country-esque "Can't forget/Griselda & Here comes my baby"), all subtly reflective & imitate. Before Stopping to include the 60's rock & roll of "Emulsified" (curiously soundly like rock & roll rocker "Monster Mash"), before heading down the indie rock that they earned their musical stripes for ("Speeding Motorcycle/The Summer/Did I tell you). Impeccably paced (The transitions from country/Americana tracks to Alternative/Indie rock is seamless), and It's nigh on impossible not to nod (or even sing) along to what's being played here, and a superbly focused diversion for Yo La Tengo. And more Distressingly a direction that band chose not to the further explore. So, with the vast majority of fantastic Yo la tengo albums leaning more towards focused Alternative / Indie Rock, this was a beautifully realised deviation for the band.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars delightfully eclectic--highly recommended, May 18, 2001

By A Customer

This album should appeal to a broad audience. It is melodic and textured without ever being in danger of becoming prepackaged top 40 music. At first listen, the relationship between this album and the rest of YLT's oeuvre may appear puzzling or nonexistent. However, after a while I think every song on this album--even the covers--become recognizably Yo La Tengo's.

The two standout tracks, to my mind, are "Did I Tell You" (a softer rendition of a YLT original previously released on "New Wave Hot Dogs") and "Speeding Motorcycle." They're the sort of songs that belong on mix tapes for girlfriends.

If you've contemplated giving YLT a listen, I'd recommend you start here. If you love Sonic Youth, and someone told you to try Yo La Tengo, I'd start elsewhere...

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a classic! nothing but gems!, August 30, 1999

By A Customer

Yo La Tengo have had an up and down career, but on this album they were in peak form, combining obscure covers versions with original material. On some of their albums they tend to go overboard with guitar feedback and grungy sounds, but on Fakebook the material is all acoustic and fairly folky. It's a great album for summer listening (check out the song of the same title) or for any season. If you've l;iked some Yo La Tengo albums but were turned off by the excesses, give Fakebook a listen instead. It's a classic!