''Strange but True'' is a collaborative album by the band
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo (YLT; Spanish for "I have her") is an American indie rock band formed in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1984. Since 1992, the lineup has consisted of Ira Kaplan (guitars, piano, vocals), Georgia Hubley (drums, piano, vocals), and James McNew ...
and
Jad Fair
Jad Fair (born June 9, 1954) is an American singer, guitarist, graphic artist, and founding member of lo-fi alternative rock group Half Japanese.
Biography
Fair was born in Coldwater, Michigan. In 1974, he and his brother David formed the lo-fi ...
. It was released by
Matador Records
Matador Records is an independent record label, with a roster of mainly indie rock, but also punk rock, experimental rock, alternative rock, and electronic acts.
History
Matador was created in 1989 by Chris Lombardi in his New York City apart ...
in 1998. The song titles are taken from outrageous newspaper headlines. The lyrics were written by Jad's brother, David.
Critical reception
The ''
Chicago Tribune
The ''Chicago Tribune'' is a daily newspaper based in Chicago, Illinois, United States, owned by Tribune Publishing. Founded in 1847, and formerly self-styled as the "World's Greatest Newspaper" (a slogan for which WGN radio and television ar ...
'' called the album "a mixed bag of gemlike pop, atmospheric narratives and abrasive textures." ''
Spin
Spin or spinning most often refers to:
* Spinning (textiles), the creation of yarn or thread by twisting fibers together, traditionally by hand spinning
* Spin, the rotation of an object around a central axis
* Spin (propaganda), an intentionally b ...
'' deemed it a "supermarket tabloid rock opera."
Track listing
# "Helpful Monkey Wallpapers Entire Home" – 2:06
# "Texas Man Abducted by Aliens for Outer Space Joy Ride" – 2:37
# "National Sports Association Hires Retired English Professor to Name New Wrestling Holds" – 2:33
# "Dedicated Thespian Has Teeth Pulled to Play Newborn Baby in High School Play" – 1:38
# "Three-Year-Old Genius Graduates High School at Top of Her Class" – 1:17
# "Embarrassed Teen Accidentally Uses Valuable Rare Postage Stamp" – 2:49
# "Principal Punishes Students with Bad Impressions and Tired Jokes" – 1:24
# "Retired Grocer Constructs Tiny Mount Rushmore Entirely of Cheese" – 1:51
# "X-ray Reveals Doctor Left Wristwatch Inside Patient" – 0:50
# "Clumsy Grandmother Serves Delicious Dessert by Mistake #2" – 1:01
# "Retired Woman Starts New Career in Monkey Fashions" – 1:35
# "Circus Strongman Runs for PTA President" – 3:19
# "High School Shop Class Constructs Bicycle Built for 26" – 1:31
# "Clumsy Grandmother Serves Delicious Dessert by Mistake #1" – 1:22
# "Ohio Town Saved from Killer Bees by Hungry Vampire Bats" – 2:26
# "Nevada Man Invents Piano with 21 Extra Keys" – 1:10
# "Clever Chemist Makes Chewing Gum from Soap" – 2:00
# "Minnesota Man Claims Monkey Bowled Perfect Game" – 1:34
# "Ingenious Scientist Invents Car of the Future" – 1:29
# "Car Gears Stick in Reverse, Daring Driver Crosses Town Backwards" – 1:48
# "Shocking Fashion Statement Terrorizes Town" – 1:56
# "Feisty Millionaire Fills Potholes with Hundred-Dollar Bills" – 2:41
References
{{Authority control
1998 albums
Yo La Tengo albums
Matador Records albums
Jad Fair albums
Collaborative albums