Yo La Tengo - Fakebook

Black Vinyl

Released by Matador

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