Strange but True is a collaborative album by the band Yo La Tengo and Jad Fair.[6][7] It was released by Matador Records in 1998.[8] The song titles are taken from outrageous newspaper headlines.[9] The lyrics were written by Jad's brother, David.[10]
Strange but True | |
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Studio album by | |
Released | 1998 |
Genre | Indie rock |
Length | 40:57 |
Label | Matador Records |
Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | |
Christgau's Consumer Guide | |
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | |
Entertainment Weekly | B[4] |
Pitchfork | 4.9/10[5] |
Critical reception
editThe Chicago Tribune called the album "a mixed bag of gemlike pop, atmospheric narratives and abrasive textures."[11] Spin deemed it a "supermarket tabloid rock opera."[12]
Track listing
edit- "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
edit- ^ Sandheinrich, Gregg. "Strange But True Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 2017-10-14.
- ^ Christgau, Robert (2000-10-15). Christgau's Consumer Guide: Albums of the '90s. Macmillan. p. 101. ISBN 9780312245603.
- ^ Larkin, Colin (May 27, 2011). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Omnibus Press. ISBN 9780857125958 – via Google Books.
- ^ Kim, Wook (1998-10-23). "Strange But True". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2017-10-14.
- ^ Richard-San, Mark. "Jad Fair + Yo La Tengo: Strange but True: Pitchfork Record Review". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on March 29, 2007. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
- ^ "Jad Fair Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic.
- ^ "Pillow Talk". SF Weekly. March 8, 2000.
- ^ Meyer, Bill (November 12, 1998). "Jad Fair & Yo La Tengo". Chicago Reader.
- ^ "JAD FAIR: 'STRANGE BUT TRUE'". The Washington Post. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
- ^ Buckley, Peter (October 29, 2003). The Rough Guide to Rock. Rough Guides. ISBN 9781843531050 – via Google Books.
- ^ "THE A LIST". Chicago Tribune. 13 November 1998. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
- ^ Clover, Joshua (Dec 1998). "The Shredder". Spin. 14 (12): 179.