Popular Songs' promises to be a crowd-pleaser

A lot of what could be said about Yo La Tengo's twelfth studio album, "Popular Songs," could be said about any Yo La Tengo album since the band really hit its stride backin 1993 with "Painful." "Popular Songs" holds up well against a strong and remarkably consistent back catalogue. In terms of quality and consistency, it's solid, akin to its predecessor "I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass" (2006). However, it's not the undeniable classic of 1997's "I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One."
    Yo La Tengo begins "Popular Songs" on an apprehensive note: "I know you're worried / I'm worried too / But if you're ready / I'll take the fall with you," Ira Kaplan moans on opener "Here to Fall." "Here to Fall" starts the album in an up-tempo and edgy mood, but the album's vibe quickly shifts to the safe and comforting.
    On a strong Yo La Tengo album, the warmth and fuzz does not turn into a thick and obtuse mess. Rather, it is shaped by strong melody and song-craft into something intensely memorable. The band knows how to focus on and expand a good idea; when the band members focus on a key part, they add strength and nuance to it instead of drowning it in pointless musical acrobatics. This is the case with most of "Popular Songs." The album is soothing but not directionless.
    Yo La Tengo's other gift is a musical versatility that allows the band to borrow from and integrate different pop styles into its own work. Listeners may think, "Hey, is that My Bloody Valentine?" ("Nothing to Hide") or imagine that they're hearing vintage Belle and Sebastian ("If Its True"). Yo La Tengo can go from shiny noise-rock to peppy and clean duets with ease. Of course, a lot of the time band members sound like themselves: experimenters and art-rockers who, despite their innovations, write songs that remain grounded in experiences the listener can relate to.
    Yo La Tengo's ability to experiment while still maintaining an identifiable and attention-worthy sound is put to the test on the second half of "Popular Songs." The band passes with flying colors, fully capitalizing on the opportunities afforded by musical experimentation. The last half-hour of the band's 72 minute album is devoted to three songs, all of which top nine minutes. The charm of these long, slow-building behemoths is the way they manage to corner and expand on a theme over a long period of time. Despite repetition, none of these songs ever sits in one place or fails to reward attention. Thematically, the second half of the album gives a cozy feeling that will put the listener in a good mood.
    "Popular Songs" consists of thoughtful and tuneful experimentation. It is rock with a wholesome spirit behind it and promises to please both the old fan and newly converted.