Extra Painful (2014)

“Though Yo La Tengo (YLT) had been active as a band for almost a decade, their 1993 album, ‘Painful’, represented a huge step forward for the group. It marked the first appearance of fresh talent James McNew alongside original members Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley, and the first time the group worked with producer Roger Moutenot, who’s since helmed each of their efforts. To celebrate YLT 30th birthday,‘Painful’ is reissued with an extra disc of demos. The album proper sees the band minting many YLT paradigms: the hushed, zoned-out ballads ‘Nowhere Near’ and ‘A Worrying Thing’, the driving, fuzzy bubblegum rock of ‘From A Motel 6’ and ‘Sudden Organ’, and the off-kilter and touching lo-fi of ‘The Whole Of The Law’. YLT subsequently honed these blueprints on a run of albums that rank among the most beloved and influential of their time. More importantly, ‘Painful’ itself remains essential listening. The extra tracks add context and plenty of magical moments; fans will be beside themselves.” (Record Collector)