Autumn Sweater Review

07/13/2005 6:13 AM, AMG


Yo La Tengo is not the first band to come to mind when discussing potential remix candidates, which is no doubt largely why these four conceptualizations of the I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One cut "Autumn Sweater" prove so engaging and eye-opening. Beginning with the original LP version, the EP quickly veers into uncharted territory when four-fifths of the original Tortoise lineup gets to work; this mix isolates the original's dirge-like keyboards before expanding the rhythmic palette to create a complex, hip-hop-flavored beat crying out to be sampled. µ-Ziq's mix is much less abrasive than the majority of his work, but Mike Paradinas' fingerprints are nevertheless all over its dirty keyboards and skittering beats. Finally, Kevin Shields' mix plainly evokes his My Bloody Valentine heyday -- not only does the mix recall the oceanic beauty of "Soon," but Ira Kaplan's vocals bubble just below the surface like a drowning swimmer. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide