And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out cover

And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out

Yo La Tengo · 2000

77 min · 13 tracks · indie rock

A dreamy blend of soft melodies and introspective lyrics unfolds over lush soundscapes and gentle rhythms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Everyday Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Our Way to Fall — This track beautifully encapsulates the album's themes of nostalgia and longing through its delicate instrumentation and reflective lyrics.
  • →
    Cherry Chapstick — With its catchy melody and playful lyrics, this song stands out as a quintessential example of Yo La Tengo's ability to blend humor with emotional weight.
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    Night Falls on Hoboken — Spanning nearly 18 minutes, this epic closer weaves together various musical ideas and showcases the band's improvisational prowess while maintaining an ethereal quality.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

67 /100
Alpine
Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of soft melodies and experimental elements creates a unique listening experience that rewards repeated plays.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a soft, dreamy atmosphere with gentle instrumentation and introspective lyrics, setting the tone for the album.
  • Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that create a sense of space and allow melodies to unfold gradually.
  • The album includes moments of dissonance and experimental soundscapes, particularly in tracks like 'Last Days of Disco' and 'Night Falls on Hoboken', which contrast with the overall softness.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • introspective late-night moods
  • layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Widely acclaimed for its intimate atmosphere and lyrical depth, it showcases artistic ambition.
Career context
In 2000, Yo La Tengo was already an established name in indie rock, following their critically acclaimed album 'I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One' from 1997. 'And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out' marked a continuation of their exploration into more atmospheric sounds, showcasing their unique ability to balance experimentation with accessibility.

Tracklist

  • 1 Everyday Start here 6:31
  • 2 Our Way to Fall 4:18
  • 3 Saturday 4:18
  • 4 Let’s Save Tony Orlando’s House 4:59
  • 5 Last Days of Disco 6:28
  • 6 The Crying of Lot G 4:44
  • 7 You Can Have It All 4:36
  • 8 Tears Are in Your Eyes 4:35
  • 9 Cherry Chapstick 6:11
  • 10 From Black to Blue 4:47
  • 11 Madeline 3:36
  • 12 Tired Hippo 4:45
  • 13 Night Falls on Hoboken 17:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata