Released 10 years ago
Murder in the Second Degree
Yo La Tengo · 2016
77 min · 28 tracks · indie rock
A playful, eclectic collection of covers that showcases the band's signature lo-fi charm and love for musical diversity.
Top tracks — play these first
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New York Groove Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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To Love Somebody — Their rendition transforms a classic ballad into a tender yet haunting experience, showcasing the band's ability to reinterpret emotional depth through their unique lens.
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Jailbreak — The cover brings an invigorating energy, blending urgency and nostalgia that revitalizes Thin Lizzy's original while highlighting the band's versatility.
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Girl From the North Country — This interpretation emphasizes melodic delicacy and harmony, serving as a poignant homage to Bob Dylan that reflects both reverence and personal touch.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- playful reinterpretations of classics
- dynamic range with peaks
- short bursts of energy
- for casual gatherings
- varied pacing keeps interest
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, cohesive albums
- seek deep lyrical narratives
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — An eclectic collection of covers showcasing their musical diversity, not a standout entry point.
- Career context
- By the time 'Murder in the Second Degree' was released in 2016, Yo La Tengo had solidified their status within the indie rock scene, marking nearly three decades since their debut album. This project arrived as a unique detour after their 2013 album 'Fade', presenting a refreshing take on numerous classic songs while demonstrating their enduring creativity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Built to Spill· The Mountain Goats· Sonic Youth
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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To Love Somebody
The lyrics shift from longing to vulnerability, expressing deep emotional need without reservation.
This progression captures an intimate transformation in voice and tone, emphasizing the rawness of desire and connection.
Tracklist
- 1 Alley Cat 1:12
- 2 New York Groove Start here 2:48
- 3 Bertha 3:13
- 4 Add it Up 2:52
- 5 To Love Somebody 2:53
- 6 Civilization (Bongo, Bongo, Bongo) 0:35
- 7 Suspect Device 1:53
- 8 First I Look at the Purse 2:20
- 9 Jailbreak 3:03
- 10 Popcorn 1:37
- 11 Girl From the North Country 2:03
- 12 Build Me Up Buttercup 3:06
- 13 I Wanna Be Free 2:05
- 14 Rock and Roll Love Letter 2:54
- 15 Emotional Rescue 1:40
- 16 Some Velvet Morning 2:29
- 17 The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys / Mr. Soul 4:55
- 18 Pay to Cum 1:37
- 19 Never My Love 1:50
- 20 King Kong 3:12
- 21 White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It) 2:06
- 22 Slurf Song 1:57
- 23 Different Drum 3:18
- 24 Crazy 0:59
- 25 Be My Baby 3:22
- 26 Hey Ya! 3:03
- 27 Heart of Darkness 5:09
- 28 Chantilly Lace / Medley 8:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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