Ride the Tiger
Yo La Tengo · 1986
51 min · 15 tracks · indie rock
A swirling mix of jangly guitars and experimental noise that captures the essence of indie rock's evolving landscape.
Why this album works
The album helped position Yo La Tengo as a significant player in the burgeoning indie rock movement of the mid-1980s, receiving positive reviews that praised its eclecticism. It laid the groundwork for their later success and influence on future generations of musicians within the genre.
- Best for
- short, punchy listening bursts mellow, reflective moments dynamic emotional contrasts
- Context
- Released in January 1986, 'Ride the Tiger' was Yo La Tengo's debut album, marking their entry into the indie rock scene. At this point, the band was still establishing their identity, experimenting with sound and style while building a loyal following through live performances.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Moby· Neil Young· Beck· Green Day· Sonic Youth· R.E.M.· Nine Inch Nails· Tori Amos
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Cone of Silence Standout 2:49
- 2 Big Sky Standout 2:46
- 3 The Evil That Men Do 4:11
- 4 The Forest Green 3:23
- 5 The Pain of Pain Standout 5:35
- 6 The Way Some People Die 3:37
- 7 The Empty Pool 2:21
- 8 Alrock's Bells 4:08
- 9 Five Years 3:45
- 10 Screaming Dead Balloons 3:17
- 11 Living in the Country 2:14
- 12 The River of Water 2:30
- 13 A House Is Not a Motel 3:43
- 14 Crispy Duck 3:04
- 15 Closing Time 3:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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