James McNew/Yo La Tengo

[Malcom]

What do ya'll think of his playing, I know it's simple most of the time, but he plays some interesting stuff, I particularly like the chordal bits he runs at the end of "Sugarcube."

 

[atf487]

I like him alot, actually. Even though the line to "Moby Octopad" isn't very challenging, I think it's pretty cool nonetheless.

 

[heavyfunkmachin]

in fact, that line is john cale's line for european son.

 

[drbenway]

Really old thread, I know.

I really like his playing as well. But I think the bass on "Sugarcube" is actually done with an organ. (Check this vid for example: YouTube - ‪yo la tengo - sugarcube (fib 98)‬‏)

Does anyone know if he uses any stompboxes for distortion/overdrive? I particuallary like the way his bass sounds on "Painful".

 

[theoldmiami]

let's keep this alive!

great great player. incredible distortion/fuzz tones.

 

[10cc]

Learned of these guys back in the day while they were touring with my friends band "The Glands" (RIP Ross Shapiro) anyhow I'm a big fan of these Indie Rock Trailblazers. They are still out there doing it!

 

[SethD]

let's keep this alive!

great great player. incredible distortion/fuzz tones.

Agreed. Saw YLT live for the first time this evening and he sounded incredible. Hopped on here to see if there was any discussion about his distortion and fuzz(es)! I'd love to know how he was getting some of the tones, which seemed song-specific.

Here's a tweet from 2019 with what appears to be a picture of his board:


(edit: He was playing a Gibson Thunderbird through an SVT)

 

[Michedelic]

They're out on the road right now…

Yo La Tengo Announce June 2023 North American Tour Dates