Soundbites

Yo La Tengo “Summer Sun” Matador
Records

Don’t let the title throw you off ““ this isn’t
music to blast cruising down the 405 Freeway with the top down,
it’s more the soundtrack for the summery sunsets after the
day has worn itself out. Luckily, it proves Yo La Tengo knows
exactly where it excels. After nearly 20 years together the trio
has crafted an entire album that revolves around the most arresting
moments of their slow-burning masterpiece, “I Can Hear the
Heart Beating as One.” Taking a leisurely pace, the
group’s songs are lighter than air, proving their philosophy
an effective one: The best pretty music is the kind that sounds
effortless.
-Andrew Lee

Aphex Twin “26 Mixes For Cash” Warp
Records

Everyone eagerly awaiting a follow-up to 2001’s
double-disc set of original material “Drukqs” is going
to be mostly sorely disappointed. This isn’t just another
scattered pedestrian Aphex Twin release, but it is another
double-album. These 26 remixes are vibrant re-interpretations of
songs you probably didn’t know in the first place.

Disc one, shows off Aphex Twin’s more orchestral, prettier
side. It also has a wicked, writhing version of David Bowie’s
hit “Heroes,” which doesn’t suffer from being the
most recognizable track on the album ““ yeah, it’s
cool.

Disc two is more trademark Twin, this time it’s the drum
beats and heavier industrial-type noise. While less pleasing than
disc one and a little longer than it needs to be, it’s still
good. If nothing else, it’s redeemed by the killer final two
songs.

This set is definitely worth doling out a little cash for.
-Anthony Bromberg