Here’s a resolution I’m going to have trouble keeping.
As Yo La Tengo wends our way to our 30th birthday on December 2, 2014, we’re going to utilize this space for a (not necessarily) fond rummaging through the time capsule. On this date in 1988, we performed at the original Knitting Factory on Houston Street, currently the home of Botanica, opening for Christmas. Each band played two sets, and we planned to make our first a three-song set, basically two pop songs bracketing 30 minutes or so of guitar noise. This strategy, though usually called upon out of frustration, was also fun, albeit more popular within the band than without. Consequently we scheduled it for our first set, expecting that late-comers would make the second show the less empty one. A larger than expected early turnout led us to swap sets, much to the consternation of Coyote Records impresario, Steve Fallon, who timed his arrival to miss the noise. I think he’s forgiven us by now, but that might be wishful thinking.
Dateline January 1, 2006: Our Hanukkah shows at Maxwell’s draw to a close with the holiday’s third (and best) rendition of Je T’aime . . . Moi Non Plus, performed by Lois Maffeo and Gaylord Fields.
