For the first time on vinyl, Yo La Tengos understated, lonesome score to Kelly Reichardts classic Old Joy. Recorded in a single afternoon at YLTs studio in Hoboken, Old Joy is a drifting, improvisatory journey, born out of years-long friendship between the band and the films director. The six instrumental tracks, created in collaboration with legendary guitarist Smokey Hormel, carry that unmistakable YLT sound, but delivered in service of another great work of art. The music, like so much of Reichardts film work, is low-key yet arresting, stripped down to the essentials, warm and unpretentious. The record includes two variations on the beloved Leaving Home theme, released for the first time on vinyl after years traveling in YLT fan circles. This music is a balm, remarkably full of emotion despite (or maybe because of) its restraint and minimalism. Originally released on They Shoot, We Score, a CD compiling several of the bands soundtracks, Old Joy stands as a cohesive whole here, blooming and rewarding repeat listens. Sliding reverbed guitars, muted piano and percussion, the hum of an old amp – the blurry memory of an afternoon in the studio, or a short-lived road trip through the backwoods of Oregon. Small-run, high-quality LP pressed at Smashed Plastic in Chicago, on black and transparent pink vinyl.

Format / LP
Released / 02/28/2025
Catalogue / MRI-213LPC1
Barcode / 850024931787
Artist / Yo La Tengo
Label / Mississippi Records
Genre / Pop / Rock