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Strange but True
Rock · 1998 · 22 tracks

Strange but True

Jad Fair

Deadpan tabloid headlines narrated over Yo La Tengo's versatile, often atmospheric indie rock. A whimsical, surrealist collection of suburban tall tales.

October 20, 1998 · Harthouse U.K.

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A whimsical and deadpan exploration of suburban surrealism and tabloid absurdity.

Tracklist · 22 Tracks
01
Helpful Monkey Wallpapers Entire Home
2:07
02
Texas Man Abducted by Aliens for Outer Space Joy Ride
2:37
03
National Sports Association Hires Retired English Professor to Name New Wrestling Holds
2:33
04
Dedicated Thespian Has Teeth Pulled to Play Newborn Baby in High School Play
1:38
05
Three‐Year‐Old Genius Graduates High School at Top of Her Class
1:17
06
Embarrassed Teen Accidentally Uses Valuable Rare Postage Stamp
2:49
07
Principal Punishes Students with Bad Impressions and Tired Jokes
1:24
08
Retired Grocer Constructs Tiny Mount Rushmore Entirely of Cheese
1:51
09
X‐ray Reveals Doctor Left Wristwatch Inside Patient
0:50
10
Clumsy Grandmother Serves Delicious Dessert by Mistake #2
1:01
11
Retired Woman Starts New Career in Monkey Fashions
1:35
12
Circus Strongman Runs for PTA President
3:19
13
High School Shop Class Constructs Bicycle Built for 26
1:31
14
Clumsy Grandmother Serves Delicious Dessert by Mistake #1
1:21
15
Ohio Town Saved From Killer Bees by Hungry Vampire Bats
2:26
16
Nevada Man Invents Piano with 21 Extra Keys
1:10
17
Clever Chemist Makes Chewing Gum from Soap
2:00
18
Minnesota Man Claims Monkey Bowled Perfect Game
1:34
19
Ingenious Scientist Invents Car of the Future
1:29
20
Car Gears Stick in Reverse, Daring Driver Crosses Town Backwards
1:48
21
Shocking Fashion Statement Terrorizes Town
1:56
22
Feisty Millionaire Fills Potholes with Hundred‐Dollar Bills
2:41
Moments Worth Listening For
The hypnotic, repetitive bass groove that anchors the absurd tale of the Helpful Monkey Wallpapering a home.
The sudden shift into abrasive, jagged guitar textures during the account of the Ohio town saved by vampire bats.
The contrast between Jad Fair's calm, matter-of-fact narration and the increasingly chaotic instrumental swells from Yo La Tengo.
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