''Strange but True'' is a collaborative album by the band

Yo La Tengo Yo La Tengo (Spanish language, Spanish for "I've got it"; also abbreviated as YLT) is an American indie rock band formed in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1984. Since 1992, the lineup has consisted of Ira Kaplan (guitars, piano, vocals), Georgia Hubley ...

and Jad Fair. It was released by

Matador Records Matador Records is an independent record label, with a roster of mainly indie rock, but also punk rock, experimental rock, alternative rock, and electronic acts. History Matador was created in 1989 by Chris Lombardi in his New York City ap ...

in 1998. The song titles are taken from outrageous newspaper headlines. The lyrics were written by Jad's brother, David.

Critical reception

The ''

Chicago Tribune The ''Chicago Tribune'' is an American daily newspaper based in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Founded in 1847, it was formerly self-styled as the "World's Greatest Newspaper", a slogan from which its once integrated WGN (AM), WGN radio and ...

'' called the album "a mixed bag of gemlike pop, atmospheric narratives and abrasive textures." '' Spin'' deemed it a "supermarket tabloid rock opera."

Track listing

# "Helpful Monkey Wallpapers Entire Home" – 2:06 # "Texas Man Abducted by Aliens for Outer Space Joy Ride" – 2:37 # "National Sports Association Hires Retired English Professor to Name New Wrestling Holds" – 2:33 # "Dedicated Thespian Has Teeth Pulled to Play Newborn Baby in High School Play" – 1:38 # "Three-Year-Old Genius Graduates High School at Top of Her Class" – 1:17 # "Embarrassed Teen Accidentally Uses Valuable Rare Postage Stamp" – 2:49 # "Principal Punishes Students with Bad Impressions and Tired Jokes" – 1:24 # "Retired Grocer Constructs Tiny Mount Rushmore Entirely of Cheese" – 1:51 # "X-ray Reveals Doctor Left Wristwatch Inside Patient" – 0:50 # "Clumsy Grandmother Serves Delicious Dessert by Mistake #2" – 1:01 # "Retired Woman Starts New Career in Monkey Fashions" – 1:35 # "Circus Strongman Runs for PTA President" – 3:19 # "High School Shop Class Constructs Bicycle Built for 26" – 1:31 # "Clumsy Grandmother Serves Delicious Dessert by Mistake #1" – 1:22 # "Ohio Town Saved from Killer Bees by Hungry Vampire Bats" – 2:26 # "Nevada Man Invents Piano with 21 Extra Keys" – 1:10 # "Clever Chemist Makes Chewing Gum from Soap" – 2:00 # "Minnesota Man Claims Monkey Bowled Perfect Game" – 1:34 # "Ingenious Scientist Invents Car of the Future" – 1:29 # "Car Gears Stick in Reverse, Daring Driver Crosses Town Backwards" – 1:48 # "Shocking Fashion Statement Terrorizes Town" – 1:56 # "Feisty Millionaire Fills Potholes with Hundred-Dollar Bills" – 2:41

References

{{Authority control 1998 collaborative albums Yo La Tengo albums Matador Records albums Jad Fair albums