Strange but True is a collaborative album by the band
Yo La Tengo and
Jad Fair.[6][7] It was released by
Matador Records in 1998.[8] The song titles are taken from outrageous newspaper headlines.[9] The lyrics were written by Jad's brother, David.[10]
Critical reception
The Chicago Tribune called the album "a mixed bag of gemlike pop, atmospheric narratives and abrasive textures."[11]Spin deemed it a "supermarket tabloid rock opera."[12]
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