Indie rock fans and lovers of beautifully bizarre collaborations, rejoice — Strange but True, the cult classic from Yo La Tengo and Jad Fair, is finally getting a long-overdue reissue this December.
Originally released back in 1998, Strange but True is a true oddity in the best way. The concept? Take a bunch of sensational tabloid headlines (shoutout to Weekly World News), twist them into surreal lyrics, and let Jad Fair deliver them with his signature outsider charm, all while Yo La Tengo provides the musical backdrop. It’s chaotic, heartfelt, lo-fi, and completely unforgettable.
The album’s been hard to find for years — out of print, off streaming services, and basically a collector’s-only experience. That changes on December 12, when the reissue lands via Joyful Noise and Bar/None. It’ll be available on vinyl (yes, there’s a limited mint green pressing), CD, and, for the first time ever, digitally and on streaming platforms.
The music itself hasn’t been altered — the reissue keeps the gloriously weird original lineup of tracks, like “Texas Man Abducted by Aliens for Outer Space Joy Ride” and “National Sports Association Hires Retired English Professor to Name New Wrestling Holds.” The lyrics were crafted by David Fair (Jad’s brother and fellow Half Japanese member), who reportedly collected the headlines himself. It’s the kind of record that balances absurd humor with genuine affection for pop music’s stranger edges.
One track, “Texas Man Abducted by Aliens,” is already available to stream ahead of the release — and it’s a great teaser for the full ride.
This reissue isn’t just nostalgia; it’s about reintroducing a truly singular album to a new generation of listeners. With Yo La Tengo recently releasing This Stupid World and their Old Joy EP earlier this year, the timing feels right to celebrate one of their most experimental and playful side projects.
It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s back.
Strange but True drops December 12. Don’t sleep on it.