Old Joy

For the first time ever on vinyl, Yo La Tengo’s understated and deeply emotive score for Kelly Reichardt’s acclaimed film Old Joy receives a long-awaited release. Recorded in a single afternoon at the band’s Hoboken studio, this soundtrack captures the quiet, contemplative spirit of the film through a series of drifting, improvisational pieces shaped by Yo La Tengo’s years-long friendship with Reichardt.

The six instrumental tracks — created in collaboration with renowned guitarist Smokey Hormel — bear the unmistakable warmth and sensitivity of Yo La Tengo’s sound, yet they are delivered with a rare restraint, serving the film’s intimate narrative beautifully. Stripped to the essentials, the music mirrors Reichardt’s signature filmmaking style: low-key, unpretentious, and profoundly affecting.

This vinyl edition also includes two variations of the beloved “Leaving Home” theme, treasured for years among YLT fans and now officially available on vinyl for the first time.

A gentle, immersive listen, Old Joy is a quiet balm — music that feels remarkably full of emotion precisely because of its minimalism. A must-have for Yo La Tengo collectors, soundtrack enthusiasts, and fans of Reichardt’s cinematic world.