Wilco - Wilco (the album)

  by Carl Bookstein

published: 6 / 7 / 2009

---

In their fifteen year existence, Wilco has created some of the most interesting and exciting albums of the 1990s and the 2000s. Everything Wilco does is unique as they continue to challenge themselves and the listener. 'Wilco (the album)' is another success: great song craft that also keeps their hallmark experimentation going. Arising in 1994 out of the remains of the alternative country band Uncle Tupelo, Wilco has blended innovation with Americana for startling and satisfying results. On 'Wilco (the album)', the band’s seventh studio effort, the listener hears the revelation of layers of varied sound. Jeff Tweedy’s songwriting remains in bloom as he alternates between up tempo and low key numbers. Wilco are frontman Jeff Tweedy, bassist John Stirratt, drummer Glenn Kotche, Mikael Jorgensen on keyboards, Pat Sansone on guitar, keyboards and percussion and Nels Cline whose lead guitar work on the new album is distinctive and excellent. 'Wilco (the album) combines first rate melodies with strong pop arrangements. Wilco can be heard here utilizing both the natural rootsy feel of their last album, 2007’s 'Sky Blue Sky' as well as some of the experimentation of 2004’s 'Ghost is Born'. Likewise Tweedy’s lyrics remain compelling. 'Wilco (the song)'is a well crafted pop tune and a perfect start to the album. It is a love song to the band’s fans as well. Humming guitars and a steady drum beat accompany a clever lyric, “Are you under the impression this isn’t your life? Do you dabble in depression? Is someone twisting a knife in your back?” Tweedy goes on to sing that no matter what is ailing the fan, “Wilco will love you baby.” As each new album evidences, Wilco keeps moving and keeps changing. 'Deeper Down' is a subtle number filled with poetic lines and some wisdom: “Underneath the ocean floor, a part of who we are we don’t explore.” “ 'Wilco (the album)' is a beautiful mix of acoustic and electric music. It gets better with each subsequent listen. 'One Wing' reflects on separation: “One wing will never fly. Neither yours nor mine.” The song closes with a searching, mesmerizing guitar lead. In 'Bull Black Nova' an electronic keyboard riff evolves into a cacophony of electric noise. The narrator confesses to the commission of a bloody murder: “This can’t be undone, can’t be outrun.” This dark moment is followed by light with 'You and I', a lovely duet with Tweedy and guest Leslie Feist. The effect is both positive and hopeful: “I think we can take it, all the good with the bad. Make something that no one else has.” 'You Never Know' is a solid rocker, a catchy tune with fine layered instrumentation. "Every generation thinks it’s the end of the world”, Tweedy sings. 'Country Disappeared' possesses apocalyptic lyrics and 'Everlasting Everything', the closing song, a piano based ballad carries the message that in the face of the end of it all, only love endures. 'Wilco (the album)' proves that with each new recording and with each sonic shift, Wilco steadily remains at the height of their power- a band still at its peak.

Track Listing:-

1 Wilco (The Song)
2 Deeper Down
3 One Wing
4 Bull Black Nova
5 You And I
6 You Never Know
7 Country Disappeared
8 Solitaire
9 I'll Fight
10 Sonny Feeling
11 Everlasting Everything

Post A Comment

---

Comment

Name

your name

Location

ie London, UK

Submit

Check box to submit

Adam Coxon
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson

Dixie Ernill
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart

Malcolm Carter
Marie Hazelwood
Mark Rowland
Nick Dent-Robinson
Nicky Crewe
Nige Nudds
Philamonjaro
Richard Lewis
Shirley Procter
Spencer Robertshaw
Steev Burgess
Steve Kinrade

Steve Miles
Tommy Gunnarsson
Zena Grieg