You'll read some varied reviews on the new Wilco album. I've seen it called "dad rock." I've seen it called "better than The Eagles." None of that really matters to me. What I can tell you is this: when I put the needle to the vinyl, I heard something at once familiar and at once completely different from anything Wilco had ever done.Wilco (read: Jeff Tweedy) has never been one to live up to expectations. Basically, whatever you expect from Wilco, plan for the opposite. Being There was a country-tinged masterpiece, and it was followed by a brilliant experimental pop album called Summerteeth. That album showed promise for a radio-friendly rock band; it was followed by the experimental, noise-laden studio wonder Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. A Ghsot is Born was a more likely follow-up to YHF, but it's minimalist rock was probably a surprise to those expecting the noise that had accompanied Wilco's music since Summerteeth. All this is to say, never expect Wilco to meet your expectation. Jeff Tweedy makes his own set of rules.
Sky Blue Sky continues this trend. The sixth album from the Chicago-based band sounds nothing like any of its predecessors. However, there are hints of familiarity. There's Jeff Tweedy's unforgettable voice, which sounds better than ever. Mixed into this straight-forward (musically and lyrically) album is Tweedy's trademark stream of consciousness musings, like on "You Are My Face" (filling into tight lines/of ordinary beehives/the door screams I hate you/hate you hanging 'round my blue jeans). Though Wilco has never had a straight folk sound, the backbone to most of YHF and A Ghost is Born and Being There was simple folk songs built into country-rock or deconstructed into experimental progressive rock. That's there, but this time Wilco has chosen to let folk songs be folk songs.
Some will critique Wilco's lack of adventure on this album. The band isn't charting any new territory in music. This isn't what you would have expecting from Wilco's newest lineup (remember what I said about expectations?). After all, Glen Kotche is one of the most amazing avant garde drummers on the earth. Nels Cline is a master of texture on the guitar. However, Glen Kotche has Glen Kotche albums to be that guy. Nels Cline has Nels Cline albums to explore texture on. Here, they aren't held in a box by Wilco's frontman. Instead, I think Kotche and Cline are using Wilco as a platform to express themselves differently. Sometimes, you just want to rock. Nels brings his jazz to the table on the album (see "Impossible Germany"). Glen brings some of his amazing drum "skillz" to the table (see "Shake It Off"). Regardless, Nels Cline knows he can play textural jazz music behind Jeff's songs. Instead, he chooses to play rock leads (though jazzy) and slide guitar to compliment the songs.
This new Wilco isn't about being progressive for progressiveness' sake. This band is about playing what feels right, playing what sounds great, and being comfortable with straight-forwardness. This isn't Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. There are no great studio tricks here. There's just great songs being played by a great band who's probably more comfortable than they've ever been.
Album Rating: A
