So I’ve finally had the chance to listen to the new Wilco album Wilco (the Album) a few times and my first reaction is that I really like it a lot. Still, it’s hard to judge Wilco’s albums against each other as they are all so very different from one another. What I mean by that is that if you listen to a song from any of Wilco’s previous studio albums, it is almost instantly apparent which album it is from. They all have distinct characteristics that set them apart from each other. This one is different.
Wilco (the Album) incorporates elements from all of Wilco’s previous releases and bring them together. On previous albums Wilco has always seemingly challenged themselves and their listeners by changing/tweaking their sound from album to album (I mean) just consider A.M., Being There, Summerteeth, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, A Ghost Is Born, and Sky Blue Sky. There was always an element of “We haven’t hear this before from Wilco.” Not so much on Wilco (the Album).
Instead of going for something new, Jeff Tweedy and the boys have finally just made a record within the constraints of what fans already expect from Wilco. That being said, Wilco (the Album) is really quite good. The pacing of the songs is great as are many of the songs themselves. “Wilco (the Song),” “You And I” (a duet with Feist), and “Sonny Feeling,” are a few of my initial favorites. Much of the rest of the album reminds me of “Handshake Drugs” in tone and tempo, and that ain’t a bad thing.
There you have it. Stream the whole album on Wilco’s site.
I completely concur with your assessment of this record. This is wholly and completely a “Wilco” album in name, tone, and sound. The overall effect is pleasant and enjoyable, but offers nearly none of the sonic challenges presented by the rest of the Wilco canon.
Do I dig it? Sure I do, since I’m a fan of Tweedy’s voice/lyrics, Cline’s outstanding guitar work, and Kotche’s drumming style. It’s merely a good record that I could listen to often, but would never crack any sort of “best-of” list.