2007, Nonesuch
Wilco have put out great albums for so long that even a mediocre one might disappoint. This one is on the brink.
It seems unlikely that Jeff Tweedy and his band will gain many new non-geriatric fans with this release, which is by-and-large one easy-rollin’ record. Tweedy’s songwriting here could be characterized as strong to medium-strong, and listeners will still want to hear the melodies and his half-abstract, half-concrete ramblings about the vagaries of love. Sky Blue Sky’s framework, however, remains troubling.
The guitar heroics undoubtedly rescue Sky Blue Sky, and the occasional easy-listening vibe puts it in peril. Plainly stated, often halfway or three-quarters through a song, a skronky guitar rides in like Jesus on a Harley and manages to salvage an otherwise bland effort.
Tweedy’s songwriting is not really to blame, although the album sounds at times like 70s Rod Stewart or Wings, and at other times frighteningly similar to J. Croce or G. Lightfoot. That is, until the six string messiah is resurrected.
What’s the deal? Are Wilco are being unconventional by being…conventional?
B-
At first I listened to this and couldnt get into it. But then I found it really growing on me and escalating it up my my fave Wilco works.
It started out just above AM and I was wondering if the band hadnt just lost it. I just couldnt get into it no matter how i tried.
Now….well its creeping up to YHF and Being There having surpased A Ghost Is Born.
Its a very intimate album best served loud with a nice red shiraz, lights down (candles on even) and vegging on the couch. It has a textures and the soft organ caresses the ears and the lyrics are often hypnotic.
Another progressive step. Thank you Mr Tweedy. You have taken me with you on this trip!!
Sean In Oz
Its definitely not their best but i wouldn’t call this a bad album at all. None of the songs are unlistenable. Either Way and Impossible Germany stand up very well on frequent listening. Jeff singing is also right on.
And YHF? Oh wait, it wouldn’t include that…
Never mind.
Heh. Would that 4-5 years also include “A Ghost is Born?”
NO album of this quality in the last 3 or 4 years? That’s a pretty bold fucking statement. Did Tweedy sneak in here under an assumed name?
I love this album, all tracks are superb! No album of this quality in the last 3 or 4 years. I think this is a 5 stars.
Bye!
That’s very insightful, jon.
Huh.
How dare you disagree with the great and powerful Oz! Naw, I’m just bullshitting, man. Opinions are like assholes. They all taste the same.
I disagree, if I might. I think this album is stellar. I won’t go into why exactly, but I would have given it an A.
Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it.
This reviews nails it perfectly.
I especially loved this passage:
“often halfway or three-quarters through a song, a skronky guitar rides in like Jesus on a Harley and manages to salvage an otherwise bland effort.”