Wilco (The Album) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Studio album by | ||||
Released | June 30, 2009 | |||
Recorded | January 2009 | |||
Studio | Roundhead studios in Auckland, New Zealand and The Wilco Loft, Irving Park, Chicago, Illinois | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 42:52 | |||
Label | Nonesuch | |||
Producer | Wilco, Jim Scott | |||
Wilco chronology | ||||
|
Wilco (The Album) is the seventh studio album by the American rock band Wilco, released on June 30, 2009, by Nonesuch Records. Prior to release, Wilco streamed the album on their website. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Americana Album.
After Wilco released their sixth studio album, Sky Blue Sky , in 2007, they spent the following two years touring to promote the album. In August 2008, Billboard reported that Wilco had been playing two new songs, "One Wing" and "Sonny Feeling", at recent shows in anticipation of a new studio album. [3] Rolling Stone revealed the title of the album on April 28, 2009. [4]
The album was recorded in Neil Finn's recording studio Roundhead Studios in Auckland, New Zealand. Members of Wilco were present to record material for a 7 Worlds Collide compilation album to benefit Oxfam. Guitarist Nels Cline and multi-instrumentalist Mikael Jorgensen provided overdubs once the band returned to Chicago. The album was produced by the band and Jim Scott, who worked as an engineer on Being There , Summerteeth , and Sky Blue Sky. [5] The band joined Scott in Valencia, California to mix the album. [6] According to lead singer Jeff Tweedy, the band "allow[ed] [themselves] a little bit more leeway in terms of sculpting the sound in the studio and doing overdubs and using the studio as another instrument". [3]
Wilco (The Album) included the first duet to be featured on a Wilco album, "You and I", which was recorded with Canadian indie folk singer Feist. [7] The band met Feist at the 50th Grammy Awards and found they had a mutual appreciation for each other's music. [8]
On May 13, 2009, the album leaked on the internet, and Wilco promptly responded by streaming the album for free on their website. The stream resulted in over 100,000 visits to Wilco's website on the 13th. [9] The band also suggested that those who downloaded the leaked copy make a charitable donation to Inspiration Corporation, an organization that assists low-income families in Chicago. [10] Blogger Mike Masnick praised Wilco for their response to the leak, contrasting it to the reactionary response from 20th Century Fox following the leak of X-Men Origins: Wolverine . [11]
The album has been invariably described as the band's most accessible and upbeat since their early albums, with The Independent stating that it "recall[s] the simplicity of the band's early LPs A.M. and Being There ." [12] Matthew Perpetua of Pitchfork concurs, arguing that on the album "the disparate strains within the group's catalog have somehow flowed together into a unifying aesthetic", with the album touching on all of Wilco's various styles and guises in the past, which Perpetua identifies as "alt-country, Americana, neo-folk, quasi-experimental, and, if you insist, "dad rock."" [13] Critic Jonathan Cohen also noted "Deeper Down" for its "wealth of sonic details". [14]
Tweedy summarized the main theme of the album as the acceptance of life's uncertainties, stating
I think there's a liberating nature to that concept [...] It allows for a playfulness and an engagement in life that is more enjoyable than the alternative. I've aspired to convey some of those things for a long time now, maybe not so clearly before because it hasn't been so clear to me. But I do believe that the greater ability you have to tolerate ambiguity, the more successfully you can steer your life. The alternative point of view—the complete dismissal of ambiguity, trying to rationalise irrationality—can be very destructive. [12]
This theme is manifested, for example, in the line from "Deeper Down" which goes "I adore the meaninglessness of the 'this' we can't express."
The album's lyrics portray both dark and light subject matter, from "Bull Black Nova", which is written from the point of view of a man who just killed his girlfriend, [15] to the Feist duet "You and I", which treats two lovers trying to keep a relationship together. [15]
The album was named after the band because it "[felt] like what the band was meant to be". [16] According to Tweedy the band "struggled with a lot of other titles that felt more exemplary of what the music was. But nothing else felt quite so succinct." [12]
Wilco appeared on The Colbert Report to play "Wilco (the song)" and promote 2008 presidential candidate Barack Obama. [17] Wilco embarked on a 21-show tour to promote the album starting on June 12, 2009. The tour concluded with a performance at the 10,000 Lakes Festival in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. [15]
The song "You Never Know" was released as the first single. They performed the song on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien on June 24, 2009. The song reached the #1 spot on the Billboard Triple A Chart [18]
The song "You and I" was performed on the Late Show with David Letterman on July 14, 2009.
Aggregate scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
AnyDecentMusic? | 7.7/10 [19] |
Metacritic | 76/100 [20] |
Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [21] |
The A.V. Club | B [22] |
The Daily Telegraph | [23] |
Entertainment Weekly | B [24] |
The Guardian | [25] |
MSN Music (Consumer Guide) | A− [26] |
NME | 8/10 [27] |
Pitchfork | 7.3/10 [28] |
Rolling Stone | [29] |
Spin | 8/10 [30] |
Wilco (The Album) received generally favorable reviews, garnering a 76/100 critic score on Metacritic from 34 critics. [31] NME gave the album a score of eight out of ten and noted that Wilco "covered all bases this time; pushing themselves to experiment while still celebrating what makes their music so catchy and compelling," [32] while Paste gave the album a score of 7.4 out of ten and described it as "full of thoughtful, artfully crafted lyrics wrapped in memorable hooks that should stand the test of time." [33] Other reviewers made note of the creative longevity of the band, with Pitchfork citing it as the "work of veterans unafraid to express mature emotions with an appropriate level of musical depth and nuance" [28] and The Record Review remarking that "in their fifteenth year, Wilco is still crafting albums that are both melodic and relevant." [34]
Filter gave the album a score of 87% and said it "adds yet another chapter to the story, and if this band's relevance is to continue going forward, then let the resilent closer 'Everlasting Everything' score our impending sunrise." [35] Uncut gave the album four stars out of five and labeled it as the "Album of the Month" while stating that it "picks up more or less where 2007's mellow and soulful 'Sky Blue Sky' left off, but subtly expands that record's parameters." [36] Q also gave the album four stars out of five and said that everything in the album "delivers the predominant warmth 'Sky Blue Sky' lacked and betrays a sharp ear for melody that has often been obscured by sonic theatrics." [20] Alternative Press likewise gave the album four stars out of five and said, "Wilco continues to reign in their experimental fuzz, focusing more on pretty melodies, upbeat toe-tappers and sweet acoustic numbers for their seventh full-length." [37] Now likewise gave the album four stars and called the album "middle-of-the-road, but only by Wilco standards. A worthwhile listen." [38] Hot Press gave the album a favorable review and said the album has "Surprisingly laidback new dispatch from uptight country rockers." [39] The Boston Globe also gave the album a favorable review and stated: "Like with many good rock records, bits of whimsy, melancholy, confusion, and joy swirl around the songs of Wilco (the album). So while it may not feel as groundbreaking as previous releases, it's just as human." [40]
The Phoenix gave the album three stars out of four and said it "finds the band looser and more assertive than they were on their two previous efforts." [41] Billboard gave the album a rating of 72 out of 100 and stated: "The band's current six-member lineup, together five years and responsible for 2007's stunning "Sky Blue Sky," is its strongest to date—and Wilco (The Album) is as well-rounded an effort as the group has released." [42] The Austin Chronicle gave the album three-and-a-half stars out of five and stated: "What it lacks in identity, perhaps a statement of purpose locked down by a title, the tightly produced, musically pointed Wilco compensates for in near-total coalescence. Its hope, vulnerability, and fears converse as one Tweedy." [43] Under the Radar gave the album seven stars out of ten and said it "rumbles out of the gate with a scruffy exuberance reminiscent of the early tracks of 'Summerteeth,' before finding its way back to the high-end country art rock the band has specialized in since we first found out Tweedy gets bad headaches." [20]
Other reviews are average or mixed: Yahoo! Music UK gave the album a score of six stars out of ten and said of Wilco: "Like a slightly under-serving best of, though, we get glimpses of what they've done before, but nothing substantial enough to set a new high-water mark." [44] No Ripcord also gave the album a score of six stars out of ten and said that it "doesn't sound like a band that's pushing itself any more, or at least not making the same sort of pushes that lead to the brilliant sucker-punch of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and the vastly underrated A Ghost Is Born." [45] The Guardian gave the album three stars out of five and said the album was "well written, nicely produced and tastefully retro, with a few vaguely experimental bits." [46] Slant Magazine also awarded the album three stars out of five and said, "It doesn't help that Wilco is such a complacent album, so easily redolent of sounds and textures the band has called up in the past." [47] Tiny Mix Tapes gave the album two-and-a-half stars out of five and said it "isn't a failure--not by any means--but when a band has become so attached to the notion of change and then stagnates, it casts a heavy shadow that's hard to escape." [48] Dusted Magazine gave the album a negative review and said, "Wilco is a Great Band, if you like stuff that's boring. And a lot of people seemingly do." [49]
All songs written by Jeff Tweedy, except for "Deeper Down" co-written by Tweedy and Pat Sansone.
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "Wilco (The Song)" | 2:59 |
2. | "Deeper Down" | 2:59 |
3. | "One Wing" | 3:42 |
4. | "Bull Black Nova" | 5:40 |
5. | "You and I" | 3:26 |
6. | "You Never Know" | 4:21 |
7. | "Country Disappeared" | 4:02 |
8. | "Solitaire" | 3:04 |
9. | "I'll Fight" | 4:23 |
10. | "Sonny Feeling" | 4:13 |
11. | "Everlasting Everything" | 3:59 |
Total length: | 42:47 |
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "Dark Neon" | 4:24 |
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
|
Wilco is an American rock band based in Chicago. The band was formed in 1994 by the remaining members of alternative country group Uncle Tupelo after singer Jay Farrar's departure. Wilco's lineup changed frequently during its first decade, with only singer Jeff Tweedy and bassist John Stirratt remaining from the original incarnation. Since early 2004 the lineup has been unchanged, consisting of Tweedy, Stirratt, guitarist Nels Cline, multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone, keyboard player Mikael Jorgensen, and drummer Glenn Kotche. Wilco has released thirteen studio albums, a live double album, and four collaborations: three with Billy Bragg and one with the Minus 5.
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is the fourth studio album by the American rock band Wilco, released on April 23, 2002. Recording sessions for the album began in late 2000. These sessions, which were documented for the film I Am Trying to Break Your Heart, were marred by conflicts including a switch in drummers and disagreements among the band members and engineers about songs. Despite this, the album would be mostly completed in early 2001. The album showcased a more atmospheric and experimental sound than the band's previous work, and has been described as art rock and indie rock by music critics. It was the band's first album with drummer Glenn Kotche, and last with multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Jay Bennett.
A Ghost Is Born is the fifth studio album by the American rock band Wilco, released on June 22, 2004, by Nonesuch Records. It features singer Jeff Tweedy on lead guitar more than any previous Wilco album. The band streamed the album online free, and offered a five-song EP to purchasers.
Antics is the second studio album by American rock band Interpol, released on September 27, 2004, by Matador Records. Upon its release, the album proved to be the band's commercial breakthrough, peaking at number fifteen on the Billboard 200 and number 21 on the UK Albums Chart, and went on to be certified gold by the RIAA in the United States.
Jeffrey Scot Tweedy is an American musician, singer songwriter, author, and record producer best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Wilco. Tweedy, originally from Belleville, Illinois, began his music career in high school with his band The Plebes along with Jay Farrar, also in the band. It became the alternative country band Uncle Tupelo.
Summerteeth is the third studio album by the American rock band Wilco, released on March 9, 1999, by Reprise Records. The album was heavily influenced lyrically by 20th century literature, as well as singer Jeff Tweedy's marital problems. Unlike previous albums, Summerteeth was heavily overdubbed in the studio with Pro Tools. Tweedy and Jay Bennett wrote most of the album in the studio, a contrast to the band's previous albums, which were often recorded live by the entire band with minimal overdubs.
Being There is the second studio album by the American rock band Wilco, released on October 29, 1996, by Reprise Records. Despite its release as a double album, Being There was sold at a single album price as a result of a deal between lead singer Jeff Tweedy and the band's label Reprise Records. Compared to their debut album A.M. (1995), the album was an improvement for the band in both sales and critical reception. Taking its name from the 1979 film of the same name, the self-produced album featured more surrealistic and introspective writing than on A.M. This was due in part to several significant changes in Tweedy's life, including the birth of his first child. Musically, it juxtaposed the alternative country styles songs reminiscent of Uncle Tupelo with psychedelic, surreal songs. It was the only Wilco album with steel guitarist Bob Egan, their first with multi-instrumentalist Jay Bennett and their last with multi-instrumentalist Max Johnston.
Kicking Television: Live in Chicago is a live album by Chicago alternative rock band Wilco, released on November 15, 2005, by Nonesuch Records. The album consists of material from four live shows at Chicago's Vic Theater recorded May 4, 2005 to May 7, 2005. Although the band filmed the concerts, they decided not to release the footage as a DVD. It was the band's first album with an expanded lineup featuring Nels Cline and Pat Sansone.
Sky Blue Sky is the sixth studio album by the American rock band Wilco, released on May 15, 2007 by Nonesuch Records. Originally announced on January 17, 2007 at a show in Nashville, Tennessee, it was the band's first studio album with guitarist Nels Cline and multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone. Before its release, the band streamed the entire album on its official website and offered a free download of "What Light".
Our Love to Admire is the third studio album by American rock band Interpol, released on July 10, 2007, through Capitol Records and Parlophone. Recorded at Electric Lady Studios in Greenwich Village and the Magic Shop in New York City, Our Love to Admire is the group's first and, to date, only album to be released on a major label as they departed from Matador Records beforehand. On April 25, 2007, the band officially announced the album title as Our Love to Admire as well as the track listing. The first single off the new album, "The Heinrich Maneuver", was released on May 7, 2007.
Mojo is the twelfth studio album by American rock band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, released on June 15, 2010, on CD and June 29 on Blu-ray. It was Petty's first album with the Heartbreakers in eight years. Mojo debuted at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling 125,000 copies in its first week of release. The album was also the band's first full album with bassist Ron Blair since 1981's Hard Promises, as he played on only two tracks on the previous Heartbreakers album, The Last DJ.
Oceania is the eighth studio album by American alternative rock band the Smashing Pumpkins, released on June 19, 2012 through Martha's Music. The album was produced by Billy Corgan and Bjorn Thorsrud, and forms part of the band's 34-track music project Teargarden by Kaleidyscope. It was their first studio album to feature guitarist Jeff Schroeder, and their only album to contain contributions from bassist Nicole Fiorentino and drummer Mike Byrne, who replaced original drummer Jimmy Chamberlin.
Atlas is the third studio album by the American indie rock band Real Estate, released on March 4, 2014, on Domino Records. It was their first album recorded with the drummer Jackson Pollis and keyboard player Matt Kallman, and the last with the lead guitarist and founding member Matt Mondanile.
Tweedy is an American rock band composed of Jeff Tweedy, from the group Wilco, and his son, Spencer. The duo has released one album, Sukierae, in 2014.
Star Wars is the ninth studio album by the American rock band Wilco. It was self-released for free on July 16, 2015, through wilcoworld.net. It is the second Wilco album that was released on their own label dBpm. A CD version of the album was released on August 21 and a vinyl version was released on October 13. The album emerged from Wilco recording sessions at The Loft that also resulted in their 2016 album Schmilco.
Schmilco is the tenth studio album by the American rock band Wilco, released on September 9, 2016, by dBpm Records. Wilco announced the album on July 19, 2016, and released two songs, "Locator" and "If I Ever Was a Child". The album's announcement came a little more than a year after their previous studio album, Star Wars.
Together at Last is the first solo album by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. It was released on June 23, 2017 by dBpm Records. It marks the first release of a proposed retrospective series titled Loft Acoustic Sessions that will see Tweedy revisit songs from Wilco's catalog, as well as from his Golden Smog and Loose Fur side projects.
Ode to Joy is the eleventh studio album by the American rock band Wilco, released on October 4, 2019, by dBpm Records. The release has received positive reviews.
Cruel Country is the twelfth studio album by the American rock band Wilco, released on May 27, 2022, by dBpm Records. A double album, Cruel Country sees the band fully embracing their country music leanings. It was supported with the release of two singles: "Falling Apart " and "Tired of Taking It Out on You". On release, the album received critical acclaim and debuted at number 190 on the US Billboard 200.
Cousin is the thirteenth studio album by the American rock band Wilco, released on September 29, 2023, by dBpm Records. The album was produced by Cate Le Bon, representing the first time the band used an outside producer in over a decade since 2009's Wilco , and was preceded by two singles: "Evicted" and the title track. The album has received positive reviews from critics.