Schmilco

Last updated
Schmilco
Wilco - Schmilco.png
Studio album by
ReleasedSeptember 9, 2016
RecordedChicago
Genre
Length36:22
Label dBpm
Producer
Wilco chronology
Star Wars
(2015)
Schmilco
(2016)
Ode to Joy
(2019)
Singles from Schmilco
  1. "Locator"
    Released: July 14, 2016
  2. "If I Ever Was a Child"
    Released: July 18, 2016

Schmilco is the tenth studio album by Chicago-based alternative rock band Wilco, released on September 9, 2016 through 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 .

Contents

Background and release

In February 2016, Jeff Tweedy first mentioned in an interview that Wilco would be releasing an album in 2016, though did not go into detail. [3] During his solo benefit shows in Chicago later in May, Tweedy said they had finished the new record, but the band wasn't sure they wanted to release it yet. In July 2016, Wilco released "Locator" from the album to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Star Wars and then announced Schmilco several days later, in addition to releasing "If I Ever Was a Child" and "Someone to Lose". [4] [5] [6] In September several days before the release, Wilco had "I Heard Schmilco" events at record stores to promote the album across the country where people could listen to the album and then buy it on vinyl. [7]

The album's name is a nod to the Harry Nilsson album Nilsson Schmilsson . The artwork was created by illustrator Joan Cornellà in collaboration with Stefania Lusini.

On the album, Tweedy tells stories of himself, his family, and his history. [8]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic? 7.4/10 [9]
Metacritic 79/100 [10]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [11]
The A.V. Club A− [12]
Chicago Tribune Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [13]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [14]
The Independent Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [15]
Mojo Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [16]
Pitchfork 7.0/10 [17]
Q Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [18]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [19]
Uncut 9/10 [20]

According to the review aggregator Metacritic , Schmilco received "generally favorable reviews" based on a weighted average score of 79 out of 100 from 26 critic reviews. [10]

Accolades

Accolades for Schmilco
PublicationAccoladeYearRank
Consequence of Sound Top 50 Albums of 2016201616 [21]
Mojo The 50 Best Albums of 2016201636 [22]
Paste The 50 Best Albums of 2016201626 [23]
Rolling Stone 50 Best Albums of 2016201641 [24]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Jeff Tweedy

Schmlico track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Normal American Kids"2:47
2."If I Ever Was a Child"2:55
3."Cry All Day"4:16
4."Common Sense"3:24
5."Nope"3:02
6."Someone to Lose"3:20
7."Happiness"3:00
8."Quarters"2:50
9."Locator"2:18
10."Shrug and Destroy"2:52
11."We Aren't the World (Safety Girl)"2:53
12."Just Say Goodbye"2:45
Total length:36:22

Personnel

Wilco

Additional personnel

Charts

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wilco</span> American alternative rock band

Wilco is an American alternative rock band based in Chicago, Illinois. The band was formed in 1994 by the remaining members of alternative country group Uncle Tupelo following 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 twelve studio albums, a live double album, and four collaborations: three with Billy Bragg and one with The Minus 5.

<i>Yankee Hotel Foxtrot</i> 2002 studio album by Wilco

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is the fourth studio album by American rock band Wilco, first released commercially on April 23, 2002, though released on their band’s website on September 18, 2001. 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 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.

<i>A Ghost Is Born</i> 2004 studio album by Wilco

A Ghost Is Born is the fifth studio album by American alternative rock band Wilco. Released on June 22, 2004, 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeff Tweedy</span> American musician (born 1967)

Jeffrey Scot Tweedy is an American musician, songwriter, author, and record producer best known as the singer and guitarist of the band Wilco. Tweedy, originally from Belleville, Illinois, started his music career in high school in his band The Plebes with Jay Farrar, which subsequently transitioned into the alternative country band Uncle Tupelo. After Uncle Tupelo broke up, Tweedy formed Wilco which found critical and commercial success, most notably with Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost Is Born, the latter of which received a Grammy for Best Alternative Album in 2005.

<i>Summerteeth</i> 1999 studio album by Wilco

Summerteeth is the third studio album by the American alternative 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.

<i>Mermaid Avenue Vol. II</i> 2000 studio album by Billy Bragg and Wilco

Mermaid Avenue Vol. II is a 2000 album of previously unheard lyrics written by American folk singer Woody Guthrie, put to music written and performed by British singer Billy Bragg and American band Wilco. It continues the project originally conceived by Guthrie's daughter, Nora Guthrie which resulted in the release of Mermaid Avenue in 1998. Both volumes were collected in a 2012 box set along with volume three as Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions.

<i>Being There</i> (Wilco album) 1996 studio album by Wilco

Being There is the second studio album by the American alternative 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. The album was an improvement for the band in both sales and critical reception, in contrast to their debut album A.M. (1995). 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.

<i>Sky Blue Sky</i> 2007 studio album by Wilco

Sky Blue Sky is the sixth studio album by 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".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wilco discography</span>

The discography of the American alternative rock group Wilco, consists of twelve studio albums, five extended plays (EPs), three live albums, twelve singles and four videos. As of 2012 they had sold in excess of two million albums worldwide.

<i>Wilco (The Album)</i> 2009 studio album by Wilco

Wilco (The Album) is the seventh studio album by American alternative rock group Wilco which was released June 30, 2009. Prior to release, Wilco streamed the album on their website. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Americana Album.

<i>Sukierae</i> 2014 studio album by Tweedy

Sukierae is the debut album by Tweedy, a side project formed by Jeff Tweedy and his son Spencer. It was released on September 23, 2014, and features 20 new songs. The album is promoted by a new band touring under the Tweedy name.

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.

<i>Still</i> (Richard Thompson album) 2015 studio album by Richard Thompson

Still is the sixteenth solo studio album by British singer/songwriter Richard Thompson. It was released by Fantasy Records on 23 June 2015 in the US and by Proper Records on 29 June 2015 in the UK.

<i>Ones and Sixes</i> 2015 studio album by Low

Ones and Sixes is the eleventh studio album by Low, released on September 11, 2015. It was co-produced by the band and engineer BJ Burton, at Justin Vernon's April Base Studios in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Sub Pop released a promotional video for 'No Comprende' in advance of the album's release, on June 23, 2015. The album also features contributions from Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche. The album artwork was created by artist Peter Liversidge. The album's lyrics were nominated for an AML Award.

<i>Star Wars</i> (Wilco album) 2015 studio album by Wilco

Star Wars is the ninth studio album by American alternative rock group 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.

<i>Together at Last</i> 2017 studio album by Jeff Tweedy

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.

<i>If All I Was Was Black</i> 2017 studio album by Mavis Staples

If All I Was Was Black is the thirteenth studio album by American R&B, soul and gospel singer Mavis Staples. It was released on November 17, 2017, by ANTI- Records. The album was written and produced by Jeff Tweedy.

<i>Ode to Joy</i> (Wilco album) 2019 studio album by Wilco

Ode to Joy is the eleventh studio album from American indie rock band Wilco, released on October 4, 2019, on dBpm Records. The release has received positive reviews.

<i>Love Is the King</i> 2020 studio album by Jeff Tweedy

Love Is the King is the fourth solo studio album by American musician Jeff Tweedy. It was released on October 23, 2020, via dBpm Records. Recording sessions took place at the Loft in Chicago during lockdown in April 2020 after Wilco's tour dates were cancelled due to COVID-19. Production was handled by Tom Schick and Tweedy himself. It features contributions from his sons Spencer and Sam.

<i>Cruel Country</i> 2022 studio album by Wilco

Cruel Country is the twelfth studio album by American indie rock band Wilco. It was 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.

References

  1. "'Schmilco' by Wilco Review: Somber, Sepia-Toned Tunes". The Wall Street Journal . Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  2. "Review: Wilco's 'Schmilco' Is Their Most Pastoral Album in Years". Rolling Stone . Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  3. Farrer, Martin. "Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy: 'Trump's success is a sign of how broken things have been'". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  4. Brown, Eric. "Wilco detail new album Schmilco, share 'If I Ever Was a Child'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  5. Lifton, Dave. "Wilco Offer Free Download New Song, 'Locator'". Diffuser. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  6. Pearis, Bill. "Wilco share "Someone to Lose" off new LP 'Schmilco'". Brooklyn Vegan. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  7. Russell, Scott. "Wilco to Host In-Store "I Heard Schmilco" Listening Parties". Paste Magazine. Retrieved 27 August 2016.
  8. Geffen, Sasha. "Jeff Tweedy explains Schmilco" . Retrieved October 3, 2016.
  9. "Schmilco by Wilco reviews". AnyDecentMusic? . Retrieved October 15, 2019.
  10. 1 2 "Reviews for Schmilco by Wilco". Metacritic . Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  11. Deming, Mark. "Schmilco – Wilco". AllMusic . Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  12. Modell, Josh (September 9, 2016). "Wilco goes quiet". The A.V. Club . Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  13. Kot, Greg (September 4, 2016). "Wilco gets quieter, but not safer on 'Schmilco'". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved September 4, 2016.
  14. Gibsone, Harriet (September 15, 2016). "Wilco: Schmilco review – world-weary, wheezy – and wonderfully warm". The Guardian . Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  15. Gill, Andy (September 8, 2016). "Album reviews: Wilco – Wilco Schmilco, Jack White – Acoustic Recordings, MIA – AIM, and more". The Independent . Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  16. Cameron, Keith (October 2016). "Country feedback". Mojo (275): 94.
  17. Sodomsky, Sam (September 9, 2016). "Wilco: Schmilco". Pitchfork . Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  18. Doyle, Tom (October 2016). "Know No Bounds". Q (364): 106.
  19. Hermes, Will (September 7, 2016). "Review: Wilco's 'Schmilco' Is Their Most Pastoral Album in Years". Rolling Stone . Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  20. Scoppa, Bud (September 28, 2016). "Wilco – Schmilco". Uncut . Archived from the original on September 29, 2016. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
  21. "Top 50 Albums of 2016". Consequence of Sound . November 28, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  22. "The 50 Best Albums of 2016". Mojo . November 22, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  23. "The 50 Best Albums of 2016". Paste . November 30, 2016. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  24. "50 Best Albums of 2016". Rolling Stone . November 29, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2016.
  25. "Australiancharts.com – Wilco – Schmilco". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  26. "Austriancharts.at – Wilco – Schmilco" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  27. "Ultratop.be – Wilco – Schmilco" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  28. "Ultratop.be – Wilco – Schmilco" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  29. "Dutchcharts.nl – Wilco – Schmilco" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  30. "Lescharts.com – Wilco – Schmilco". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 20, 2016.
  31. "Offiziellecharts.de – Wilco – Schmilco" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  32. "GFK Chart-Track Albums: Week 37, 2016". Chart-Track. IRMA. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  33. "Italiancharts.com – Wilco – Schmilco". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  34. "Charts.nz – Wilco – Schmilco". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  35. "Norwegiancharts.com – Wilco – Schmilco". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  36. "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  37. "Spanishcharts.com – Wilco – Schmilco". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  38. "Swedishcharts.com – Wilco – Schmilco". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  39. "Swisscharts.com – Wilco – Schmilco". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 21, 2016.
  40. "Wilco | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  41. "Wilco Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 20, 2016.
  42. "Wilco Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 20, 2016.
  43. "Jaaroverzichten 2016 Albums". Hung Medien. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  44. "Top Rock Albums – Year-End 2016". Billboard. Retrieved June 22, 2020.