If you aren't so familiar with Wilco's last efforts, lets just say that they were rather underwhelming. Taking this to heart, the new case is that Wilco (the album) has included all their good old pop tendencies without making them over bearing.
Perhaps the best thing about this album is that although it covers darker themes such as murder, martyrdom, and adversity it doesn't make you want to head for the nearest razor blade. Wilco properly balanced the noir-ness of it with airy rhythms and melodies, yet managed to sneak in edgy riffs. Opening the album is Wilco (the song), which draws back to a Jesus & Mary Chain meets Velvet Underground influence, and it does exactly what the first song of an album should do: set the mood. There's also 'You and I', which is a beatiful and mysterious duet with Feist and 'Bull Black Nova' which builds musical tension until it reaches and excellent climax.
This is their 7th studio album now, and they really have captured elements from their past work yet still managed to add room for experimentation. In my book, that gets a thumbs up.
By the way, Wilco is coming to the Fillmore on March 22 I would definately check it out.
Tweet me!
