Thanks for your review. I, too, am a big Wilco fan and was lucky enough to see them in concert one time. Advising multiple listens is good to know. Love the channel.
Wilco is a grower. I do recommend anyone to start with their first album, A.M. Solid and accessible songwriting, but still ambitious. I've listened to their first 4 albums, A Ghost is Born, and Cruel Country. I'm not a country music fan by any means, but I love country music elements and I think Wilco balanced this very well with the great songwriting they usually do. Didn't like A Ghost is Born that much first listen, but I'll listen again. Pretty stoked to see them play in Huntsville!
Thanks for this. Like Jason Wilco are in my favourite 10 groups. Been a fan since Summerteeth 1999. Have found something to like on all their albums. Double albums are always more difficult to digest initially. Have listened twice. ATM the instrumentation stands out to me, but feel with more listens this is a real grower. Didn't get the song Country song upside down however which everyone seems to like.
I came to Wilco through A Ghost Is Born when it dropped, but it never really did heaps for me. Over the years, I'd check stuff here and there, but yeah, nothing really clicked. Then I got into Tupelo, loved all that, picked up Summerteeth (a perfect album), and really started to focus on how good of a songwriter Tweedy is. When he dropped Warm a ways back, I picked up his book (great), and saw him when he came to town on that tour, and now I'm fully on board. I think this new album is very much a continuation of the vibe and sound he's been on with his recent solo stuff, and I really appreciate and connect with where he's coming from, lyrically. Simple, yet incisive songs about getting through life.
I've really liked Wilco's records. It took a while for me to follow along as they've progressed (now I believe progressed for the better). So I now love each new release that they make and think them as a nice band to like, with a lot of talent. Cruel Country will likely be in my top 3 records of the year. Enjoyed your review.
I've listened to Cruel Country twice now. Like Ode to Joy before it, Cruel Country hasn't blown me away, but I think it has the potential to grow on me. The songs that stood out to me were The Empty Condor, Bird Without a Tail/Base of My Skull, Tired of Taking It Out on You, and Mystery Binds. The album reminded me of Jeff Tweedy's solo material and made me go back and listen to those albums. It also reminded me of The Basement Tapes because it's kind of a scattered collection of Americana songs. Speaking of "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot Part 2," I feel like Ode to Joy was kind of the spritual successor to that album. Anybody else get those vibes?
Maybe "right brained" folks like Wilco, and "Left brained" folks don't. Ambulance is such a fun song to play on guitar.....The lyrics put me in the song every time. Fave album of the year for me. Thanks for the review!
A very solid & subtle new album from Wilco. Many Worlds & Mystery Binds are top notch additions to the catalog. Tweedy is lyrically in groove & the band stays restrained but is playing to perfection & never overwhelming the mood. Can't wait to see the live renditions which will veer into different & almost assuredly pleasing takes. Nels will really shine. Highly recommended 👌
Just like Jason mentioned; I am a big Wilco fan and was a little underwhelmed upon my first listen to 'Cruel Country'. But just today, listening to the album for the 4th time, I am really appreciating it. I love that they have some great "Grateful Dead - like" jamming on a couple of songs. I so wish they would let loose more often. In concert, I am always disappointed that they play the album arrangements and don't do much improvisation. Considering Nels is a free jazz guitar player, it is a little strange.
I’m a big Wilco fan going back to Anodyne from Uncle Tupelo. I’ve listened to Cruel Country twice now but will definitely have to hear it more before figuring out where it would fit in my ranking. I’ve enjoyed and defended their recent stuff but I definitely see where the naysayers are coming from. It’s all just so mellow and samey. They’ve got some of the best musicians around but they don’t seem to want to ever cut loose. Combine that with Tweedy’s singing style, which has become so whispery recently and it can all seem a bit sleep-inducing. I guess I should stop expecting a return to songs like Box Full of Letters, Monday, or Can’t Stand It, etc. They were having fun back then. And the songs were different from each other, not the same vibe all the way through. Like Jason, for me The Whole Love was their last great one with songs I could easily latch on to. But I’ll still listen to and subtly enjoy all that’s come since, including Tweedy’s solo outings. Edit - However, I will say that they still “bring it” live. I saw them at am outdoor festival last summer and they definitely brought the old vibe back with a very fun set. Plus I was about 15 feet from the stage, which was pretty amazing.
I haven't listened to this yet but when Jeff Tweedy and the Great Nels Cline are in tune, their incredible! Nel's is ,a jazz man. I mean he knows how to swing an axe. His solo work is some of the best I've heard and at 72, I've heard em all. For ones not familiar, check one of my favorites Impossible Germany. The one at KCRW and I guarantee it won't disappoint. Ima check the new one now; thanks..
Until Jason mentioned those fans who had dropped off, it didn't really register that was me. Followed and loved Uncle Tupelo, and have and love the first five Wilco albums. I guess in my mind they split up after A Ghost is Born. I might have been more on top of Son Volt, but they don't seem nearly as prolific. My point is, thanks for these reviews. I might have to work backward to where I left off. As a dad, it seems nuts not to listen to dad-rock, whatever that might be.
I'd say I like Wilco but I don't love them. I haven't heard everything though. I do tend to prefer Uncle Tupelo and early Wilco the most, I am less into YHF (although I still have it at 4 stars). I did enjoy this album though, I need to hear it some more times since I've only heard it once but even then I saw a lot of potential for it to grow more for me. There were some songs I immediately added to my 2022 standouts playlist which is usually a good sign. I have no rating for it yet.
One of my favs of the year so far. However, it's case for the Resequencer, though it doesn't need much rearranging. Just play Side D first and you're fine (or at least what I think will be Side D once it gets a vinyl release: Story to Tell to The Plains).
A bit like Radiohead, Wilco has a hard time making a bad record. But I agree with Jason, this sounds more like a Tweedy solo record. My favorite-Wilco is from the period 1999-2011, when they mix Americana, experimental soundscapes and top it off with the Beatles' influences (Summerteeth, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, A Ghost Is Born, Sky Blue Sky, The Whole Love). I long for a little more risk-taking disconant Wilco, where Glenn Kotche and Nels Cline are allowed to step forward
If Jeff would only let that band cut loose some more, give them some breathing room. There's nothing wrong with restraint, and subtlety, but too much of anything becomes a hindrance after a while.
Joe: curious, what do you think of Wilco’s Being There? I think there are elements you’d like (country sounds) and perhaps elements you wouldn’t (noisy parts). [It is my favourite Wilco album, though there are a couple of others I love also] Your taste is the most difficult to figure out, but respect on being your own man!
While I didn’t enjoy this album at all, it made me appreciate the latest Big Thief album so much more. That record has almost the same amount of tracks/duration, but it never meanders or drags at any point, and takes the listener on a journey across many genres (whereas this Wilco album feels like the same song rewritten 21 slightly different ways). If ranking music across a calendar year is a kind of competition, then you need the bad performers to elevate the efforts of the good performers. So thanks, Wilco! (2 stars overall for this one; 3 stars for performances and recording quality, 1 star for the act of listening to the final product)
Haven't listened to the new Wilco yet. I like the double entendre title. I think The Whole Love is a very good record and I still pull that one out from time to time
I'm 28 and I think using the term "Dad Rock" is dismissive and closed-minded. Some people judge, not what it is, but what they want it to be (what it isn't) and explains why they haven't listened to it. It's ok to say "I don't like it, but I haven't tried getting into it" or "I've tried getting into it and I don't like it", but it's not ok to tie dislike of something with a dismissive approach. It shows you're judging it prior to having the tools to do so. Often these people call me "close-minded" for not liking the saturated pop of today, but it's just projection. And of course, pop music is hard to get away from because it's everywhere you go.
It's almost as if Jeff has stopped trying to do anything new or expansive. And the energy just always seems to be lacking. Nothing wrong with a laid-back vibe, but...all the time? In short, I like "Cruel Country" in the same way I "like" most Wilco records, in that I think it's good, but not great, and it has some nice moments sprinkled throughout. What I find a bit frustrating about Wilco, is that Jeff has assembled a band of some of the most talented musicians working in rock today (in fact, I think they ARE the most talented band out there today), and yet he seems to favor restraint above all else, preferring to keep them reigned in for the most part with occasional flashes. Nothing wrong with restraint and subtlety, but there's nothing wrong with being direct sometimes, too, and fully utilizing the tools at your disposal. I guess what I'm saying is that an album with less Jeff Tweedy and more WILCO wouldn't be a bad thing.
Its country, wilco style with chill vocals. I like them rocking out a bit more, which they don’t anymore so this isn’t for me. Gave it 2 listens, felt like its waste of time so its no longer in my library. Kinda a shame, I was very excited when it came out.
Do you mean “down” as in down, or do you mean “down” as in up? The English language really is “something”! Up with Wilco and up with Rich and up with Jason and Joe! ✌️
@@ashrobinson4604 lol I'm just screwing around. I tease Jason about Wilco sucking. It started with me thinking Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was super-overrated and just evolved into shitting on everything Wilco.
I used to like them a lot and expectations might be still high. I love at least 15 songs by Wilco and they have done a couple of great album but I left them about the same time "Kramz" did. Not a country fan though this would be alt-country, not that that will grab me much either. This record has no stand-out songs for me or songs I would play for a friend. The best songs are 'Hearts Hard to Find" and "Empty Condor".
The two worst concerts I have ever seen were Wilco and U2 (separately), which goes a long way towards explaining why I soured on both bands and stopped listening to them. The U2 show was just bad; with the Wilco show it had to do with feedback and my keeping fingers in my ears for two hours thinking "Will this never end?". Regardless, I just don't care about these bands anymore and don't feel like I'm missing anything, especially with U2!
Thanks for your review. I, too, am a big Wilco fan and was lucky enough to see them in concert one time. Advising multiple listens is good to know. Love the channel.
Wow you listened to this 4 times in a row!? That’s a lot of Wilco
Great reviews guys
Wilco is a grower. I do recommend anyone to start with their first album, A.M. Solid and accessible songwriting, but still ambitious. I've listened to their first 4 albums, A Ghost is Born, and Cruel Country. I'm not a country music fan by any means, but I love country music elements and I think Wilco balanced this very well with the great songwriting they usually do. Didn't like A Ghost is Born that much first listen, but I'll listen again. Pretty stoked to see them play in Huntsville!
Thanks for this. Like Jason Wilco are in my favourite 10 groups. Been a fan since Summerteeth 1999. Have found something to like on all their albums.
Double albums are always more difficult to digest initially. Have listened twice. ATM the instrumentation stands out to me, but feel with more listens this is a real grower. Didn't get the song Country song upside down however which everyone seems to like.
I came to Wilco through A Ghost Is Born when it dropped, but it never really did heaps for me. Over the years, I'd check stuff here and there, but yeah, nothing really clicked. Then I got into Tupelo, loved all that, picked up Summerteeth (a perfect album), and really started to focus on how good of a songwriter Tweedy is. When he dropped Warm a ways back, I picked up his book (great), and saw him when he came to town on that tour, and now I'm fully on board. I think this new album is very much a continuation of the vibe and sound he's been on with his recent solo stuff, and I really appreciate and connect with where he's coming from, lyrically. Simple, yet incisive songs about getting through life.
I've really liked Wilco's records. It took a while for me to follow along as they've progressed (now I believe progressed for the better). So I now love each new release that they make and think them as a nice band to like, with a lot of talent. Cruel Country will likely be in my top 3 records of the year. Enjoyed your review.
I've listened to Cruel Country twice now. Like Ode to Joy before it, Cruel Country hasn't blown me away, but I think it has the potential to grow on me. The songs that stood out to me were The Empty Condor, Bird Without a Tail/Base of My Skull, Tired of Taking It Out on You, and Mystery Binds. The album reminded me of Jeff Tweedy's solo material and made me go back and listen to those albums. It also reminded me of The Basement Tapes because it's kind of a scattered collection of Americana songs.
Speaking of "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot Part 2," I feel like Ode to Joy was kind of the spritual successor to that album. Anybody else get those vibes?
Such a Wilco title. This week is Our Favorite Songs of 2007 and these indie/dad rockers(!) top my list.
Maybe "right brained" folks like Wilco, and "Left brained" folks don't. Ambulance is such a fun song to play on guitar.....The lyrics put me in the song every time. Fave album of the year for me. Thanks for the review!
huge wilco fan. Really enjoyed this album. Kind of cosmic country, little Grateful Dead vibes also. It's a good listen.
A very solid & subtle new album from Wilco. Many Worlds & Mystery Binds are top notch additions to the catalog. Tweedy is lyrically in groove & the band stays restrained but is playing to perfection & never overwhelming the mood. Can't wait to see the live renditions which will veer into different & almost assuredly pleasing takes. Nels will really shine. Highly recommended 👌
Just like Jason mentioned; I am a big Wilco fan and was a little underwhelmed upon my first listen to 'Cruel Country'. But just today, listening to the album for the 4th time, I am really appreciating it. I love that they have some great "Grateful Dead - like" jamming on a couple of songs. I so wish they would let loose more often. In concert, I am always disappointed that they play the album arrangements and don't do much improvisation. Considering Nels is a free jazz guitar player, it is a little strange.
I’m a big Wilco fan going back to Anodyne from Uncle Tupelo. I’ve listened to Cruel Country twice now but will definitely have to hear it more before figuring out where it would fit in my ranking. I’ve enjoyed and defended their recent stuff but I definitely see where the naysayers are coming from. It’s all just so mellow and samey. They’ve got some of the best musicians around but they don’t seem to want to ever cut loose. Combine that with Tweedy’s singing style, which has become so whispery recently and it can all seem a bit sleep-inducing. I guess I should stop expecting a return to songs like Box Full of Letters, Monday, or Can’t Stand It, etc. They were having fun back then. And the songs were different from each other, not the same vibe all the way through. Like Jason, for me The Whole Love was their last great one with songs I could easily latch on to. But I’ll still listen to and subtly enjoy all that’s come since, including Tweedy’s solo outings.
Edit - However, I will say that they still “bring it” live. I saw them at am outdoor festival last summer and they definitely brought the old vibe back with a very fun set. Plus I was about 15 feet from the stage, which was pretty amazing.
they have never been the same since jay bennett was kicked out of the band, every record he appeared on was a winner.
I haven't listened to this yet but when Jeff Tweedy and the Great Nels Cline are in tune, their incredible! Nel's is
,a jazz man. I mean he knows how to swing an axe. His solo work is some of the best I've heard and at 72, I've heard em all. For ones not familiar, check one of my favorites Impossible Germany. The one at KCRW and I guarantee it won't disappoint. Ima check the new one now; thanks..
Until Jason mentioned those fans who had dropped off, it didn't really register that was me. Followed and loved Uncle Tupelo, and have and love the first five Wilco albums. I guess in my mind they split up after A Ghost is Born. I might have been more on top of Son Volt, but they don't seem nearly as prolific.
My point is, thanks for these reviews. I might have to work backward to where I left off. As a dad, it seems nuts not to listen to dad-rock, whatever that might be.
I'd say I like Wilco but I don't love them. I haven't heard everything though. I do tend to prefer Uncle Tupelo and early Wilco the most, I am less into YHF (although I still have it at 4 stars). I did enjoy this album though, I need to hear it some more times since I've only heard it once but even then I saw a lot of potential for it to grow more for me. There were some songs I immediately added to my 2022 standouts playlist which is usually a good sign. I have no rating for it yet.
One of my favs of the year so far. However, it's case for the Resequencer, though it doesn't need much rearranging. Just play Side D first and you're fine (or at least what I think will be Side D once it gets a vinyl release: Story to Tell to The Plains).
My wife and I just moved to the land of Wilco. I can hang. 🤠
When Joe's big flappy hands get front and centre in the video, you know its going to be a positive review!
A bit like Radiohead, Wilco has a hard time making a bad record. But I agree with Jason, this sounds more like a Tweedy solo record. My favorite-Wilco is from the period 1999-2011, when they mix Americana, experimental soundscapes and top it off with the Beatles' influences (Summerteeth, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, A Ghost Is Born, Sky Blue Sky, The Whole Love). I long for a little more risk-taking disconant Wilco, where Glenn Kotche and Nels Cline are allowed to step forward
If Jeff would only let that band cut loose some more, give them some breathing room. There's nothing wrong with restraint, and subtlety, but too much of anything becomes a hindrance after a while.
Joe: curious, what do you think of Wilco’s Being There? I think there are elements you’d like (country sounds) and perhaps elements you wouldn’t (noisy parts). [It is my favourite Wilco album, though there are a couple of others I love also] Your taste is the most difficult to figure out, but respect on being your own man!
I don’t think I’ve ever heard all of it. Though I should start prepping for the inevitable Wilco discography. - Joe
It’s my favorite as well.
@@TastesLikeMusic Joe, try their first album, A.M., as well. I am not a fan of later Wilco, but I love A.M. and Being There.
While I didn’t enjoy this album at all, it made me appreciate the latest Big Thief album so much more. That record has almost the same amount of tracks/duration, but it never meanders or drags at any point, and takes the listener on a journey across many genres (whereas this Wilco album feels like the same song rewritten 21 slightly different ways).
If ranking music across a calendar year is a kind of competition, then you need the bad performers to elevate the efforts of the good performers. So thanks, Wilco! (2 stars overall for this one; 3 stars for performances and recording quality, 1 star for the act of listening to the final product)
Haven't listened to the new Wilco yet. I like the double entendre title. I think The Whole Love is a very good record and I still pull that one out from time to time
I am going to check this out. I lost touch with wilco but I like stuff like Gram parsons. Sometimes a band needs to go back to basics so to speak
I'm 28 and I think using the term "Dad Rock" is dismissive and closed-minded. Some people judge, not what it is, but what they want it to be (what it isn't) and explains why they haven't listened to it. It's ok to say "I don't like it, but I haven't tried getting into it" or "I've tried getting into it and I don't like it", but it's not ok to tie dislike of something with a dismissive approach. It shows you're judging it prior to having the tools to do so. Often these people call me "close-minded" for not liking the saturated pop of today, but it's just projection. And of course, pop music is hard to get away from because it's everywhere you go.
It's almost as if Jeff has stopped trying to do anything new or expansive. And the energy just always seems to be lacking. Nothing wrong with a laid-back vibe, but...all the time? In short, I like "Cruel Country" in the same way I "like" most Wilco records, in that I think it's good, but not great, and it has some nice moments sprinkled throughout.
What I find a bit frustrating about Wilco, is that Jeff has assembled a band of some of the most talented musicians working in rock today (in fact, I think they ARE the most talented band out there today), and yet he seems to favor restraint above all else, preferring to keep them reigned in for the most part with occasional flashes. Nothing wrong with restraint and subtlety, but there's nothing wrong with being direct sometimes, too, and fully utilizing the tools at your disposal. I guess what I'm saying is that an album with less Jeff Tweedy and more WILCO wouldn't be a bad thing.
Its country, wilco style with chill vocals. I like them rocking out a bit more, which they don’t anymore so this isn’t for me. Gave it 2 listens, felt like its waste of time so its no longer in my library. Kinda a shame, I was very excited when it came out.
Down with Wilco!
Down with Rich! -Jason
@@TastesLikeMusic I know you down wit me baby we cool like dat.
Do you mean “down” as in down, or do you mean “down” as in up? The English language really is “something”! Up with Wilco and up with Rich and up with Jason and Joe! ✌️
@@ashrobinson4604 lol I'm just screwing around. I tease Jason about Wilco sucking. It started with me thinking Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was super-overrated and just evolved into shitting on everything Wilco.
@@179rich yes, my response was a bit tongue in cheek also! More a comment on the English language! 🫶
Jason’s cat has been very disappointed with every album since Star Wars, mainly because there hasn’t been a cat on the covers.
Very considered boooyyyzzz
I used to like them a lot and expectations might be still high. I love at least 15 songs by Wilco and they have done a couple of great album but I left them about the same time "Kramz" did. Not a country fan though this would be alt-country, not that that will grab me much either. This record has no stand-out songs for me or songs I would play for a friend. The best songs are 'Hearts Hard to Find" and "Empty Condor".
In a 2018 solo venture, Jeff compassionately sings "I know what its like". Good song.
Twee! That word again :/
The two worst concerts I have ever seen were Wilco and U2 (separately), which goes a long way towards explaining why I soured on both bands and stopped listening to them. The U2 show was just bad; with the Wilco show it had to do with feedback and my keeping fingers in my ears for two hours thinking "Will this never end?". Regardless, I just don't care about these bands anymore and don't feel like I'm missing anything, especially with U2!