Reviews (page 6 of 13)
erste song huere schöni sounds lieb s rhodes und d gitarre tönt schön chlii. er singt bitz schräg dörfmer au, und s het ide strophe immer sochli en hinkende groove. und s wird immer bitz unagnehmer vode sounds her geg de schluss aber d melodie blibt glich. ich gseh was sie mached. kamera easy schön. text leider böd so glost aber schöne song sehr pleasing. radio cure fangt wieder mit s bitz grüüsch ah woni nöd cha identifiziere aber isch nice. merci ide letste minute chunt erst de richtig song ine hani s gfühl? findi huuuere schön. ashes of american flags hittet scho für es album wo e wuche noch 9/11 usecho isch. finds au en huere schöne song. im the man who loves you isch sehr beatles mit chli country und bitz weitder gitarre. pot kettle black sehr schööön tönt mega noch neuerem indierock. uuuh schellechrankzzzz. poor places uuultra schöni chords aaaah
Great, interesting arrangements and musicianship. A bit monotonous, but will revisit.
72%
Another album I’ve heard tons about through pop culture osmosis but never listened to, this one was really solid. I don’t have much to say about it but it was a great fusion of Wilco sound with more mainstream 2000s sounds. War on war and Jesus etc were my favs.
Set the tone for the decade to follow.
If you needed somebody to represent the turn of the century, Wilco would be a good choice.. Their music stands testament, 20+ years on.
72% (4) 👍
One of my all time favorites
modern americana
It's one of those, right? An alt-indiepostfolk-rock album, this side of Grunge, Dad music for contemporary dads, that, in a slightly different parallel universe, I would love? But that, here, I don't? That, while I appreciate the sounds and sensations, bores me? That might have a chance to "grow on me" but why should I want it to? Yep, one of those. It has my sympathy, but I can't say that I care much for it.
The keyboards really make some of these songs pop (eg, Kamera, Radio Cure) and Jesus, Etc remains a powerful piece of indie rock. Heavy Metal Drummer has some real bite to it. There's nothing left of the old country Wilco by now, except maybe a feeling at some points. This isn't a classic for me, but I think I get why it is for some.
I was in the perfect indie sadboy mood for this when i listened
A bit of me this. Lovely stuff. Simpsons: No
I don't think I've ever given time to Wilco. But I really enjoyed that album. Been round a couple times tonight. Love the sound and quite an interesting listen. If anything a little inconsistent. But solid 4
Enjoyed the album. Atmospheric. Not what I remember of Wilco.
Wistful and restrained
Obviously a polarizing album. i just don’t think some people understand the appeal of sad-boy Midwest Indy. This is far from boring; the music is complex and the lyricism is provocative. Each song is a new world and the accenting instrumentation is a delight. I think the bias gets to people.
i love this album & the soundscapes, i think it’s nicely cohesive and feels like an intentionally crafted experience but i think some of the songwriting is a little boring
I think I like other Wilco albums I’ve heard more than this, but it’s still great
A holy grail for sensitive little indie boys like me. Full of heart, without drifting into the saccharine. I've seen it accused of being boring, and there are certainly a few tracks that drift in that direction. But there is too much nostalgia here, both for the album itself, but also for the days when I listened to it most. "Playing Kiss covers, beautiful and stoned"...yeah, I miss those days too. This is a 4.5 for me, but I'll round down, as there are a few songs here that just haven't clicked for me.
An easy listen with some real classics on there. Great album.
I lked it. I was really mellow and smooth. Maybe a 3.5 so I'll go with 4
Pavement vibes.. good!
Everything about this record is so *nice*
Needs another listen. After listen #2 it gets a 4
72% (4) 👍
Yes this
Lovely indie record. Heavy Metal Drummer is a banger
Pretty cool
Indie always holds one of two specific places to me and this album does its job fitting into the 'good music for dissociating to' category so I can never appreciate it fully. I can't tell whether I like it more or less when I pay attention because I don't actually like the sound of most indie music but I do appreciate like some of the sounds in there like in the end of I Am Trying to Break Your Heart or the string instrument in Jesus, Etc
Tbh Jesus Etc. is probs the only song on this album I have actively listened to before. But also I have played/sung it many many times. I associate Wilco (and Bright Eyes) with the vulnerable sad sack dad music (not a criticism, they need music too) that some music critics used as an example of the fall (or the evolution) of rock music because men were having feelings. On one of their live albums, Jeff Tweedy has this bit where he keeps on referring to their music as snoozy in like this extremely resentful way. Like some critic said this once and he has forever held a grudge about it. Anyway, I like this album.
At its best, this sounds like a more folk/country OK Computer, and it's pretty enjoyable. At its worst, it's a little boring, but still pleasant. Not the revelation I remember it being lauded as, but still quite nice.
Learning that Wilco are kinda cool, actually, has been a fine experience. This is solid alt rock with a light southern twang, and while it’ll never be 100% my thing, I’m glad I can appreciate it now. B
A consistently entertaining and sonically unpredictable art rock album that, in short, defined the era of indie music that this was born from
Good album. Not heard before. Interesting blending in of sounds and synths and a good indie record
pretty good
Probably the best Wilco album, love the vibe and sound on this one.
Interesting lyrics. Glad I listened to this multiple times as I haven't listened to their music much. It's good but not something I would seek out.
Wow, this was really excellent. I really enjoyed the music, and the vocals. This is definitely going on follow up listens list. Ashes of American Flags really stood out to me.
Here's another album that I don't really know what to say about. It's some good art rock. I like the sound. It's a great blend between being accessible and being weird, and I like that. The singing is solid. The writing is pretty good. The fact that this album was originally released just 7 days after 9/11 and yet songs like "Jesus, Etc." (great song by the way) reflect that tragedy very well with lines referencing tall buildings shaking is pretty neat. There's some other really good songs on here. I can totally see why people really like this album, but I can also see why others aren't entirely sold on it. I think it's solid. Not the worst thing to come out of September 2001, but not the best (if only Toxicity was on here). High 3/5. EDIT: What was I thinking? This album's great. 4/5.
It's a really calming album, there are a couple of fascinating songs
Fantastic, now a Wilco fan. Replayed multiple times
Very nice.
Solid album. I listened to it while driving to work and it was the perfect album for that. Slower songs that were just relaxing. I really enjoyed it
I really enjoyed the sound that this album created. Sort of melancholic and existential. Would listen again.
Me ha gustado, me ha hecho sonreír y me ha parecido un gran disco para el viernes.
I always struggled with this album, only because 'Heavy Metal Drummer' is such an earworm and nothing else on the album sounds quite like it. I've tried a few times to listen to the full album but never engaged. This challenge has forced me to finally sit down and listen straight through to finally hear it for what it is: a very good indie record. Not perfect or especially groundbreaking but absolutely solid and worth revisiting.
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was my introduction to Wilco. I was familiar with Uncle Tupelo, largely because of their overlap with Doug Sham and after they broke up, I lost track. I later stumbled on Wilco and Son Volt, once again because of their origins in Uncle Tupelo. At first I was a fan of Son Volt, but as I paid more attention to both groups I began to favor Wilco. I love the guitar work of Nels Cline and while Son Volt seemed to auger into a very specific sound, Wilco’s music seemed broader and more experimental and generally more appealing.
i cried all the way through this album, it’s the one year anniversary of lin brehmers death (technically yesterday but we found out a year ago today) and jesus etc is the first song on the in memorium playlist. additionally i just binged the first season of the bear in the middle of the night and one of the episodes opens with lin.
Va fasen. Detta var ju riktigt bra. Kul.
Truly incredible work, Chicago moment
Very good but kinda sleepy
Better then i thought it would be
Love this album. Especially Poor Places.
I'll absolutely come back to this one. Brilliant. I loved Jesus etc and had it on a playlist somewhere but hadn't gotten to explore the rest of the band's stuff. Really pleased to be exposed this this. Right up my street.
It’s a 4.5 actually
I really love this album, and probably hadn't listened to it in a good few years. I absolutely know why people don't like Wilco - it's sooooo lo-fi it almost isn't there - but there's a lot of interesting things happening across most of the songs, and they create a sense of warmth that quite a lot of lo-fi lacks. All in all, a lovely album to listen to on a train looking out on the bleak midwinter, which is what I did.
Really enjoyable.
Great album. Kind of trails off at the end in terms of quality, but a number of great songs for the playlist.
Pretty enjoyable! I look forward to listening to it again
I'm only vaguely familiar with Wilco's music and this is the first time I listened to this album. It's a good album to listen to while high.
Good Wilco album, not their best.
This album seems to show up on Best-Of lists pretty often, and I see why. I thought it was great and liked the weird endings to almost every song. Enjoyable and fun and I should probably listen to this again. Four stars.
ive always liked this album
Some good tunes. Starts out down beat gets upbeat for a bit and finishes on the down
my kind of music but something seems to be missing to make really love it. Might need to listen to it again.
Before this I had heard Heavy Metal Drummer a million times and fell in love with it. Now, listening to the rest of the album, I fell in love all over again. This has got great flow, experimentation, and songwriting for the whole runtime. Now the runtime might be just a bit too long for the content they have, but it certainly isn't unbearable. Favorites were War on War and Heavy Metal Drummer
Easy listening. Soft, indie. Favourite Track Poor Places
Nice album
I really love the opener, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart. The drum backing is so interesting!! I like the lyrics through this album too, I'm not too familiar with Wilco's music but it's giving that good indie sleeze vibe. Jesus, Etc is the most popular song on this album and I can see why. The instrumentals hit you immediately. Kinda weird hearing Jesus so much in a song tho but that's just me.
- Damn woher kenne ich Wilco?!? Der Name kam mir direkt ultra bekannt vor, auch die Stimme des Sängers, aber ich kann's nicht zuordnen, kenne nämlich keinen Song... Scrubs? O.C.? - Zu beiden Serien würde der Sound passen. Chillig und etwas melancholisch. Gefällt mir mega gut. Eigentlich jeder Song. - Hier und da auch recht experimentierfreudig, aber nie nervig. - Gibt mir einfach einen richtig guten Vibe - Artwork gefällt mir auch gut - Nicht mit gerechnet, "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" für mich absolutes ein Überraschungsalbum Rating: 4/5
- hat mich aus der kalten richtig abgeholt auch wenn die tracks stilistisch alle sehr ähnlich sind. Als Gesamtwerk war ich nach dem Hören richtig beseelt. - ein paar refrains und melodien gehen UNFASSBAR ins Ohr (\"She fell in love with a drummer..\") - teilweise sogar sehr experimentell abrr auf eine verspielte und nicht zu nervige art - Lieb das Cover, auch wenn es für mich nicht wirklich das Gefühl wiederspiegelt, welches ich beim Hören des Albums hatte 3,75/5
- der erste Track hat mir zwischenzeitlich kurz Angst gemacht, da ich dachte, dass viel avantgardistische Einflüsse abgehen - aber das Lied war trotzdem cool und auch der Rest des Albums war wirklich entspannt und hat mir gut gefallen Rating: 4 / 5
Genre: Art rock, indie rock When I read "art rock" and "Indie Rock" I kinda roll my eyes...not expecting much. I have heard this album before and was fairly favorable about it. Since it came up here, I thought I'd give it a good listen and rate it justly. I couldn't image listening to the 8 disc super deluxe version though! Standouts: I am Trying to Break Your Heart, Ashes of American Flags, Heavy Metal Drummer, I'm the Man Who Loves You. Very Good! 4/5
Yankee Foxtrot Hotel is everything I hate, which in this case is very low energy, Tweedy’s voice is unspectacular but somehow I like it. The album is greater than the sun of its part. The middle is great. Jesus Etc, Heavy Metal Drummer and I am The Man Who Loves You are highlights. The rest is good enough. 8.1/10
Haunting and beautiful. Very clever.
This record is a solid "throw it on when you're feeling a little melancholy but don't want to sink down too far" vibe. I feel like this is better listened to all the way through rather than just picking a song here and there - it stands up better as a whole instead of in pieces. I really enjoyed this one but not sure I'd call it a superb album worthy of 5 stars. Solid 4, maybe 4.25.
good album but not necessarily as great as people say
Enjoyed it.
I'd give this a 4.5 if I could. I am glad I heard this album before I died.
Янки Че ждали шутку? Если вам не нравиться Jesus, Etc., то у вас нет сердца 8/10
great album A real grower Listening to this while walking about makes you feel like you are in some indie 2009 coming of age drama, it's just a beautiful soundtrack to jaunt about to highlights are I Am Trying to Break Your Heart & Pot kettle Black Very High FOUR 4/5
A amazing album low 9
De eerste 3 tracks zijn een verrassende combinatie en veel belovend. Ik dacht zelfs even op 5 sterren af te stevenen. Opvallend genoeg is de grootste hit (qua streams iig) het saaiste nummer van het album. Die mist het experimentele wat de nummers er voor zo lekker maakt. Daarna krijgt het album wat mij betreft een iets te hoog U2 gehalte. Uiteindelijk kom ik dan ook niet uit op een 5, maar zweeft het ergens tussen een 3 en een 4.
Close to 5
A real solid album with great vocals and instruments.
Enjoyed this quite a lot. Really nice melodies and chord progressions and reminded me of Eels who are very good. I'd heard this album years ago but glad it came up here.
I really really like this
I have a lot of nostalgia for this coming out and not quite getting it. Some kind of disconnect happened, the fact that it was dumped online at the height of napster. Took the truffle hunt away from us pigs. It's like, of course this is 'good,' but I wasn't ready to actually understand it on its own terms. Looking back, this seems like the apex of pop production. Truly the end of an era. 4 stars only just because somehow after all that it still exists at a cool distance for me. Something I can admire more than love.
Immaculately composed and a feat of production. You never know what is next with this album. It does sound a bit dated in places, but in many ways, the remarkable way it has been put together will make it compelling for many years to come.
Definitely has some decent tunes, and others that seem like they might take more time to reveal themselves to me. Good album overall.
Spacey and mellow, it's good for introspection and really needing a break. Not my usual jam but definitely good.
Bien.
I enjoy this album and a lot of the songs. The noise elements are too much for me. Wilco is always a band I want to like more than I do.
it's like a warm blanket. but not too much warm
Cool concept album where the songs play together. I enjoyed the songwriting and instrumentation. The lead vocals aren't a style I like but it was only a problem for certain songs or solo singing. I'd listen again to get some more out of it.
7/10
This was actually one of my least favorite Wilco albums and put me off from listening to them for a while. However, listening now, I appreciate it more.
I think if I listen to this more it could be a 5.
While I Really love Wilco and think Jeff Tweedy is an incredible songwriter, this is not my favorite Wilco album. Yes it has some iconic songs (Jesus, Etc, Kamera, War on War and I am Trying to Break Your Heart) it feels like the beginning of a sound. Their next two albums, where the new lineup was firmly established, are much more cohesive, fun and beautiful.
Wilco occupies that early 2000s indie rock space where Conor Oberst and Ben Gibbard also reside. None of them have traditionally "good" voices but they are emotive and distinct and somehow just work with their song writing. YHF gets better the more I listen to it and thanks to the 1001 albums project, this will be back in my rotation more frequently.
Wish this had a bit more variety as it’s an otherwise really strong album, just gets a bit samey as it goes on. The opening track is incredible and Heavy Metal Drummer is fun, everything else kind of blends into one for me but it’s an enjoyable blend
Nice and mellow
Not as excellent as I had remembered, but still has some key awesome songs. Not something I would listen to too often but an obvious all time album.
oikeen hyvä
That was cool to listen to. I really enjoyed it! Never really listened to Wilco, but I will do it more often now!
Muy bueno, me recuerda a Coldplay y Radiohead, probablemente fue antes de ellos, pero no había nacido todavía al 100 como para recordarlo
I have always given Wilco "a hard time," because I was an Uncle Tupelo fan and then sided with Jay Farrar and Son Volt after the split, liking the more rough alt. country sound than the poppy smoothed-out version that Jeff Tweedy went with. However, I have gone back and listened to them a little more over the years, and I definitely can appreciate this album a lot more now that it is in the past and doesn't feel just like the thing everyone was giving their attention and support to while Farrar and other alt. country were ignored. They remastered this album last year, and it sounds very well produced. There are lots of little details that reward listening on headphones. And the songwriting can't be denied, really. I highly recommend listening to "Being There," if you like Wilco at all (and haven't already, of course), because that is the one thing I always really did like by them, as it is stripped down and more to the roots of alt. country. "A.M." is also good, as it is the least poppy of the Wilco output (because it was their first album). When the album came out, I would have given it 2 stars. 10 years ago, I would have given it 3 stars, but it continues to grow on me.
stand out track - Pot Kettle Black/Heavy Metal Drummer
Very much a product of it's time, a nice quaint listen
Slow starting, really enjoyed the second half.
I am seriously judging anyone that would call this album boring. It's the music equivalent of being so used to marvel films that you can't stand to sit through 5 minutes without a silly quip or a CGI action scene. Just sit back and take in the great songwriting here. Pretty much every track on here is gorgeous, couldn't pick a weak one.
J'ai beaucoup aimé, très bonne guitare électrique saturée. /War on war/ était très bien, notamment
amazing
Good album, liked it a lot. A bit nostalgic, I dunno. Favourite song I Am Trying To Break Your Heart.
Solid album from start to finish
I've listened to so much Wilco over the years but never this one all the way through. Is it my favourite Wilco? No, not even in the top 3. But still a great album.
I haven’t listened to this one in a long time and I remember enjoying it more then than I do now. There are many places where the sonic affects add color and depth to shifts in mood. Other times it feels like they’re filling lulls in songs that don’t have the stamina to speak for themselves. All that said, I think there are a lot of great songs here, Jesus, Etc and Ashes of American Flags among them.
I've listened to this album and band before. Solid Americana.
The songs feel original, but not so experimental that it’s alienating. Just building on a common genre. There’s just enough range to keep you on your toes. It fun and danceable while also having slower songs. It’s a well done album. I enjoyed it the first time I listened. I enjoyed it this time. I will enjoy it again someday. 4/5
The voice fits the genre perfectly. This is the guy with the guitar that sings about the troubled of the world. Yet he gets you. His song pulls you in and next thing you know you understand what he's talking about. The album is vey mystical.
Knew this one already. It's a really nice listen, but lacks a little bit of spark to get it up to a properly top score. It's 5/5 background music, but doesn't stand up to that if you really listen, there are a few too many places where it's a bit lacking in energy and excitement, and the songwriting is maybe a bit too clever for its own good. That said, it blends a really nice variety of styles (although sometimes a bit jarringly). Just about a 4/5.
I had a few listens to this and it grew on me steadily. Quite a few changes in tempo and tone but generally pleasant indie rock
BEST SONGS: -Poor Places -Heavy Metal Drummer
Own on Vinyl
This album was a little too laid back and mellow for me, especially after the neo-punk Arctic Monkeys album that came before it.
Favourite track of the album Heavy Metal Drummer.
I liked this a lot more than expected.
4.5/5. What an incredible album, can’t believe that the record label were unhappy with the end result of this early 2000s masterpiece. Jesus, Etc. is one of the most beautiful songs ever written and I can’t count the number of times that it’s made me cry.
Good album but not even my favorite wilco album. I respect the dark themes and somewhat ambient instruments, I just don't like them that much tbh. It's still got some bops in some of the more upbeat songs though
banger yuh
Big fan of both Wilco and YHF. Not sure it's not a bit over-loved in the must world though.
Alt-country greatness.
I had never gotten around to listening to this one, though it is highly recommended. I only got through one run through but it was a great concept album, missing some hits but maybe it would grow more on me with multiple listens
I really like this album - it's a solid indie rock album but it has some of that atmospheric sound that I like.
I should listen to more Wilco
This was on heavy rotation for me in college. I still think it’s a great album that holds up.
Good album. Didn't think I'd like it. Very atmospheric.
It was pretty good, easy listening
The only Wilco stuff I own are the 2 Woody Guthrie cd’s they did with Billy Bragg. But I do have the dvd about the making of this album - I Am Trying To Break Your Heart - so I dragged it out last night & had a look at it. It’s so interesting looking at the bare bones of some of these songs before the musical effects are added. And there is a lot of weird music here - War On War. Sometimes quite psychedelic - Pot, Kettle Black. Often with outstanding guitar - I’m The Man Who Loves You. And always with some of the best rock drumming I’ve ever heard (or seen) - Glenn Kotche, who, amazingly had just joined the band. These were his first recordings with Wilco. When you add all the 9/11 references, it just makes it all the more interesting. And, of course, there’s Heavy Metal Drummer. A real winner.
A very interesting, calming, relaxing, mystical art rock/indie rock/psychedelic record. It needs a few relistens probably but at first listen I liked what I heard.
Listened to this on Friday and again today on Monday, really enjoyed it and didn't have a chance to give it my full attention. I haven't really listened to Wilco properly before and I really like the vibe. Reminds me of 00s TV soundtracks and gives me nice nostalgic feelings. I like his voice. I want to listen again. Great mix of styles throughout the album.
Great laid back sounds and an interesting mix of styles. Enjoyed the ambient tail off at the end. Would listen again
Fun and nice slow tempo rock album! It took couple tries to get into the specific atmosphere of the record, but I think it is well worth it. I have a feeling that this album might become one of my favourites from this list, but for now it's only slowly growing on me. I'll give it a little bit more time to digest.
Unique as hell
Stylishly produced songs that I personally categorize as a post-country I guess? Songs that can be alternative rock from the noughties wrapped in metallic white noise and a certain air of sardonic introspection. Good though.
totally fantastic. songwriting, performances, mixing, general vibes are on point. hard to pick favourites but best tracks: jesus etc, heavy metal drummer, pot kettle black
kind of a vibe
I enjoyed listening to this album. The pseudo-industrial vibe with the Wilco jangle was a fine combination.
This one felt like a refreshing classic for me.
I’ve heard parts of this album before, but not enough to say I’m familiar with it. I love the cacophony of distortion, noise, and percussion that’s bubbling under this album, and the way it occasionally boils over. Lots of ear candy here. Can’t think of anything quite like this. I really enjoyed this, and I can see myself wanting to dig this out to listen again. Standouts: I am trying to break your heart, Pot Kettle Black, Poor Places 3.75
Never listened to it prior. Bit sad I missed it when it was released because I would've enjoyed it a lot more then.
It's pretty good for "quiet is the new loud" indie alternative, but it's really borrowing a lot from Elliott Smith. I'd much rather just go listen to him.
It’s Wilco!
You know, I like Wilco quite a bit. They have this wonderful balance of the melodic and the dissonant that I always enjoy. My first listen through, the album felt a little off, like all the pieces didn't fit. But coming back to it, the album sat much better with me. Layers on layers of tiny details to discover on each subsequent listening. It's really lovely. Fave Songs: Pot Kettle Black, Jesus, Etc., I'm the Man Who Loves You, War on War, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart, Kamera, Ashes of American Flags, Reservations
⭐ Heavy Metal Drummer
4.0
Much, much better than I remember it being!
I really liked this, lovely songs and sounds.
Tope guay. Los que lo puntúan en 1 tienen la sensibilidad de una babosa borracha de tequila y sal.
Iconic and dripping in atmosphere
I tried to listen to this album a few years ago and didn’t connect with it. This time around it was different. I enjoyed the album. Jeff Tweedy’s songwriting on here is pretty solid although I disagree with one of the reviews that called this America's Kid A. The mood shifts throughout the album kept my interest peaked for the entire 51 minutes. Overall, I liked the more melancholy tracks like the opener and “Radio Cure” but “Heavy Metal Drummer” is great also. This is an album that I could grow to love after a while and look forward to checking out some more of Wilco’s music.
I was really feeling this at first, but it grew a little tiring as it went on. The writing is very strong but maybe I don't love his voice very much?
Very "The Beatles meets early 2000s indie/alt" and I enjoyed every second of it.
Fun! definite 4. I liked that i personally didn't listen to a lot of wilco growing up, so it was really fun to discover.
Chill interesting alt rock Would buy vinyl
Not a huge Wilco fan, but I do like this album.
Nice
Wow, a personal favourite. Peak wilco. Joyous stuff. American with a bit of a ambient art rock edge. All signed off with Jeff Tweedys vulnerable vocals. Its a beautiful thing. 4 5
Kinda digging this. Never really listened to Wilco, but I'm a fan. Will listen to this one again as well as other albums, fo sho.
Enjoyable. An interesting mix of genres. Wouldn't rush to put it in my favourites but would listen again.
Love it, got it on Vinyl and errything
!!! loved this. didnt feel too attached to it but musically it was comforting and you could feel the bittersweetness in his voice
solid
not bad at all!
Quite liked all the songs (although they were a bit melancholical) except "I'm the man who loves you".
Beautiful, miserable and light
Wilco's "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" is an unassuming jewel in the crown of early 2000's indie rock. It's gathered such a reputation in the years since release that I was excited to finally get around to it. For the most part, I was not disappointed. For 51 minutes, Jeff Tweedy's taut and trembling vocals croak out personal, abstract observations, accompanied by chugging acoustic guitars in almost every song, tied up with some surprising production choices. It's well and truly in my wheelhouse. Tweedy's modus operandi is to craft a set of simple folk songs and then adorn them with electronic flourishes, long and low feedback, filtered drum machines, and what can only be described as an orgy in a junkyard. Take the opener, "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart". It's an instantly memorable and simple melody that could have stood up on its own, but with the treatment it receives here, it becomes a beguiling mess. Always one step ahead of its listener, it spends its five minutes on the verge of total collapse: hammered piano chords and strummed guitars drop in and out of focus, amid shards of chimes, fragments of drum fills, snatches of glissandos on indeterminate instruments. It's all topped with Tweedy's fragile, weary vocal: an absolute triumph of an opening. The other arrangements here are gorgeous, too. In particular, "War on War" through to "Heavy Metal Drummer" is an absolute gold streak, and showcases the album at its most accessible. It's perfectly paced, from the tender strings of "Jesus, Etc." to the vast desolation of "Ashes of American Flags" to the peppy nostalgia of "Heavy Metal Drummer". Giving the material the edge is the sonic experimentation. Through liberal employment of feedback, "Ashes of American Flags" is elevated to a cavernous, desolate apocalypse, while the disintegration into a hurricane with the radio broadcasts of "Yankee... Hotel... Foxtrot" is absolutely haunting and genuinely unsettling. The other tracks are still solid, but I cared for them a little less. For me, "Radio Cure" doesn't probe the same emotional depths as the other ballads and never settles on a distinctive melody. "I'm the Man Who Loves You" feels too derivative of Beck's "Odelay" with its devil-may-care, pastiche approach to alt-country. "Pot Kettle Black" and "Kamera" are much needed light relief, but not indispensable. And then we get to "Yankee..."'s closing number, "Reservations", which feels like a bit of a dud to end on. It drags proceedings out a little too far past the sweet spot it finds in its chorus with an extended, ambient-leaning outro. Still, each of these tracks are still enjoyable, and at its best "Yankee..." is sublime. This is a great record with some beautiful songs, never failing to be noteworthy and sometimes managing to be transcendent.
Never listened to this before. First impression to me is like an upbeat Elliot Smith
Widescreen devastation.
This takes some listening to but it does slowly grow on you. There are clearly lots of influences at work here and I could hear some similarities with Drive by Truckers songs of that time. Particularly liked Heavy Metal Drummer and Kamera
It’s good, it’s good I like it there’s not a bad song but it feels really long.4/5
Þessi vinnur á við aðra hlustun, sem er merkilegt í ljósi þess að ég er ekkert sérstaklega hrifinn af röddinni, og stundum finnst mér lögin ekki vera að fara neitt. En hún hefur heilmikinn sjarma, og mig grunar að hún batni enn við þriðju hlustun.
That was interesting. A band that I had not heard before. Thay are difficult to categorise - at times they sound somewhat like Elvis Costello (at least that is what came to mind) but only at times. The catchall label if Alt/Indie would apply, but this applies to everything if you want it to. No real standout tracks, it is difficult to imagine any of these songs being radio friendly hits. The whole album was interesting enough to hold my attention most of the time
I really enjoyed this album. Pretty confident my wife would enjoy and will have her check it out. Loved song #1, I am trying to break your heart. Added to playlist right when I heard it. Like more songs than disliked. Favorites include, Radio Cure. Loved the line, cheer up if you can, there is something wrong with me. Heavy metal drummer, Poor places and Reservations are also favorites along with I'm the man who loves you. Loved the line, "I always thought if I held you tightly, you would always love me like back then." Listened to a couple times today. Solid 3.5. will score 4. Will listen again.
there are quite a few things to enjoy here but nothing that pushes this above "a bit above average" for me. i'd probably give a 3.5 if i could but it leans a bit higher i guess. some parts are also a bit noisy
The endings of the songs could be better
This is a bit hard to rate because as it went from song to song, I'd think, "Oh, this is really sloggy, noisy, and annoying!" but with the next one, "Wow, there are some really charming moments and it's got a nice sound!" Listening a second time, I found that I liked more of the songs than not, but the sloggy ones were really long and took up more time. However, since I really liked the songs I liked, I'm going to round up.
I never boarded the Wilco hype train, but this was better than I expected. Solid set of songs, with some nice standouts.
There was mega hype when this came out and to me it signaled the end of the "first wave of indie rock." I wasn't too thrilled with the songs back then but I closer listen two decades later and I get the attraction. There is something about the vocal performances that turn me off still but the instrumentation and songs are solid.
A few really good songs on this one. Love Wilco
found this really depressing at the start to be honest, I don't know if it's just the lyrics or the music itself, and then it surprised my by becoming upbeat and kind of happy, enjoyed heavy metal drummer and pot kettle black
Objectively a good album but feels like lab grown indie rock. Jesus etc. being the exception.
Ah, so this is the missing link between Elliott Smith and Big Thief.
Bangs. Pot Kettle Black, Jesus, Etc., and Heavy Metal Drummer are my top 3. Overall fine album
This is the most indie shit i've heard in a while, I would have loved this back in 7th grade. I like the drummer's style a lot. Some of the songs are kind of samey but there's definitely highlights and I enjoyed the listen 3.5/5 (4/5)
Pretty good, generally enjoyable
Wilco ftw. Good album to commute to and I’ll likely return to it as a whole in the near future. Kinda sounds like if kid A fucked the bends, but he did it really nicely and smoothly so their baby wears flannels
Classcial Wilco, feel wholesome.
Listened to it twice in a row, will certainly listen to this more in the future. Really enjoyable Album.
Pretty good for indie rock. Didn't seem too whiny and there were some differences between the songs.
First, still love this album cover. Super cool art as it is, and reminds me of the brief but wonderful time I lived in Chicago. The album itself is excellent. I don't know a lot of Wilco's work, so I'm glad I got to listen to this one. Really solid music, original composition, interesting harmonic and melodic choices, some fun twists, and very well performed. I'd only heard a few songs by them before listening to this album and now I can say I'm a fan of the band.
I always thought I lobed it very much and I do but it's only a handful of tracks and if we're looking at album as a whole it does get tiring and bland but still a very good album.
Not really heard much from Wilco. Enjoying it. Another play required to cement my enjoyment.
I found this hard to rate. I've liked this album for a long time, I couldn't say how many times I've played some if these tracks. Yet I don't think it's a 5 star album. Personally, I prefer Summerteeth but that can't really be held against this album. The only flae this album has in between the wonderful songs are some that are admittedly a little boring. So I think this will get a 4, a very enthusiastic 4. "Jesus, Etc" is definitely a 5 star song though. I'll never tire of it.
Builds to a very strong close
Lots of mellow, purely musical bits that were really pleasant to listen to. Less about the percussions, more about the soft guitar. Good listen.
I always thought I liked Wilco, I just never listened to one of their albums all the way through. Now I know I like Wilco. The sensitive and light, emo sound of this album was an easy listen
I'd only previously listened to 'Jesus, Etc' and based my opinion on the band as such- big mistake. No wonder their record company freaked out. I've listened to the album a couple of times and it's really quirky, odd and random in places. I'm pretty impressed by it- 'alternative rock'/Art rock pretty much sums it up. It's a bit downbeat too- not a happy lively album but I like it.
Love Wilco and this album is considered their magnum opus for good reason. It's truly iconic. One of the first country-ish albums I ever connected with so it'll always have a special place in my heart.
I started out a little bored but warmed up to the music by the end of the album
I liked it quite a bit.
Even as the first impression, i'm convinced that this will keep interest and keep rewarding over many, many listens. Lovely variety and instrumentation, brave/weird choices, singalong writing and interesting lyrics. Definitely one to return to.
Calm melodies, distortions and a well done merge of electronics with classic instruments. I don't know why, but it just felt pleasant. Liked the ambient part, too. Highlight: Ashes of American Flags, Reservations
Nie jest to płyta rewolucyjna, ale miły głos, przyjemne linie melodyczne i fajne zabawy dźwiękiem sprawiły, że nie była tak nudna. Stawiam 4, może w obliczu ostatnimi czasy do bólu przeciętnych albumów
This album caught me in an exactly right mood for it. On a different day I would have most likely turned it off after 30 seconds and never came back to it. But that's not what happened. Never heard of the band before, so came into this listen completely oblivious. Judging by the cover I thought it would be some sort of melancholic synthy pop and I wasn't that far off. From the first seconds it became obvious that this was going to be a noisy and layered record with tons of ambient soundscapes in the background. And honestly, I think this creative layering saved this album. The songwriting was simple, yet effective. Nothing too crazy in the guitar department apart from distorted guitar parts in "I'm the man that loves you". Electric guitar in that track made my ears bleed. Out of place, out of tune and played horribly. It was definitely recorded like that on purpose, but still, my guitarist brain cringed quite a bit. Acoustic guitar parts sounded great though, as well as the little electric guitar licks that creeped up every once in a while. Simple chord choices worked well here, allowing the vocals and crazy synths, strings and sound effects to take centre stage when it's needed. The lead vocalist made his limited voice work on most tracks, providing simple and catchy melodies. Sounded a bit forced and pitchy at times though, but hey... at least he's authentic. You don't expect vocal craziness in singer songwriter sounding stuff anyways. Vocal harmonies in "War on war" fit really well, I wish they added more of that in the other tracks too. At times the lead vocal sounded a bit boring and dry. Anyway, the main elements that make this album interesting are production, layering and keyboard and string arrangement. I think there was even a brass part at some point. The mix reminded me a lot of early pink floyd and even some solo Roger Waters work. With a different producer this album would most likely flop. The mixing and mastering complements the music very well. Every little sound can be heard when you need it to be. The last two tracks sound especially great, even cathartic at times. It was hard to pull off all this noisy synthy sounds without the mix becoming a muddy annoying mess. But it worked. Will definitely come back to some of these songs on a cloudy day.
The two best songs are the ones I already knew going in: Heavy Metal Drummer and Jesus Etc. The rest of the album is alright and generally easy to listen to.
Really enjoyed this album, knew a few songs beforehand but it was a great piece. On reflection the previous BDB album should have been 2 stars.
Some really cool songs in the middle of the album. Starts slow but picks up!
Favourite might be War on War; have heard this album before but enough time passed that it felt like a new experience
Wilco is apparently a very popular band, but they've somehow eluded me. My stepfather loves them, so I've heard a few songs but never sat for an album. Overall I really liked this listen and added a lot of songs to my playlist. There were 2 or 3 songs I didn't really care for, they got a bit too depressing and trying for a Radiohead-lite sound, but aside from those the other more upbeat traditional alt rock tunes were great. Would definitely explore some more albums in the future.
New fan. Chill
je peux juste dire que ça finit très très bien
This was a very enjoyable album to listen to. Just great Indie Rock. At some point I might come back when editing is added and give it a 5 after a few more listens, but right now I'm giving it a 4 because some of the scratchier sounds don't appeal to me as much.
I might have writer's block but there is a lot going on on this album and it's beautiful. It made me think of late period Beatles, as well as Beck and The Flaming Lips.
Extremely introspective album, you can definitely telling he had a lot of regrets in his life, with relationships and addiction. I liked the simple but diverse amount of percussion in this album. I also really liked cutting the music and the heavy breathing at the end, cause he just got so much off his chest and probably feels exhausted and relieved.
it was nice
I was surprised by how pleasant this album is. It’s somewhat homogenous in sound through the first half, but remains somehow compelling in many tracks. I appreciate the variety of instruments, sounds presented in this album; it’s clear that the production is well thought out and executed, giving it the feeling of depth offered by bands like Radiohead with a folksy, country twist. I like the breathing room in this album, its very windy, pleasant, a feeling of simplicity even with a relatively complex arrangement. However, this is certainly background music and does not require a lot of “active” listening nor does it command focus. It’s very easy to listen to and excellent background music for your day. I liked it more than I expected— I was ready for it to be a bit boring, flat, much like its cover art. I was pleasantly surprised by the way this band retains a 90’s feel while still staying true to that turn of the millennium it was born from. Not a lot of replay value or sing-along capacity, but certainly nice.
Very good, but not quite great. Even though I was 17 when this (first) came out, I had never heard any of these songs, probably because September 2001 had more important events happen the week before. I will definitely come back to this though, and explore their other albums when I get a chance.
Fun album with lots of alt rock vibes.
Incredibly interesting instrumental details. Superb vibe music and a classic for sure.
This was a much more enjoyable album that I thought! Wilco has a very interesting style and I wonder if any more of their albums will be on this list. Lots of fun ones on here like I'm the Man who loves you and Kamera. The kind of music that is perfect for a car ride.
An experimental album of eccentric arrangements and weird melodies. I like it :) (7/10) FT: Jesus, Etc, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
First song is very weird. But what a nice album. 4
Bel album indie. Original, belle voix, ambiance.
Leuk album. weinig opvallend, maar aangenaam om te luisteren
There are some really amazing songs and then just really mediocre songs. I wish I could rate it at 3.5. Standout song is 'Jesus, etc.', just so good.
Gostei bastante. Menos das músicas com cacofonia. Odeio isso.
lovely bit of early 2000s indie rock
<3
A couple of really great songs but the whole album has a lovely ‘texture’.
Je pense que c'est un secret pour personne, mais j'étais bel et bien dans un train lors de l'écoute de cet album. Un moment assez inconfortable puisque en plein milieu de celui-ci, une annonce résonna dans le wagon : "Mesdames et messieurs bienvenue à bord du Ouigo numéro 7652 à destination de Paris Montparnasse. En raison des restrictions en vigueur, nous vous demonderons de porter un masque pendant toute la durée du trajet. D'autre part, nous avons détecté la présence de robferroviaire à bord, il se trouverait dans le wagon 5. Je vous demanderais de venir trouver le commandant de bord si vous disposez d'une quelconque information sur sa localisation." Je subis à partir de là un torrent de regards suspicieux jusqu'à mon arrivée.
Chill garden-state type album
Primo art-alt-rock from the 2000s. Some songs hit better then others but that last song is incredible.
I enjoyed it! I’ve def heard some of the songs before
Relatively calm listening that can capture your attention when you least expect it, revealing a darker album than initially expected. One of those albums where you kind of need its Genius page pulled up just to appreciate the lyrics much more.
really very nice and cool
This was a hard one, and I listened to it a few times. This album has quite a reputation, partially as a result of its history (which I only know vaguely). I love the sound design. It is weirdly recorded and played, with lots of noise, distortion, collage and extraneous sound, which I find enormously appealing, but I can see how it is not mainstream. It is unusual to find this is an a gentle/semi-acoustic album (as that approach is often more common in industrial records, that are more into sound design). It reminds me of Grandaddy, which I also love. The songs are clearly growers. They didn't grab me at first listen, but I can tell that they could grow a lot. I intend to come back to this album and give it the time and attention that I think it needs. This could end up being a real favourite (but needs time).
Great album. One you can listen to again and again. Worthy of being on the list.
a warm and wistful classic
actually quite nice thoughtful indie
Solid indie rock album. Possibly one of the staples of the genre. The lyrics are deep and melancholy. The music is upbeat, unique and the sounds of various instruments makes it unique. Jesus etc. is an amazing song. This is a great album. 8.3/10
"I am Trying to Break Your Heart" is one of my favorite songs. There are a few songs I really don't like on this album, but a number of really great songs too. Not a masterpiece as an album, but an album with some masterpieces.
I'm not into every Wilco does, but overall this album is solid. It's been a very long time since I heard this album. There's always this sort of tired feeling to Wilco songs, they don't go all the way and are a bit restrained in their energy, but it fits their style (and age now). Indie Tiredcore? Everything feels like somewhat whimsical sad confessionals, definitely has that early 2010s energy, you can hear all the influences in later indie bands of that decade. I also enjoy some of the little experimental instrumental flourishes that most bands would not include, but it adds a depth to it that I think most don't execute well.
Good but not a huge fan
nice! 4/5
Great album and a great band, I like very much
:)
EEZ good Spacey when needs to be and tight for big lifts and sections All the little dubs and accompanying sfx are cool Lame review 2 Electric Boogaloo
This album is a bit frustrating for me because it has one absolutely brilliant masterpiece - Jesus etc, but its pulled down by a bunch of mediocre-good songs. Jesus etc probably ranks as one of my all-time favourite songs by ANY band and its on par with Wilco's other masterpiece Impossible Germany. Jesus starts out with some lovely violin-viola strings and a melancholic string guitar solo around mid-way but what really pulls the song together is Jeff Tweedy's bobbing vocals that paints a very bitter-sweet background. The rest of the album is merely good. You can hear Jim O'Rourke's influence in the mixing with lots of experimental loops and ambient background noise, but it doesn't quite make for a consistent or coherent album, so that gets a one star deduction from me.
Хорошо, но без хайлайтов. Эталонный янки - рокопоп.
Very good, wide array of sounds and catchy songs.
Not bad.
Bien.
Punt d'inflexió en la carrera de la banda, que per mi es tracta més aviat de la sublimació dels discos previs, aquí donant ja plena llibertat a la distorsió i l'emborronament amb guitarres i mur de soroll de les melodies pròpies de la casa
Quite liked this.
Tailed off a bit towards the end, but this was right up my street
VOTI I Am Trying to Break Your Heart – 3.5 Kamera – 4 Radio Cure – 4 War on War – 3 Jesus, Etc. – 5 Ashes of American Flags – 3 Heavy Metal Drummer – 2.5 I'm the Man Who Loves You – 3 Pot Kettle Black – 3.5 Poor Places – 4 Reservations – 2.5 AVG 3.45 Pros Non seguo i Wilco ma conosco bene quest'album e mi piace come suona, la sua atmosfera e com'è strutturato. Ha un sacco di sfumature che vanno dal pop a sound più sperimentali. Cons Ogni tanto si accolla: tipo sui soli di chitarra, oppure sui finali in caciara, quando diventano una cosa noise, tipo che partono mille pad e soundscapes a caso, come se un gatto camminasse sulle tastiere. Conclusione Procedendo con l'ascolto dell'album, il mio apprezzamento è stato calante, con una media finale di 3.45. A pelle mi sento di promuovere il mio voto finale a 4 perché comunque, nonostante tutto, nell'insieme mi ha trasmesso molto.
Blended together in a good way
Big improvement from the first album of theirs this list gave me. It’s wild how much they can sway between being outstanding and me finding them totally average. This album has some of their all time classics so it was a great listen.
Very vintage, nice songs
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Wilco: 7/10 “I am Trying to Break Your Heart” is an interesting roller coaster of an opener, somewhat chaotic, but it works. “Kamera” is a much more straightforward alt country garage rock jammer. “Radio Cure” has some interesting instrumentation going on in the background, but Tweedy’s vocals kinda make me want to die in this track, ngl. “War on War” is probably the funnest track thus far with a cool psychedelic synthy sound effect playing behind those classic Wilco grungy guitars. “Jesus Etc” is by far the smoothest most straightforward track I’ve come across on the record so far, and I feel it incorporates really well all the musical elements that I like about Wilco. One of my favorite songs of all time by them. “Ashes of American Flags” is what we’d call “experimental” and I’m not sure if that’s in a good way… “Heavy Metal Drummer” is another one of those tracks that reminds me of drives around town with my Dad, straight nostalgia. “I’m the Man Who Loves You” is another fun little song with great guitar work and captivating instrumentation. “Pot Kettle Black” draws back the energy a bit and pumps up the Wilco country grunge. “Poor Places” starts out strong then collapses into chaos that drags on for a little too long. We close off the album with “Reservations,” Wilco’s version of a soft rock ballad that fades hauntingly away into oblivion… Conclusion: A classic turning point in the timeline of alt rock, this grungy garage rock record might not be for everyone, but it holds a special place in my heart. 7/10
Nice indie music. Very relaxing
Some lyrics aged badly but still very good, maybe it's nostalgia talking
A good album but by no means an all time great
Ich liebe die erste Hälfte, die zweite kenne ich noch nicht, viel betrunkene Ästhetik und ich liebe Hesus, etc.
Very chill - I like it!
Good. Enjoyable. Solid.
.
For anyone that liked Elliott Smith but wished he was just a little bit less miserable.
Excellent vibe - evocative, finely-crafted songs, with interesting noise bits in between.
"I always thought that if I held you tightly You would always love me like you did back then Then I fell asleep in the city kept blinking What was I thinking when I let you back in?" (I am trying to break your heart) "You were right about the stars Each one is a setting sun" (Jesus, etc.) War flashbacks del año que hice selectividad. ¡Este disco es mucho más cursi de lo que recordaba!
First: provisional rating 7/10
Really nice style, mix between Radiohead and Eels
Reminds me of Dave Yeats. Enjoyed "Heavy Metal Drummer" as well as "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart" a lot.
Modern folk done right
It's a good album. Not really my style or taste.
I like it alot.
i love wilco so much so im biased - summerteeth is def my favorite by them even though this is more popular. jesus etc is a classic
Really enjoyed this one
Very nice art/alternative rock album.
Actually enjoyed the most listened to song the least, but the rest was solid
Classic; heard this one a bajillion times. They’re very good at molding folk music with experimental sounds
Klassiker
2002. Key Songs: Jesus Etc., Heavy Metal Drummer, Pot Kettle Black
Pretty good
Didn’t expect to think much of this album and from the opening part of the first song I thought “he sounds drunk”! Then there were references to drinking so was this intentional perhaps especially with the discordant/bum notes on the piano/keyboards? I soon came to terms with the voice though and realised this was just one of his voice styles. The vocals were more normalised for most of the rest of the album anyway and I liked it. Varied songs and some unconventional instrumentation kept me alert throughout. It also persuaded me that the weird keyboards on track 1 were probably “normal” for Wilco. Look forward to hearing more.
I loved this album when it came out but a little disappointing on a re-listen. A little bland. Jesus, etc. is still a great song however.
What makes me like one dramatic, whining, singer and not another? I may never know at this point.
This had that warm, sincere, sleepyhead indie charm written all over it. I loved how straightforward some songs are. There is some interesting/peculiar experimental sounds in some moments on the album, that were a hit or miss to me. Conclusion is, I'm not fully sold yet. I think this would be a good to put on at a later date to see if it hits better. Highlight Song/s: "Jesus, etc." and "Pot Kettle Black"