Wilco - A.M.

[joshthevegan]

Just weeks after Jay Farrar quit Uncle Tupelo, Jeff Tweedy organized the remaining members into a new band, and christened them Wilco (inspired by his hobby: Ham radio.) Within months, they had demos together for what would become A.M., and Reprise Records showed interest right away.

The resulting album is tentative, yet ultimately enjoyable. Acoustic, country-tinged ballads and southern-style rock numbers create a balanced offering that is at times touching ("Should've Been In Love"), at times silly ("Passenger Side"), and sometimes just plain rocking ("Casino Queen.")

The first single chosen from the album was "Box Full of Letters," a caustic account of the breakdown of the friendship between Farrar and Tweedy (and, as a result Uncle Tupelo.) The single fared tepidly on the radio and MTV (although it did make an appearance on Beavis & Butthead, for whatever that is worth), and the album's sales reflected this. Critical reception was also lukewarm; reviews generally used words like "safe."

A.M. - 8 out of 10

So, I'd include the incredible video for "Box Full Of Letters," but since Warner Brothers is refusing to allow any of their content to be shared online anymore, all I can give you is this totally lackluster live performance from 2008. Thanks, Warner Brothers.

Comments

[leah-loves.livejournal.com]

Oh FUCK. Blue Eyed Soul <3 <3 <3

[veganjill.livejournal.com]

This album changed my life...