Evolution of Wilco

Wayne Blogged The...Evolution of Wilco
An Attempt At Converting Newcomers... ---


Whenever I talk about Wilco, I walk a very thin line between being a casual-Wilco-enthusiast, and all out fanboy. So before we start this entry, let me just get it out of my system: Wilco is the best band in rock and roll.

Now, a brief history lesson:
Wilco's humble beginnings came off of the breakup of alt-country group Uncle Tupelo. Jeff Tweedy rounded up a few of the musicians from Uncle Tupelo's last incarnation, as well as the band's manager, and formed Wilco (will-comply, Wilco). The group has released 6 studio albums, 2 collaborations with Billy Bragg (gross), and a live album.

The band's first studio effort, AM, is a predictable (yet enjoyable) record from a band trying to find an identity and a songwriter trying to distance himself from his past. Standout tracks are held to a minimum, however Box Full Of Letters, Pick Up The Change, and Passenger Side are good "easy rockers" in the style of Neil Young's Tonight's The Night album.

The lineup for this album included Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt (bass), Ken Coomer (drums), Max Johnston (banjo, fiddle, etc.), and Brian Henneman (guitar).
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1996's Being There is (in my mind) Wilco's first full-band effort. Although the two-disc release is a bit uneven, there's so many great songs, and the sequencing is amazing. Also, this album marks the beginning of Jay Bennett's tenure with the band.
Along with the usual cast of characters (minus Henneman), Bob Egan joined the lineup briefly as steel guitarist.
Standout tracks from this record include the Stones-esque stomper Monday, Hotel Arizona, and the (dare I say) epic Misunderstood.
Shortly after Being There's release, Max Johnston was given his pink slip.
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Sick of being relegated as Uncle Tupelo-spin offs, Wilco made a giant leap in finding their own identity, while crafted some of the strongest songs in Tweedy, and Co.'s catalog for 1999's Summerteeth.
I consider this release to be Wilco's Sgt.Pepper. Songs like Pieholden Suite, and When You Wake Up Feeling Old are superbly constructed pop songs, while I'm Always In Love sounds like Wilco's imitation of Weezer. Other notable tracks are Nothing'severgonnastandinmyway(again), Via Chicago, A Shot In The Arm, and In A Future Age.
This record would be Ken Coomer's last with the group. While Leroy Bach would join the ensemble on piano.
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If you've only heard one thing about Wilco, it's probably about Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Considered by many to be Wilco's masterpiece, and I can't disagree with that sentiment. The group's new drummer Glenn Kotche adds sophistication only hinted at in previous released, Tweedy's collaboration with Jay Bennett reaches it's peak (and ultimate demise) on YHF. Soundscapes and texture act as a backdrop to some of prettiest songs ever written, as Tweedy finally comes into his own as a lyricist.
The album should be played often, and in order. Every song is a standout track.
Tension within the group eventually led to Bennett's departure, but his contributions to the group would be missed.
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If there was ever a way to follow-up a "masterpiece", Wilco did just that in perfect fashion with 2004's A Ghost Is Born. Mikael Jogernsen helps fill out the group's sound, while Jim O'Rourke (the man who mixed YHF to perfection) adds more than a few instruments into the mix on this album.
If YHF was a bustling city, AGIB is an empty hotel room. The textures are still there, the songwriting is impeccable, but A Ghost Is Born feels like a much more personal record. This could be due to Tweedy's almost whispering singing style (mostly used because of horrible migraines).
Standout tracks include Muzzle of Bees, Hell Is Chrome, and Company in My Back.
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A revamped Wilco returned to the spotlight with 2007's Sky Blue Sky. Leroy Bach had left, Jim O'Rourke had moved to Japan, and the group added virtuoso guitar player Nels Cline, and multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone.
At times sparse, the soundscapes have been stripped away, leaving the songs to fend for themselves. The sound of the album is very warm, but almost too safe for a group that has "pushed the envelope" with each release.
Standout tracks include You Are My Face, On and On and On, and Either Way.
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