Sky Blue Sky

It has been confirmed that Wilco, with the release of their latest album, Sky Blue Sky, is the one of the most accomplished, talented, and visionary bands, and probably the most that are currently producing music.

This latest album, at times, recalls some of Tweedy's alt country roots with Uncle Tupelo, the only thing missing, of course, is Jay Farrar's angst-ridden baritone. But, the album successfully executes an about-face from their last, A Ghost is Born.

I proclaimed Ghost was the best album of this generation, and I still believe firmly in that proclamation, it was nothing like anything we have ever heard, it was electronic noise and aformulaic rock and roll set to contemplative and deeply personal lyrics. Yes, Yankee Hotel Foxtrort (their preceding album)was also very experimental but it lacked any hint of pop sensibility, its lyrics were very declarative rather than emotive, and for that reason its easy to remain detached. Ghost picked up where Foxtrot left off and added something so personal and memorable that the album felt like a shadow of the soul.

But, this blog is not about A Ghost is Born, its about Sky Blue Sky. My only complaint is that the entire album is extremely easy to listen to. Does not sound like a complaint I understand, but let me explain, there were moments in Ghost and Foxtrot that were extremely off putting, they hurt your ears, they made you uncomfortable, because they did not fit the mold of "music." But, I loved it. Does it not make sense that art should be (or maybe I should it is alright for it to be) disconcerting, because such is life and such is the spirit of man. Sky Blue Sky at times breaks formula and achives this but for the most part it all feels good and it all makes you tap your feet.

But musically and lyrically this is Tweedy and his bunch at their best. Songs about love loss and broken dreams set to expertly executed pop melodies. But, Tweedy's style of writing and his groaning voice constantly remind you that although these things are eating away at him he is to aesthetically driven to let these emotions consume him, instead he turns them into 12 songs of contemplation and celebration of the ups and downs of life.

Go out and buy the album......or download it.