Wilco
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

/nonesuch; 2002/

rating : 8.5

 

 

 

more info :
www.
wilcoworld.net 

I was disappointed after the first listening of Wilco's "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot." Where had all the catchy killer pop songs that filled "Summerteeth" gone ?
To my surprise, The disappointment faded out, listening after listening. This is quite rare, i mean, ending up loving an album that you didn't really like in the frist place.
Jeff Tweedy is still a remarkable songwriter, all the songs in this album are proofs of his undeniable talent. The first great song on the album is "Radio Cure" which features an incredible chorus ("distance has no way of making love understandable") that combines pop efficacity and adult emotions.
All the songs on this album are adult but not boring, there's still a spark of teenage innocence in Wilco's songs, and it is for the best. "Ashes of American Flags" is the next big song on the album (i'm not a big an of "Jesus etc..." even though a lot of people seem to find it fascinating) and it shares with "Radio Cure" a stunning and moving chorus ("All my lies are always wishes/I know i would die if i could come back new"). The two following songs, "Heavy Metal Drummer" and "I'm the Man who Loves You" are two bubbles filled with fresh air in this heavy atmosphere.
The end of the album is the best succession of songs to be heard in a long time. "Pot Kettle Black" leads the way with its Cure-like acoustic guitar riff. It is followed by the brilliant "Poor Places" a huge crescendo that sounds like a great sgt pepper outtake. The album finally closes on the dreamy "Reservations" and we are left impressed and deeply moved. 

-Barbara H.