rating : 8.5 |
more info : |
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.