There have been many incredible albums released in 2011, and one I’ve been really looking forward to is Wilco’s eighth studio album, The Whole Love. The first release on their own label dBpm (you may recall the label tumult documented in I Am Trying to Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco), The Whole Love is the album fans have been hoping for since 2002’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Experimentation is still a focus but it is not the raison d’etre; the mostly acoustic soundscapes evolve and open-up, escaping the constriction of over-production that burdened some of Wilco’s last few releases. Songwriter and frontman Jeff Tweedy’s poetic lyrics are a driving force, in substance and in sound. Joining Tweedy is the regular line-up since 2004 of seriously gifted musicians: original member John Stirratt (bass), Nels Cline (guitar), Mikael Jorgensen (multi-instrumental), Glenn Kotche (drums), and Pat Sansone (multi-instrumental, co-producer). With The Whole Love, Wilco proves yet again that they are one of the best bands today. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | The Autumn Defense, Golden Smog, Okkervil River, Spoon, Uncle Tupelo