Reviews (page 8 of 12)
It was good but idk lol
Very creative writing and some cool sounds
Wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did. Really interesting to get into a record by a band that for some reason I'd previously dismissed. Great atmospherics, Jesus Etc is a winner. Would I come back to it again. Yes. Has it changed my life? No
It hurts to give this a three because it's truly not good enough. But just fifteen years ago I had this album on repeat and I'm not a dumb person so there must be something to it.
On est en 2002, le monde est en train de se demander s’il va finir en cendres ou en bits informatiques, et Wilco débarque avec un disque qui ressemble exactement à ça : une carcasse de folk américain passée à la moulinette d’un logiciel qui bugue. À l’époque, c’était le séisme. L'histoire est connue, limite un peu trop : le label Reprise entend le disque, panique en se disant qu’il n’y a pas de tube pour les radios de centre commercial, et vire le groupe. Jeff Tweedy, avec un flegme de mec qui n'a plus rien à perdre, le balance gratos sur le net. C’est le début du mythe de l’album "maudit" qui devient un classique instantané. Mais au-delà du storytelling pour journalistes en manque de sensations fortes, qu’est-ce qu’il reste vraiment quand on appuie sur "Play" aujourd'hui ? Il reste un disque qui essaie désespérément d’être plus intelligent que lui-même. Ça commence avec "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart" et, honnêtement, le titre ne ment pas. C’est un chantier, un bricolage de sons qui grincent, de rythmiques qui boitent et de cloches qui tintent comme si un gamin avait renversé son coffre à jouets dans le studio. C'est là qu'on sent l'ombre de Jim O'Rourke, le grand architecte du chaos contrôlé. Le mec a pris des chansons qui auraient pu être de simples ballades de feu de camp et les a recouvertes d’une couche de crasse électronique. C’est fascinant, certes, mais c’est aussi un peu poseur. C’est le genre de disque qui te crie au visage : « Regarde comme je suis complexe, regarde comme je déconstruis les codes ! ». C’est de la pop qui a fait Math Sup et qui veut absolument que tu le saches. L’album est souvent comparé au OK Computer américain. C’est une comparaison flatteuse, mais un peu foireuse. Là où les Anglais de Radiohead semblaient réellement terrifiés par le futur, Wilco donne l’impression de s'en amuser avec une certaine distance ironique. Les textes de Tweedy sont des puzzles abstraits, des collages de phrases qui ne veulent rien dire tout en voulant tout dire. « Des drapeaux américains en cendres », « des cigarettes dans des cendriers », « des radios qui grésillent ». C’est l’esthétique de la défaite tranquille. C’est très "post-tout", post-attentats, post-rock, post-rupture. Mais par moments, on a l'impression d'écouter la bande-son d'une pub pour une marque de café équitable qui essaierait de se donner un genre "indé". C'est le paradoxe Wilco : être à la fois expérimental et étrangement confortable. Prenez "Jesus, etc.". C’est la pièce maîtresse, le morceau que tout le monde fredonne en pensant avoir capté l’essence de l’album. C’est une ballade magnifique, avec des cordes qui glissent comme sur du satin. C’est d'une douceur absolue. Mais c’est aussi là que le disque perd ses couilles. À force de vouloir être beau et subtil, il finit par devenir un peu inoffensif. On est dans la mélancolie de salon, celle qu'on expose pour montrer qu'on a une âme sensible mais qu'on a quand même les moyens de s'acheter du bon matos Hi-Fi. On est loin de la fureur, loin du danger. C’est un disque qui s'écoute avec un plaid sur les genoux. C’est brillant, c’est léché, c’est une prouesse de production, mais est-ce que ça fait vraiment battre le cœur plus vite ? Pas sûr. Le milieu de l'album s'enfonce dans des structures un peu plus prévisibles, malgré les artifices sonores. "War on War", "I'm the Man Who Loves You"... Ce sont des morceaux de rock assez classiques, maquillés avec des couches de distorsion et des arrangements un peu bizarres pour nous faire croire qu'on est sur la lune. Mais on sait bien qu'on est toujours dans l'Illinois. Le groupe joue divinement bien, c’est carré, c’est solide, mais la tension retombe. On finit par s'habituer aux bruits de radio et aux transitions foireuses. Ce qui était censé être une rupture devient une routine. C’est le risque quand on veut faire de l’expérimentation au sein d’un format pop : on finit par créer un nouveau standard, un peu chiant, que des milliers de groupes de barbus vont copier pendant les vingt années suivantes. Pourtant, il y a cette atmosphère, cette recherche de sens dans un monde qui part en vrille. L’album capte quelque chose de l’isolement moderne, de cette incapacité à communiquer vraiment. « Yankee... Hotel... Foxtrot... ». Ces mots répétés comme un code radio à la fin de "Poor Places" sont peut-être le moment le plus honnête du disque. C’est le signal de détresse d’un groupe qui se cherche et c’est pour ça qu’il mérite d’être découvert. Ce n’est pas un disque parfait, loin de là, c’est un disque malade, un disque qui a des migraines (littéralement, Tweedy en souffrait le martyre pendant l’enregistrement), et c’est ce qui lui donne son humanité. Il est imparfait, parfois agaçant de prétention, mais il essaie de dire quelque chose. Alors pourquoi 3 sur 5 ? Parce qu'un chef-d'œuvre, c'est censé te retourner les tripes, te laisser sur le carreau, te changer la perception du silence. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot te laisse juste avec l'impression d'avoir écouté un très bon disque, très bien foutu, un peu original mais terriblement poli. C'est l'album qu'on offre à son cousin qui veut commencer à écouter des trucs "différents" sans trop le brusquer. C’est une porte d’entrée vers des contrées plus sauvages, mais Wilco reste le guide touristique qui te tient la main pour ne pas que tu te salisses les pompes. C’est de l’aventure en classe affaires. On admire le paysage, on apprécie le service, mais on sait qu'on rentrera dormir dans un lit douillet à la fin de la journée. En résumé, c’est un tournant majeur pour la scène indépendante, un disque qui a libéré plein de groupes du carcan du couplet-refrain basique. C'est un objet sonore complexe qui récompense les écoutes attentives au casque. Mais c'est aussi un album qui souffre de son propre culte. On lui a tellement collé d'étiquettes de "génie" sur le front qu'on a fini par oublier que c'était juste un disque de rock qui essaie de faire du bruit. C'est une étape nécessaire, une curiosité à découvrir pour comprendre comment la pop s'est emparée du chaos, mais ce n'est pas le Graal. C'est juste un très bel hôtel, avec une vue un peu brumeuse, où l'on passe une nuit ou deux avant de repartir chercher quelque chose de plus viscéral. Voilà mon verdict sur cet objet de culte. Un disque qui a marqué son temps, qui a redéfini les règles du jeu marketing, mais qui, musicalement, reste un peu trop sur la réserve pour emporter l'adhésion totale. C’est bien, c’est beau, c’est Wilco. Mais on ne va pas non plus en faire un fromage pendant quarante ans.
Don’t get the fuss
I'm surprised with myself that I can't connect with this album. The production sounds good, the vocals are kind of catchy, and there's some experimentation by mixing americana and indie rock. Regardless of being interesting, doesn't do anything for me.
Not a fan of Wilco. They are a bit too easy rock for my taste but I will check out some tracks because even thought I do know what they sound like I truly have never heard a song. yea, not my style. moving on.
I thought I was going to hate this but some lovely songs Favs: Jesus etc Heavy metal drummer I’m the man who loves you
Interesting sound, but the guy can't sing for crap. 2.7/5
Pretty ok. That's Wilco. Not exciting but not bad. Like a soundtrack to a montage where the main character in a movie has their life on track. Things are gonna be ok. Three stars.
I warmed to it. There’s more going on behind the scenes than I thought there was going to be after the first track. I’d listen to it again. Not destined to be a regular, but I enjoyed it.
Alku oli lupaava, monipuolisia soundeja. Laulajan ääni ei kuitenkaan ollut paras mahdollinen, ja loppua kohden kiinnostus tähän levyyn sitten lopahti.
Kokonaisuudessaan mukavan rauhoittava albumi, jossa sellainen vuosituhannen vaihteen indiesoundi. Ajoittain hitusen puuduttava, mutta hyvä kokonaisuus!
Albumilla käytetään paljon jopa foleymaista maalailua ja se sopii tietynlaiseen mielenmaisemaan oikein hyvin. Helposti kuunneltavaa musiikkia jossa kuuluu country- ja Beatlesvaikutteet. Ei kuitenkaan sinällään mitään ihmeellistä.
Love Wilco, love a few songs on here, but the overall artsy vibe that permeates much of this release kinda misses me.
3.1 Too Indie for my taste unfortunately but alright album. Faves: heavy metal drummer
309/1001
like proto-radoiohead but sadder and more boring. it's very same-y. one song at a time is probably fine but the whole album is exhausting
Mild, a bit relaxing, and nice to listen to in the car. Simple, a bit boring, and hard to pay attention to.
it was alright, the start was slow and would probably have turned me off if not for the fact i’m doing one album a day. the middle and end of the album were more to my taste, if not something i’m likely to go out and listen to.
Listenable. Some great, others just okay.
Was pretty boring. No “bad” songs. 3 stars.
It was ok some nice songs but didnt grab me be interesting hear more from them.
Bueno
Glad that I went back to this one with good headphones, it helped a lot. This bumped The album from a 2 to a 3. There were some good things, like an interesting use of non-instruments as instruments. However, the vocals for the most part were not good and overall there was quite a bit of repetition that was boring. Still a pretty mid album.
This one has a pretty big reputation. I can’t really say I’m too impressed by it. I’m not a big fan of Jeff Tweedy’s scratchy hipster singing voice, and the sound is pretty mopey and verging on monotonous. But there are some good songs here, and it is very well-produced, and there is clearly a vision. So I can’t love it, but I definitely can’t hate it. In the end I think the story behind the album (and its ominous release on 9/11, with that cover??) are a little more interesting than the actual album. Best song: Pot Kettle Black
Cool album title and cover artwork. I really wanted to like it more and gave it a few runs. But the boring voice messes it up for me. favourite: "Kamera", "War on War", "Heavy Metal Drummer"
This is an interesting album to me. It's much more in my vein, than some of the classic rock and hip hop albums that have been on this list. It didn't really have any songs that reached out and grabbed me. Nevertheless and notwithstanding, i can see why my indie rock sisters loved this album. Jesus Etc. was the stand out song for me. It would be a background album that i would put on to make people think that i'm "hip" and "cool" but i probably won't spin this just for funzies.
Det kunne helt sikkert noget. En tam Eliot Smith til tider, og andre gange bare fint nok.
Pretty cool vibes but the random sounds don't help much.
Meandering early 00's indie pop. Gets much more interesting and musically experimental in the latter half of the record, with "Pot Kettle Black" being a particular standout for me. Refreshing, novel, and profound for the time period, but Jeff Tweedy has the ignoble distinction of being copied ad infinitum because of this record. I still think Uncle Tupelo was better.
I would consider this to be as mid of an album as mid can be Best Song: Jesus, Etc Rating: 5.0/10 3 Stars
Jesus, Ect and the other songs
I like the way they used dissonance, and the complexity and rich instrumentation on some of the tracks. But I think it might take a few more listens to understand this one properly. The first track is the main highlight upon first listen (I Am Trying To Break Your Heart).
I mean its alriiight
Summerteeth clears
It's not my type of sound? Sleepy, but not energetic? But also doesn't have the vibes that other sleepy songs have, e.g. mazzy star, nick drake. I suppose its ok. The second half of the album gets better,
7/10
Calming. I like how the title uses the NATO phonetic alphabet. I really gotta learn the full alphabet...
First half was bad, second better. If I could give 2.5 I would.
Never really gave Wilco much attention.
Definitely the best argument I’ve heard yet for the existence of Wilco. Unlike what I’ve previously heard from the band, there are plenty of unusual sonic textures going on, and some jaunty tunes to boot. Jesus, Etc. is a bit of a gem. Talk of this being a ‘masterpiece’ are pushing it, though. 3 / 3.5
yankee hotel foxtrot, cooler album name, au s cover, brutalisch und schlicht kombiniert, interessant :) Es isch es klare Fall vum ne Sailor album, mir vergisst d ziit aber au biz d Lieder selber wäred em lose. Und glichzitig au würki es paradebispel vum ne 3er, smooth aber au nöd erregend. Nervt nöd, aber au nöd Spassüberfluetig. Was sell mer dadezu eno meh sege? YHF? what is that Anderi album name vorschläg: Charlie Delta Golf Kilo Tango Sierra Lima Bravo Whiskey Zulu Echo Papa Oder biz us de Reihe tanzend Ketchup Mayo Bravo? Aber für das heds doch zwenig glieferet. 3 Alphas für Wilco
woah stelled eu vor ich wär gester im zug gsässe und hett bi mittelfestem rege chönne us‘m fenster chönne luege, hetti mad ghittet das album d‘alternative isch gsi uf‘m bürostuehl sitze und mir selber zueluege wie en masterclass vomne flattersatz performt wird, au nöd schlecht wilcome to the club of 3* albums wär mentig gsi hettis vilicht sogar für 4 glanget edit: han die gspeicherete lieder hüt morge bi mittelfestem räge im tram nomal glost und han au ziitewiis us‘m fenster gluegt, foxtrot alpha november tango alpha sierra tango india sierra charlie hotel gsi
Not bad. Enjoyed some of it. Not something I’ll regularly turn on though
Pretty good. I like the vocals
Track 1: nostalgic, struggle with his voice pitchiness. Can see how this influenced lots of my fave high school bands Track 2: very the Shins Track 3: Radiohead. Lol just saw it’s called radio cure. skipped, not enough going on Track 4: acoustic with buzzy synths, drum beat I could probably play and a simple piano line. Feels classic. Jesus etc - saved song. Feels classic Ashes of American flags - bit of a downer not for me but also old national I’m the man who loves you - meh Pot kettle black - enjoy listening but wouldn’t want to listen again 3rd and 2nd last track not for moi Reservations - good not great Overall useful album to see the influence of 2000s indie rock but nothing that hugely stands out 20 years later
I Am Trying, sounding messy at first. i’m thinking it’s improv. Vocal melody is going nowhere. Some sad and sweet lyrics. The vibe of this song is that disinterested teens are in a music lesson. just playing whatever they can get their hands on. Kamera, right rhythm section. Feels like the teens have locked in. I like this it’s fun to walk to. Radio Cure, this is sad. The drum is really going through me in a good way. “Cheer up honey, i hope you can” is devastating. War on war, makes me think of the kinks but modern production, in a great way. “you have to learn how to die, if you want to want to be alive”. Great lyric. Jesus etc., best yet! so chilled. “our love is all we have honey”. It’s a very beautiful love song, realism mixed with romance. my fave so far. Ashes, “all my lies are always my wishes” is powerful and actually made me wonder if i’m the same. “I would like to salute, the ashes of American flags” feels disturbingly fitting for the current state of the country in Jan 2025. Heavy metal Drummer, the intro made me have a visural reaction. I fear everyone has loved a drummer at some point, so fair comment. Missing innocence, another feeling every human has. I love the space alien noises going on. This song feels nostalgic to me even on first listen. Im the man, again the kinks?? i like it. guitar work is fab (except the solo, im picky about them and this one isn’t for me) and drums are solid. The vocal backgrounds, loving them. Pot Kettle Black, this song could have been on an album by the artist Finneas that was put out in 2024. And I really like it. It’s nonsense lyrics that make sense?? love that. Truly the melody of this one i’m sure has been recreated over and over. Like i’ve heard “versions” of this recently. Very solid indie track. Poor Places, major beatles energy by half way through. They do it very well though. The album reference coming more into the foreground as it gets more and more intense is great. Stress signals are popping off. Really distorted guitar and beeping and just a wall of sounds. Like that one a lot. Reservations, the opening lyrics are heartbreaking, ending with “I’ve always told lies for love”. Everyone has, to someone or to ourselves at some point. It grows to be about knowing when it’s the one though, even if everything else in life isn’t stable. That’s your person, no second guessing. Ooop half way through, but sounded like the ending? I feel like we are back full circle, this is the same teens in music class but they’re better at working together to blend the random instruments they’re using. I love some of them, they are sweet and sad but for me he isn’t doing much with melody, yeahh he does well for his range it’s just not that big of a range. And for me to want to re listen I need more vocal dynamic going on, I want a strong singer at the front. Not completely fair but it’s who I am. I really hope they’re doing well, don’t know why i feel the need to say that but there you go. Solid 3.
A solid album with some truly brilliant highlights.
Enjoyed it more than I anticipated. Had some sonically interesting songs.
Never really loved this album
I always want to like this album more than I do. I think Jeff Tweedy is in Dylan land, both the good (amazing song writer) and bad (a voice which is, um, distinctive). I think I would give this a 4 for the songwriting and a 2 for the performance. Check out a great cover of I Am Trying to Break Your Heart by JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound. *chef's kiss*
Totally a triumph of music making, although I somehow just can't get super excited about Wilco. Maybe it's the low-emotion lyrics. Still, much respect!
These songs really grow on you over time. First time I heard the album I found it quite boring, then I found myself enjoying I'm The Man Who Loves You. This listen out I really enjoyed Heavy Metal Drummer and a few others. However, on the whole the songs are just a bit slow paced for me and the singers voice can get a bit boring. Great live band though.
A trailblazer for the genre, it’s just not my genre
Interesante propuesta, pero...
Midrange. Not really my thing overall.
Ok
Decent but at the same time it feels like I've listened to it, doesn't feel too original.
The album's alright, it's a non-aggressive indie rock, but I just couldn't held my attention to it. It doesn't feel too interesting.
Not my favorite of theirs. But a good, somber album.
We heard another Wilco album last week, so this one was more of the same but not as interesting to me. The first half of the album seemed slow and boring. The second half was better in my opinion.
This album cover looks like one I'd create. Good font. Not too visually complex. 5/5 album cover. The tracks are eh. This album has mad acclaim, but I still don't like Tweedy's voice. It's too generic! How can I get into a generic voiced singer?! The lyrics are just OK. This feels a bit like a Death Cab for Cutie album but with worse lyrics, worse singing, and more creative (and usually better) instrumentation. The line "there's a war on" always read as British to me, but now I've learned (thanks to American Wilco) that it's just old-timey. 'Jesus, Etc' is a good song title, I'll give 'em that. 'Poor Places' started strong and ended with an aural assault! More like Alpha Hotel Hotel >:(
It was good, but didn't get me like I was hoping it would. I've heard so much about this album being amazing - maybe a re-listen is needed?
Not bad, just a bit boring.
This seems like something that I should like more than I did… it probably came to me on the wrong day. Will need to revisit
Not terrible. Interesting songs and I'm one who quite likes Jeff Tweedy's singing voice but I don't think it's as good as critics suggest. It all feels slightly flat.
Like Beck, minus the hooks or sense of humor
i am trying to break your heart - i like the drums, it sounds like tins. the piano is fun as well kamera - happy sounding radio cure - reminds me of the beach war on war - sounds like panchiko but funky jesus, etc - I like the guitar, stoney ashes of american wigs - end of movie sounding heavy metal drummer - cool i’m the man who loves you - sappy pot kettle black - chill poor places - calm reservations - fw this
Great, cohesive complete album. But it just doesn't hold the 4* energy for me the whole time. 3++.
Bit background dirge like but ok?
Enjoyable, but mostly because I generally enjoy 2000s indie. I wouldn’t say it’s a standout in the genre or unique enough to be on this list, but it’s certainly not close to the worst we’ve gotten
Reminded me a lot of my brother in law. I think as a music, it takes itself very seriously but overall pleasant to listen to
I don't need this in my life, but it doesn't offend. Okay, I guess…
The last Wilco got a two star this is boring review. This one is marginally better thanks to fun spacy effects. Usually I can understand why other people love albums I don't. But I'm genuinely baffled by the widespread acclaim this album received, and the love in the reviews here. Fine, you do you, I'm just saying I don't get it. Update: repeat listens softened my opinion somewhat.
It was fine, if not a bit repetitive.
It was fine!
It sounds like there is a really cool futuristic SciFi distopian film happening outside the cafe this music is playing loudly in. Points for that. Otherwise is pretty basic dude who is almost on pitch singing. 3 stars. Would be 2 except for the above
empieza mid de cojones luego se pone bueno 6/10
This sounds like an album that probably felt important in 2003. 20+ years later? Eh, it’s alright. 3/5 Highlights: Ashes of American Flags
Hmm. I know I really disliked this the first time I listened to this, but can’t really remember why. I suspect listening to Sparklehorse (entirely by chance) a day before may have something to do with this.
3.5 check out the Bill Fay cover of Jesus etc
If I was a fan of alt-rock, I would be all over this. But I'm not, so, for me, this is just a very alright album. 3/5
I had high hopes for this one, but it was just kind of whiny and discordant.
Solid album nothing to dislike, rock on the gentler side of things, some good lyrics. Stand out tracks: - Kamera - War on war - Jesus etc - Ashes of American flags - Pot kettle black
A lil’ boring. Very nice best song - that Jesus one
Very of the time. Neither for not against.
There's a couple songs on the album that are good, but for the most part I am not a fan of this Wilco. Sometimes I feel like I'm missing something, because the people I know who are Wilco fans, we usually have a similar taste in music.
I always loved the line playing kiss covers beautiful and stoned. Doesn't get any better than that. Unfortunately the rest of the album is just pretty ho-hum. Kudos to one of my fav quirky little songs tho. Another 3.4
Bland and ok. Nothing notable.
This album was ok
Don’t know the band so going in completely blind. Couple of okay listens, pot kettle black is pretty decent.
Musically, very enjoyable. Felt myself drifting in and out of paying alot of attention to lyrics because they never felt captivating at all and partially because I was enjoying the guitar and drums alot. Will be listening to this again, as well as more Neil Young
Some boring songs, some good songs.
There are some good songs here, but only enough for 3 stars or C+.
A blend of Americana lyrics with a new modern sound. YHF is kinda like a gateway music into the modern indie sound. For me it does t chime as much as Tweedys solo stuff. 3/5
why do some bands think cramming more poorly timed instruments in always makes for better music
Sound very reminiscent of a lot of early 2000s indie rock bands. Not bad at all, definitely an album I would listen to.
It was ok. Not good, not bad.
a 2.5-3 star for me It was okay, didnt feel like it stood out to me really. Pretty boring overall
I've heard a lot about this band and was curious to hear their sound. I personally didn't love it, it's a very mellow, slow sound.
Pleasant background for driving.
I feel like a really cool hipster listening to these guys. Got some definite Radiohead influence in there. It’s cool, but not cool enough for me.
Fine but I feel like most 2000s indie albums have a similar sound/vibe
Noisy but interesting. 3/5
That was technically and aesthetically a great listen; but it's not something that I'm going to come back to over and over again.
The first song was really bad and I was concerned. Glad it got better. 3.
Not too shabby, kinda flat at times but Jesus, etc. is a phenomenal pull. Didn’t hate it, didn’t love it.
I know *of* Wilco and their place in 90s-2000s indie rock, but I've only heard their hits intermittently across the years. I understand that this is a pretty big indie album too, I think many can instantly recognize those Marina City towers shown on the cover. It's pretty mellow throughout as one would expect, although the transition from "Ashes of American Flags" to "Heavy Metal Drummer" was pretty jarring. Things sorta picked up for a bit from there, but the rest of the album lands a bit too softly for my tastes. There was some interesting instrumentation here and there so it's tough to call this "cookie cutter", but it's probably not one I'd be raring to revisit anytime soon. I think there are more interesting indie artists from the 2000s (that probably don't get much recognition in this list if I were to wager a guess).
It’s ok
It's not bad, but its very unremarkable, and it goes on for way too long. Pot Kettle Black sounds like The Lightning Seeds doing a cover of the Manic's Australia, and fucking it up.
Overrated
I really was expecting something different here. It is good I guess, but it had a lot more country elements than I expected. The production of this album sounds really great, it is just the songwriting that is a let down. I liked the first song, it was indie, electronic, and some noise (almost Radiohead-esque), but then the rest of the album is country indie, and most of it all sounds the same. I am not really sure why Jesus, Etc. has so many more streams than the rest of the album, they all sound just as equally boring. Every now and then there will be a glimmer of something exciting, but then it will go back to the slow paced indie country. Heavy Metal Drummer sounds like a rejected Pavement song without all of the charm. I am being really negative, but I didn't hate this album. Mid 3.
A very soft album. It was ok though
Definitely unique.
I like this album a lot but as I get older it’s less impactful. Maybe because people have taken the concept and done it better over the years.
An interesting album. I enjoyed listening to it. Maybe it will find its way into my daily stream. 3/5
Got better as it went along. Thought it was too folksy/country at times. Definitely more than what I usually enjoy. I thought it got more artsy in the second half and enjoyed that.
Overall I like Wilco's sound and their vibe. I wasn't really feeling it the first time around but it fared better on the second listen. There's a couple of Wil-no's in there. Good enough to make me want to hear more from them. 3.5/5
I've never listened to Wilco before and had heard that they were alt-country at least country-adjacent in some way. Because of that I was interested in listening to this but was ultimately disappointed. In the end it's fine. 3.0
I’m as melancholy as the next guy, and have sincerely tried for years to like Wilco. But every time I listen to one of their albums, I end up tuning them out after a few minutes and they become little more than pleasant background music. They’re good. And I still sort of wish I liked them better.
Music's fine. I just can't get past the singer. He's either, bored, sleepy, disinterested or on some sort of depressant. Or maybe it's a combo of the above. I just can't get into it or even get engaged in whatever he's singing about.
Maybe I should give Wilco more of a chance? I expected mediocrity but actually got a “good but not great” album
Favorite Tracks: Heavy Metal Drummer Jesus, Etc.
# Playlist Track - Jesus, Etc. # Notes - I like the sound and the vibe. I was very intrigued by the album cover. - I found the music intriguing and interesting and I was interested in keep listening *most* of the time. At least a couple of songs end with weird noises that really really broke the flow for me. - Seems like a very picky thing to complain, but it bothered me in the *three* times I tried to listen to this. - "I Am Trying to Break Your Hear" has like an entire minute of shitty nonsense. "Poor Places" has an even worse one. Taking two stars out.
Interesting discovery. Very good!
Enjoyable at times but also a bit boring
Someone compared him to Dylan. No, this guy knows how to sing 😅
Pretty good
Good
Cant remember why their first release excited me..Since then, not so much as they tend to come off as a low rent Counting Crows spots. It's not an objectionable release by any means, Just not what I had hoped for. Trying to deepen the message/while remain true to 'roots?' Sonically they do come close, but it seems to be nothing to really writer home about. #1 for example. Back to Lennons' appeals. War on war? Fight for peace? Make love for virginity? Other parts sound very Sniff 'n' The Tears, but even still not what it could have been. Worth a listen, but stream it before you buy it.
I want to get on with this as I really liked Being There and love Mermaid Avenue but I just find the deconstruction leaves me cold on this one I like it, I want to love it, I never do
To be honest, I had higher hopes for this album. Bert Kreischer always talks about how this is his favorite band, but it was just okay. The sound is good but the lead singer’s voice sucks. Nothing blew me away.
Not for me
This was a good not great album for me, with some noteworthy songs.
What a fun listen! Very mellow acoustic pop for the most part, kinda reminded me of Blind Melon and Jack Johnson in some parts. Easy listen and nice background music. Three stars.
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is perhaps the most critically acclaimed album by Wilco. At first listen, I certainly understood where this appreciation comes from. The melancholic and somewhat slow songs in particular are of high quality. Songs like Jesus, Etc., Radio Cure, and Ashes of American Flags are memorable songs with fantastic lyrics. But what didn't happen back when this was released continued now that I'm giving this a few more listens all those years later. There's no spark between this album and myself. I appreciate it on several levels but it has never given me the idea that I'd put this on myself again.
I remember this one being a huge deal for a while among the kinda nerds I roll with. I did not get it thena and still don't. There are some nice poignant-ass hooks/lines - ie: all my dreams are only wishes, or what was I thinking when I let go of you. Some decent lyrics and melody, but the radiohead level "innovation" ie noise just serves to distract, and homeboy's voice is just ok.
It's very ok. Nothing about this band or any of their albums (this is the second I've gotten) has stood out or made an impression. This is not to say this album isn't good, it sounds great but somehow it's just... boring? Much better than "Being There"
Downbeat but beautiful. Favourite track Kamera
Dollar store Radiohead. Meh.
Indie NOT my thing. First song put me off right off the bat so other seemed weak. Some are coolish catchy tunes but nothing yells great to me and I live in Chicago and they are huge here and have a huge following but nothing that really attracts my attention. Tweedy has a cool voice for this type of music and the songwriting is pretty good. Overall good album though, just not my favorite genere. It has some radiohead influences in there with trippy sounds and I understand it was something new at the time for this crowd
Not really my thing . Prob a 2.5 but will rate up
3.5 - very into the first track but I found everything after that surprisingly dull/forgettable
Solid album, and I can understand why it’s so popular with its fans. The purposeful discordant parts weren’t to my taste, and the whole album gave off a “sad hipster” vibe that I didn’t really align with.
Wilco is the definition of "fine"
I've never listened to Wilco before despite them on a lot of billings alongside bands I really like throughout the 2010s. I see now that I haven't missed much. The album is not very engaging, none of the songs ever managed to pull me in and I don't think I could tell you which one the 'hit' was. This may be a case of me being too used to listening to the bands inspired by Wilco, so Wilco themselves sound a little boring. Not offensive, but nothing I'd want to listen to again. 5/10
Experimental album with a few good songs.
Decent album but not my type of music genre.
01) I Am Trying to Break Your Heart - 7,0 02) Kamera - 7,5 03) Radio Cure - 7,5 04) War On War - 7,0 05) Jesus, Etc. - 7,5 06) Ashes of American Flags - 6,5 07) Heavy Metal Drummer - 7,0 08) I'm the Man Who Loves You - 7,5 09) Pot Kettle Black - 7,5 10) Poor Places - 7,0 11) Reservations - 7,0 TOTAL: 7,18 (72/100) Current ranking: 139/223 I am interested in how the publisher (who should be an expert in this matter) refuses to publish an album that was declared a masterpiece by many critics after its release. I wouldn't exactly call the album that. It's not a bad album, but it's not anything special either. But that's just me. I am neither a publisher nor a critic.
it's okay
Bittersweet indie folk rock record
Slow for rock. Almost 4
5.5/10
Too subdued for me
Folksy, indie, shoegaze kinda feel
Nice album, youthful feeling. Got sadness about it in the background, like that feeling of being homesick. Experimental vibe
It’s ok.
Chicago without the flair. Still good though
Ait
something tells me riley would love this album outro of "ashes of american flags" goes unfathomably hard
Listenable
Beck but worse.
Surprisingly enjoyable, folsky radiohead
I quite like the off-kilter, faded pier vibe of this. It feels quite raw. Guitar is cool. Vocals good too. War on War is a highlight. As is Jesus, Etc. - you were right about the stars, each one is a setting sun. It's like hearing a rock band playing through the walls of the house next door ... like you're not quite there, but you enjoy it for what it is.
I am trying... - so, so. 3/5. A little pretentious Kamera - decent, laid back. 4/5 Radio Cure - ok. 3/5 War on war - catchy. 4/5 Jesus etc - 4/5 Ashes... - crap. 1/5 Man who loves you - 3/5 Overall a decent 3/5
Always liked the opening track on this. The rest is OK too. It's OK. I thought it was alright.
herzige ihstig aber finds nanig überragend, s klavier findi cool dito für kamera, no cute aber nöd meh s isch chli ihschlafmusig (nödmal negativ gmeint) aber radio cure sticht jz mal echli meh usse iwie, endlich getarut er dich mal chli variabler z singe war on war erinneret mich chli ah flaming lips mite random electronic noises jesus etc. isch uf spotify anschinend s beliebtiste lied und das gfalltmer momentan au am beste ja cute sber s passiert chli wenig
Wilco does have some pretty great songs, but somehow this album is able to come off as experimental, try-hard, and drab at the same time.
Pretty interesting album a little too pop sounding for me but definitely not BORING come on
6 / 10 Instrumentalmente está muy bien, pero por momentos es monótono y aburrido.
Pretty good Indie type album. I had never heard it before. It's pretty good and probably something that I would listen to again when I'm in a chill mood.
Not my cup of tea...
listened before, and it's not like a hate it. it's exactly the 90s genre i like, but i just feel like i prefer other stuff.
B I Am Trying To Break Your Heart 3 Kamera 3 Radio Cure 3 War On War 3 Jesus, Etc. 3 Ashes Of American Flags 4 Heavy Metal Drummer 4 I'm The Man Who Loves You 3 Pot Kettle Black 4 Poor Places 4 Reservations 3 Wilco serves, but not as if it's a high-end restaurant. It is more like a 99. It's a great meal BECAUSE it's a great deal. And there's no bones about that.
I knew Wilco from a couple of songs but I have never been a fan. This album - ok, quite ok but still nothing which convinces me
A band I'd heard by name but not by music. A wonderful surprise to find a brilliantly produced album packed with indie charm and experimental ambience. Whilst there's nothing to really dislike though, there wasn't a huge amount that really stood out to me. However, I can see this as being an album that'd grow on you, and would be great to come back to and be familiar with. Being wrapped up in this album is a great place to be - I just didn't feel particular moved by it. Overall, 3.5/5
Best Songs: Jesus, Etc. Heavy Metal Drummer I'm the Man Who Loves You
is Kamera supposed to sound like 1979…hmm. it’s nice it’s ok
a solid album... but after a while i get distracted... a bit too long to be awesome
I dunno it looks like there was sufficient effort put into the song writing and instrumentation, I don't hate the singer, it's that's early 2000s indie that I should be eating up, just find it a bit boring.
I really want to like Wilco, but have the hardest time getting into them. They aren't bad by any stretch, just don't hook me. The exception to this is "Heavy Metal Drummer", which is a great song.
Not sure really what to say about this one. I think it might take a few goes around to really get it, but for now I definitely enjoy and respect it - just not enough to blow its score very high. The alt/indie pop with electronic and folky elements is cool. Fav songs: - War on War - Jesus, Etc. - Heavy Metal Drummer
Nice enough
better than I remembered. not generally a Wilco fan but maybe thinking about something else
Very uneven bit of work, from the sublime to the awful. For a moment, I thought Radiohead had broken in on track 3 - generally, I like the Wilco sound.
this is kind of exhausting to listen to now because of the time it represents, but it is a formative experience
I didn’t love the lead singer’s voice, but I liked the songwriting! I wasn’t feeling the vibe overall, but I think on a more depressing day, it would have been more fitting.
Ok
Not the best Wilco, but still a few bangers
Never heard of this band but I liked about 1/3 of the songs…. :)
5/10 just mid. Didn't hate didn't love
3.5
This isn't a bad album. Easy to listen to and feels almost like a soundtrack for a day. I kind of wonder if there's more here than I heard in two listens. It comes together so well it's almost easy to ignore which is a bit of a strength and weakness at the same time.
This is another complicated one for me to rate. No experience with Wilco. I feel like I've heard music like this all my life. It just sounds like fine radio music to me. I like the tune of Heavy Metal Drummer. A few tracks sound like they are heavily Beatles influenced. If I had heard this in my teenage years I'd probably be far more captivated. The arrangements are well done. I just don't see myself revisiting this much, so for that I'm going to go 3.
I don't know man, it wasn't bad but I just didn't really enjoy it anything special. It wasn't bad but it just felt a but bland. Kinda liked Jesus, Etc. but the rest passed me by.
- War on War is pretty good - Honestly the rest of the album has decent vibes - 2.5 but I'll round up
- solid indie with a folk vibe
BORING!
Nice melodic piece of music
Inoffensive, slightly good, slightly boring. Probably a grower, but it will never grow. beyond a t(h)ree
To mellow
Liked it. Inoffensive and kinda soothing.
It's a very good album, I have never been able to get into it as much as it's legacy demands though.
Pretty meh
Ganz nett - viele andere Künstler angeähnelt
Ok but probably won’t listen again.
Tried to hear what everyone loves about it but didn’t really get it. Nice but a bit forgettable!
Liked a lot. Already knew and loved Pot Kettle Black but I like the others now too! Especially War on War.
solid rock album all around
Podria ser sido muy bueno, pero no
very slow before jesus etc, some absolute bangers after that though trifecta of tunes in the middle, start of the album just felt too slow and couldn’t get back into it properly
Cool and chill. Cool percussion and voice is nice. Will probably not give it a second listen tho
i am trying to break your heart- "i am an american aquarium drinker" finally, lyrics i can relate to. 6. im not sure if i like the dudes voice or not. i dont know how to feel yet about this, im on the fence. kamera- 4. boring radio cure- 4. boring war on war- its ok. 5 jesus etc- boring 4 ashes of american flags- boring 3 heavy metal drummer- 5. its ok im the man who loves you- boring 3 pot kettle black- 4 poor places- me when the place is poor. 3 or 4 reservations- dont care, 3 me when im in the most forgettable album competition and my opponent is yankee hotel foxtrot favorite track- i am trying to break your heart or heavy metal drummer.
An interesting atmosphere here. It’s almost like a more acoustic Coldplay record in several ways. Like Coldplay, the lyrics might be fascinating (I’m not sure), but are accompanied by such “standard” vocals that it’s very easy to not really take in what’s being sung. The vocalist is probably the band’s weak point, having a clearly limited melodic and emotional range. The instrumentation is fairly unremarkable, but really picks up in the second half of the album. My four favourite songs are actually the final four in the track listing, because the texture really starts to noticeably thicken and stir up some drama, incorporating (what sounds like) heavy synths, electric guitars, and more front-of-mix drum patterns. I’m surprised “Jesus, Etc.” is the album’s hit song, because it doesn’t sound much like a hit. Tracks like that one are flawed in that they don’t contain any obvious hooks. Still, it was enjoyable. Key tracks: I’m the Man Who Loves You, Pot Kettle Black, Poor Places, Reservations
This one doesn't really do anything for me. It's trying just a little too hard to be clever I guess.
This disappointed me no end. Loved the first track and got the whole deconstructed thing. Thought it was going to be a bit Radiohead but the rest was entirely underwhelming
This did pick up and become a bit better than tolerable
Opening track was very cool and interesting. The rest of the album was decent. I could see this album growing on me, so I'll probably give it more listens down the road. 3/5
1st song: annoying noise 2nd song: feeling a bit Beckish 3rd song: moaning in his sleep 4th song: better than the War on Drugs (although almost anything es better than that.) 5th song: Jesus, that’s a good song 6th song: can’t tell if he’s asleep or drunk, but just write a song about burning a flag (any flag) in protest and make the 1001 list Balance of album: feeling a bit Beckish again. Overall: liked it (2.5*s)
This was not my jam but not bad 2.75/5
Ahh maybe I'm not a huge Wilco fan? I think if words didn't just bounce off my brain then it would've been more than just background music for me, but they did and so there it was.
Mwah
Unmemorable, but decent tunes
Pretty good little tune
Beetje rustigsad voor mijn smaak, beige sad in de muziek
Like diving into the rabbithole
Good
good
C'est pas l'album le plus pimpant pour un groupe de rock. Plutôt relax comme mood. J'aime bien overall toutefois.
Not exactly what I’m into, but fairly enjoyable overall
Not sure how to take this one. Just OK, maybe a little too “Indie “but overall enjoyable.
ehhhh didn't start out great in fact it was some hot ass at the start tbh pretty good as it progresses tbf would listen to quite vibey as it goes on but the start just brings it down unfortunately overall very good and interesting use of instruments across the full album really cool to hear enjoyable listen i'd give it like a 3.2 probably
less wowed than expected. thought i heard this before, but maybe not. still not be 3.1/5 listened 2x
I remember when this album came out and it was the darling of critics. It's aged pretty well. Heavy Metal Drummer is my favorite here.
OK, this was a tough one for me to write. There are a lot of songs that I like on here, none that blew me away, none that got me hyped …. Again, a lot of good songs, Dunn I would put on a favorites type of list. Singing is bland across all songs of the album. Lyrically is it interesting and a little too much fascination with technologies/reverb blah blah blah for taste. A solid middle of the road album in my opinion
Enh, good, not something I will listen to again
I wouldn’t call it rock but it doesn’t suck Okay I’m actually enjoying this it’s odd Radio cure is a good song it’s really calm Jesus is chill 3.3/5
An album that glides along inconsequential.
Kinda depressing
Album Nr. 39 Gemütlicher Old-School-Rock. Jedoch nichts weltbewegendes.
ehh
osrednje
I liked a majority of the songs but some of them end with a very unappealing high pitch sound nonsense that I strongly disliked
Uninspiring
Album was alright. Wasn’t as in to it as bradley
It was one listen through the album and I thought it got better through the album. I think I would have enjoyed this band if I had listened to them when they were popular. The album was good, but not great.
I liked parts of songs, but there always seemed to be a part of the song I didn't like.
yeah
Too emo at the beginning. Got better and I liked the Indy feel of Fell in love with a drummer.
Very laid back mellow vibes but some ok tracks and even a surprising 👍.
Im always so confused about my feelings towards wilco. Some songs are great and some are so mid it hurts.
As a fan of the band American Aquarium, it was good to finally listen to the album that inspired their name.
Jag har lyssnat en del på wilco, inte så många låtar på denna skiva. Tycker inte dessa låter när så högt som jag känner igen wilco på. Jämnbra, men utan det lilla extra.
Hade skrivit en recension och trodde att jag hade betygsatt, men måste ha missat att skicka in… Har glömt bort exakt vad jag skrev, men i runda slängar var det att ”Jesus, etc.” är en höjdarlåt och att resten är helt okej.
It started out fairly slowly, the first track wasn't exactly a 'grabber'. However, it did get better and although it's probably not a genre I'm into I did enjoy it. I think 3 stars feels about right.
Only heard the first track - liked it.
Enjoyed. Would revisit.
5.5/10 Highlights: Radio Cure Jesus etc I am trying to break your heart
Listened to this album 10 years ago and thought it pretty average on a second listen I dont feel any different.
I liked the first song "I am Trying to Break Your Heart". The rest just kind of blended together. Except "I'm the Man Who Loves You" and "Poor Places" which had a bunch of grating noises at the end.
you know, its not bad.Jesus, Etc I found to be really good. I think I'd like to explore more of their albums based off this listen. I'll give it another try because it scratches an itch for a sound I didnt know I wanted.
Some songs gave me a Beatles vibe, others more Blue October. Some songs were too experimental, one made my ears ring. Overall, not my fave but also pretty decent.
Some good ones and some okay ones
Solid indie rock, not my favorite genre, but I enjoyed multiple songs on here for sure.
This was an enjoyable album for me. My favorite song was Jesus, etc. I thought the violins at the start were especially striking. Overall I liked the album and enjoyed my time with it but I dont think I will go back for a second listen.
Not bad
Jesus, Etc. Heavy Metal Drummer Poor Places
Really liked the album very art rock indie feel
Like the song Jesus, etc., think I heard on a Starbucks CD many moons ago
Pretty good. Listened to the whole thing. Think there’s better Wilco albums.
Rip Wilko you would've loved this band
I wish I liked Wilco more, but ultimately this type of early 2000s dad alt-rock doesn’t do much for me. Wilco is one of the better bands from this era, so it wasn’t like this was painful of anything, it just is kind of “there.” I genuinely enjoyed a couple tunes, so it wasn’t a waste of time. This will just always be a genre that is confusingly popular to me!
Clean and quiet with good instrumentals backing the vocals. Not a bad album. Not something I would circle back to but I enjoyed the listen through.
I kind of understand why people like Wilco and this album, but it has just never resonated with me despite multiple listenings.
Interesting at times, probably more here than I could find in one casual listen. Some catchy tunes but mostly going for artsy vibes from what I could tell. Felt like a hipster indie album before those were necessarily a thing. Would listen to a few songs again but nothing is pulling me back.
A few interesting songs. A bit too experimental for my taste overall, but I liked a couple.
Never heard of them, so, so…
album art - two buildings or two cobs of corn?? not really my jam but it wasn't horrible & had some cool sounds~~ favorites: radio cure, ashes of american flags, pot kettle black, and jesus, etc
Average. Nothing Special
I think my only knowledge of Wilco comes from the album where they collaborated with Billy Bragg to make Mermaid Avenue. And my honest thoughts there are that I don’t particularly remember it well. Hopefully this is a bit more memorable, but we shall see. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Jesus Etc, Kamera This album felt really nice and chilled. It reminded me a bit of that new Boygenius album in that there are rock elements if you squint your ears, but it’s primarily chilled music to mellow out to. The vocals were pleasant, as was the instrumentation. There wasn’t anything here that blew me away, but it was still a nice experience. A bit like eating my way through a tin of Miniature Heroes. Yeah. The album version of that.
Too constructed.
I like the experimental and ambient feels of this album but altogether it's pretty drab. Jesus, Etc. is the standout for me. Jeff Tweedy's voice has that Americana raspiness you gotta love, it gives me Neil Young and Dylan vibes (whom he as both opened for and played covers of). I like Wilco but much prefer their collabs with Mavis Staples. I'm glad this album was in the list though.
A little slow and melancholic but a nice rainy day album. Echoes of early Beck and Radiohead. I like the added background sound effects to some of the songs.
I've heard of Wilco as an indie rock darling for years. This is my first exposure ever. Decent album. It's not hugely in my wheelhouse but I can see how they would generate a dedicated fanbase. Might check out more of their stuff down the line. 2.75 stars
Inoffensive but also inoffensively not that interesting
Mir gefällt die 2022 Remaster Version besser: Jesus, Etc. Experimentellw Radiomusik ;-)
It's not bad but not entirely the type of music I truly enjoy listening to.
I did like this a lot, needs a relisten. Reservations is a lovely way to finish an album
p4k Chicagoan millennial dad-core
This is ok easy listening. 3 out of 5.
Too noisey
Um. I'm hesitant to dismiss as boring as others have. It was nice as background, however nothing particularly grabbed me. The first track was quite intriguing, however things kind of continued on in that vein without changing it up enough. Like a less engaging, slightly more polished Pavement. I will say it gets better towards the end, the last couple of tracks are pretty good.
I think this album is a grower, but I don't think I was grabbed enough initially to give this album the time it deserves. That said, I didn't hate it. It's a melancholic album about self-love, relationships, and struggling with the state of modern life (depression, "distance", and expression), and in that sense it reminds me a lot of Kid A -- a good thing thematically. The difference here being that Kid A brings a lot more intrigue and sonic variety, whereas this album kind of blurred together in my first two listens. I also couldn't get into much of the vocals; again, so much sameness. Overall, it's just another one that won't be making it into the rotation, respectfully. Fav Tracks: Jesus, Etc.; I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
This album is certainly more my thing than The Chronic, but I wasn't gripped by it, especially throughout the first half. It was great music to work to but part of the reason why is that nothing stood out and grabbed my attention. I thought it was vaguely reminiscent of In The Aeroplane Over The Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel, one of my favorite albums of all time and so I found myself wishing I was listening to that instead. Props to Wilco for including a couple of longer songs, I tend to love a 6-7min+ track.
Eh
Middle of the road indie rock strikes again, it’s fine
Solid work but did not inspire me as much as Being There
Album started really strong musically but didn't pull it through to the other songs. Will have to listen to it a few more times to really appreciate it I guess.