Wilco: Sky Blue Sky

Wilco
Sky Blue Sky
Nonesuch Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: A return to their roots.

Album Review:
Wilco is one of those bands who don’t release bad records. They have reached that status that even releasing an album of funky noise would be considered by many a master genius musical maneuver. So after the swan song Yankee Hotel Foxtrot [2002] and the even more experimental A Ghost Is Born [2004] we have Sky Blue Sky which I believe will officially split the Wilco camp of fans into two groups. Those who loved the more experimental Wilco side and those who loved the roots rock Wilco. Sky Blue Sky makes a return to a more subtle country Wilco and feels very relaxed and laid back. Each song is a true flashback to the folkier rock outfits of the 70’s. There are mostly mid-tempo songs but several tracks like “Shake It Off” jangle on a bit like a Grateful Dead tune which is a bit different for Wilco record. As one piece, Sky Blue Sky still sounds good and for fans that wanted a true follow up to Being There [1996] this album will fill that void. For fans of the more recent Wilco offerings, Tweedy’s voice is still a great listen and with repeat plays Sky Blue Sky will grow on them. I am sure down the road this album will be looked at as another quality entry into their ever growing catalog - just give it time.

Key Tracks: "Side With The Seeds", "Impossible Germany", "What Light"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Gram Parsons
Neil Young
The Band

Official Wilco Website
Wilco MySpace
Wilco Info [Allmusic]
Nonesuch Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta