Wilco

Wilco – Sky Blue Sky

Having impressed the critics circle with two distinct albums- one emitting purposely deconstructed pop songs (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot), the other percolating with various song structures, from propulsive Krautrock to dissonant-tinged classic rock (A Ghost Is Born)- Jeff Tweedy now turns down the Bunsen burner on his musical experimentation, and leaves the laboratory for the outdoor sun. Sky Blue Sky is the sound of Wilco enjoying a spring time drive, dusted with the acoustic richness that also sprinkles many of Neil Young’s 70’s recordings. In fact, it’s the addition of avant-garde jazzist Nels Cline and his energized electric guitar flares that plug into the same Fender amps as Crazy Horse –note the fiery slashes that burst forth part way through “You Are My Face”, also one of Tweedy’s better-penned tracks. For a band that managed to merge commercial success with artistic curiosity, a soft rock album may seem like a retreat. But forget expectation, and open the cellophane on a summery treat.