Wilco

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

Definitely one of the best albums this decade, thus far

Review Score:

(10/10)
Too many people told me to check out this album, and the name "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" kept following me around until I cracked and listened to it. It took a few listens to sink in, but many of the songs floored me and took me to another musical level. You could say that Wilco is the alt-folk version of Radiohead, since their blend of acoustic guitar, pop sensibility, periodical electronic blips, and abstract lyrics is completely noticeable within the first song, "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart," but they're their own band. Jeff Tweedy is one of the most heartfelt songwriters and vocalists of this generation, like Thom Yorke, however I find his lyrics harder to decode than Yorke's. The songs may be ambiguous in meaning, but the songs are fascinating and moving. "Radio Cure" is one of my favorite songs ever, and the line "Distance has no way making love understandable" is perhaps one of the best quotes about love since it speaks on so many levels. "Ashes of American Flags" and "poor Places" are also emotional standouts, alongwith the upbeat pop of "Kamera" and "Heavy Metal Drummer." Even in their lightest songs, this record has an underlying element of darkness. I'm glad that so many people made me aware of this album, because YHF hardly ever leaves my CD player, or my memory for that matter. Pick it up if you want just a great record. Then you'll denounce Reprise Records for being stupid enough to care about commercialism than artistic integrity and innovation.

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