Wilco

Still content to confound listeners, Wilco re-humanise themselves on the remarkable, multi-layered Sky Blue Sky. The urge to experiment and write interesting, challenging music was almost palpable on A Ghost is Born, and it nearly overshadowed some of Jeff Tweedy’s best songs. On Sky Blue Sky, the idiosyncrasies of these inventive musicians are somewhat subdued and, rather than mechanical musical precision, Wilco employ looseness, fully embracing the fun, creative freedom they’ve fought so hard for. There are jokes in quirky post-rock pieces like "Shake it Off” and the rollicking soul of "Hate it Here” is reminiscent of "don’t give a fuck” Let it Be-era Beatles. With its easy jazz-folk lilt, the title track could live comfortably on a contemporary Bob Dylan record, while the band get Southern-fried during the musical interludes of the charming "Walken.” Every once in a while an affection for Pavement shines through on Wilco records and here "Side with the Seeds” nods to "Stop Breathin’” like neighbours passing each other on the sidewalk. The solemn fare is equally captivating, as tracks like "Impossible Germany” and particularly "You Are My Face” demonstrate what an innovative lyricist and singer Tweedy is. With more biographical hints about balancing travel with his home life, sickness and health, Tweedy doesn’t always sound happy on Sky Blue Sky but his candour is warm, driving Wilco to play with spirit and connection like the truly great band they are.