WIlco: The Whole Love.

     Wilco has unnofficially been dubbed the best American band of the new millennium.  Only the mythical Radiohead has so consistently released genius albums. Few would argue that their landmark 2001 album, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot,  is on the list of history's greatest albums, and the soundtrack to post 9/11 Americana.  The only minute downfall of this band may be that they have rested on their laurels for the last (arguably two) albums.  Their last effort, Wilco The Album seemed unambitious and formulaic for the band who set the world on fire multiple times in the last decade.  It was not a bad album, necessary, but the band seemed to follow the blueprint they designed with the release of YHF.
     The Whole Love opens with the 7 plus minute "Art of Almost," which is a bold statement of change for the band.  With its glitches, pecking keyboards, and synthetic sounds and distortions, Wilco shows that they are not afraid of change or experimentation, and they refuse to rely on their fallback sound.

       "Art of Almost" is definitely most pervasive example of the bands direction with the album, but their willingness to open up is peppered throughout several songs on this LP.:  "Capitol City" seems to take significant influence off the Beatles, and the occasional keyboard synths compliment the saloon style tempo and melody.  The album mood quickly changes as "Standing O" blisters through high energy rock and roll. For Wilco traditionalists, all the key elements of the band remain true.  They have retained their intelligent rock/ alt country sound, and fear not....The Whole Love is unmistakably Wilco, in all its catchy, singable glory.

      The album is not without flaws, most notably that mentioned in the first paragraph of this blog.  While they have worked hard to show a new direction, fans and critics are still waiting for Wilco's "next big thing."  The world has come to expect greatness from Wilco, and The Whole Love seems low-stakes.  The best way to enjoy this album is to ignore and overlook any possible comparisons, and just enjoy it for what it is.  It will not be remembered throughout time, but it truly is a worthy album.