If you have been able to brave the storm that was yesterday’s leak of a couple of Wilco tunes from the new album, Sky Blue Sky, and are still breathing, then good for you, cause it was messy. As expected with any band that has set the bar incredibly high, Wilco are bound to get mixed reviews almost regardless of what they release. It has happened with each of the last three albums in different ways, from the folks that thought Summerteeth was too poppy, to those that didn’t “understand” Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, (im looking at you Reprise) to others that felt A Ghost Is Born was incredibly polarizing and would thus begin the downward spiral for the band.

All of these things have been said, and most of them have been taken back. Thats not to say that all Wilco critics become fans every time, but many do end up eating their words. I think the main reason is that Wilco’s music, for the most part, is meant to be digested over a period of time, repeated listens, and with the entire body of work as the standard, not simply just hearing two songs and dismissing it quickly, complete with Idolotor like Fastball comparisons. (c’mon bro, Fastball?)

Even so, the new album, Sky Blue Sky, isn’t to go without critical analysis, but maybe those who heard the songs that have found their way into your ITunes to at least listen more than twice before jumping ship. Its also not like the band needs someone defending them, as the fan base will likely go goo-goo for just about anything Jeff Tweedy pens. But c’mon dudes, less premature spewing and more patient focus might do us all some good……

Now, as for the song that Ive given some attention to, and was already familiar with due to the live set the band has been playing for awhile, Walken, is actually just as Id hoped. Its a light song in the same vein as Kamera, but really allows Nels Cline to do his thing about halfway through, which made it the live staple it is. Sky Blue Sky is out May 15 from Nonesuch.

Wilco – When The Roses Bloom Again(from Morning Becomes Eclectic Session 11-04)

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