jethro Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 What the world didn't need was another record whose overall feel was pretty dark given the truly fucked up world we inhabit today. Call me corny or sentimental but I am glad to see Jeff deliberately go with a more hopeful vibe for this album. Aw yeah. I don't have a problem with hopeful, but the line to corny seems to have been crossed some time ago. I feel like art got pushed over the side in favor of... not commerce, because I'm scared the sales will be awful... safety, maybe? What's the Dylan record everyone hates on where he was "born again"? That's the fate I fear for this one. I am also glad that Wilco remain one of the few bands that prune in the editing process and give us a 12 track album as opposed to dragging the music out for 70 minutes over 17 or 18 cuts. I am sure the temptation was there.Now I know you're kidding, their last record was 12 tracks and something like 67 minutes long. Wilco has never been that kind of band, though I agree with your sentiment of it being better. LNGCA renamed being back in the mix would be a welcome addition of energy to the tracklist, it's one of the few songs they've played recently where it seems like they're more than half-engaged, but it's still opening and closing with two of the most boring Wilco songs ever. Jeff likes to bitch about people who sit in their seats at shows and act like they're watching paint dry, here's a pro tip: stop writing such slow, boring songs, or at least putting them on your records. I'm also burned out on Jeff's relentlessly codependent relationship lyrics. Enough with the passivity, give me passion. That's why I like What Light in spite of the corny lyrics, Jeff seems like he gives a shit when he's singing it. Oh yeah, that guy, I loved his old band. Back to some songs that didn't make the cut, I wasn't a huge fan of Is That The Thanks I Get but to think that song got passed over for some of the ones here is just mind boggling. W. T. F. And in a world of On & On & Ons, how does My Words get passed over? I guess it's probably just as well considering what happened to Panthers, but it might have been nice as a sop to those of us who thought Jeff was a great songwriter. I'll still buy the record even if I think it sucks once it leaks, but the forebodings of doom on this one are like the wall of thunderstorms on the horizon before the tornados hit. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
quarter23cd Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 I'm actually not worried at all about this album. I AM curious to see the critical reaction if this album indeed does come off more straight-forward than their recent efforts. Will the indie-snobs go "WTF?" and condemn it for not being mopey enough? Who knows? I couldn't care less. I'm happy about the sound of these songs because it sounds like they're finally shrugging off some of the "artistic genius" baggage that came with all the critical-adoration they received for YHF and the pedestal so many people put them on. I'm sure the pressure to maintain that kind of perception was enormous when they were making AGIB. Kudos to them if they've decided to just shake it off. (maybe that's what that album title is about ) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Stewart Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Maybe the album title's one word, "sky-bloos-kee". Named after their Polish friend Jimmy Skybluesky. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jakobnicholas Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 I don't have a problem with hopeful, but the line to corny seems to have been crossed some time ago. I feel like art got pushed over the side in favor of... not commerce, because I'm scared the sales will be awful... safety, maybe? I respect your opinion that the new songs aren't good (although I TOTALLY disagree). But I think it's unfair to say a band like Wilco and a writer like Tweedy is being "safe". Tweedy's NEVER been like that and won't ever be. He's making a record that he wants to make. He could give flying piece of monkey crap that you think his new tunes are corny. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
socbret Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Jethro, go write an album you can enjoy yourself and quit bitching to us about Jeff's apparant inability to move you anymore. It boggles my mind that after the albums this man has released, you can still sit there and think you have the authority to give him some "pro tips" on his songwriting and his manner on stage. I don't want to go and defend something I haven't heard, because none of us have heard to album yet. But there is not a single person in music today I trust as much as Jeff Tweedy, and it's his choice to put "slow, boring songs" on his records if he wants to. He has had pretty good success with it so far. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Stewart Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Aw yeah. I don't have a problem with hopeful, but the line to corny seems to have been crossed some time ago. I feel like art got pushed over the side in favor of... not commerce, because I'm scared the sales will be awful... safety, maybe? What's the Dylan record everyone hates on where he was "born again"? That's the fate I fear for this one.Your image: 404 Not Found I don't think there's any Dylan album 'everyone hates.' His "Christian" albums have hardcore fans. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Speed Racer Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 But I think it's unfair to say a band like Wilco and a writer like Tweedy is being "safe". Tweedy's NEVER been like that and won't ever be. He's making a record that he wants to make. He could give flying piece of monkey crap that you think his new tunes are corny. Maybe the juices just aren't flowing? I don't really believe that they would ever try to make less than their best, but I'm of the opinion that their best this time around isn't as good as their best in the past. And for all you know, Jeff could be crying like a baby about all the corny comments. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
caliber66 Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Jethro, go write an album you can enjoy yourself and quit bitching to us about Jeff's apparant inability to move you anymore. It boggles my mind that after the albums this man has released, you can still sit there and think you have the authority to give him some "pro tips" on his songwriting and his manner on stage. I don't want to go and defend something I haven't heard, because none of us have heard to album yet. But there is not a single person in music today I trust as much as Jeff Tweedy, and it's his choice to put "slow, boring songs" on his records if he wants to. He has had pretty good success with it so far.Fucking Christ, dude. He's got an opinion and he expressed it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Speed Racer Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Jethro, go write an album you can enjoy yourself and quit bitching to us about Jeff's apparant inability to move you anymore. It boggles my mind that after the albums this man has released, you can still sit there and think you have the authority to give him some "pro tips" on his songwriting and his manner on stage. I don't want to go and defend something I haven't heard, because none of us have heard to album yet. But there is not a single person in music today I trust as much as Jeff Tweedy, and it's his choice to put "slow, boring songs" on his records if he wants to. He has had pretty good success with it so far. He wasn't giving any 'pro tips,' he was providing his opinion on the album like you are. He is commenting on the impending album, like you are. He disagrees with your opinion. Go write a post you can enjoy yourself, and quit bitching about other posters...Kinda sounds silly, no? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lost highway Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Yeah I don't know about safety. They disrupted alt-country precedent with a sprawling eclectic tribute to all things classic in rock, then they threw open the gate to studio magic and chamber pop, then they deconstructed themselves with noise disruptions, then they forced themselves into an almost jazz-like liveness in the studio with much more organic, almost impressionist songs, now they try to make something classic, concise. A return to form seems rather unsafe from the misgivings of this board...... hell, even Radiohead is interested in guitars again. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
socbret Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Jeff likes to bitch about people who sit in their seats at shows and act like they're watching paint dry, here's a pro tip: stop writing such slow, boring songs, or at least putting them on your records. That line just made me mad. I'm having a bad series of days and I've been a little on edge. I just don't feel like we should have any right to tell anyone else (especially established musicians like JT) what kind of records they should be making. I completly respect Jethro's opinion about the quality of the songs. Sorry for being an asshole this morning. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ction Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 I hope to hell this only leaks in FLAC. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Speed Racer Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Are you kidding? You're actually picky about your flippin' leaks? How about some artwork and extras, too? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Big Perm Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 I hope to hell this doesn't LEAK. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tongue-tied Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 what if it leaked now, but as 8kb/s mp3s....wouldya listen to them? would you? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Big Perm Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Are you kidding? You're actually picky about your flippin' leaks? How about some artwork and extras, too?Easy bro, he has Jeff Leppard shirts. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
imawheel Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 By the way, anyone surprised to see On and On and On make the cut? I think it's a really beautiful song, but they only played it a few times and the general opinon here was that it wasn't that stellar--not that what we say goes, but I'm a little surprised to see it on the record. I'm surprised and so happy to see it make the cut. I heard it live in Des Moines last March and it's still in my top three based on what I've heard of the new album. My guess is they've done some interesting things with it since then. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
uncle wilco Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Maybe the juices just aren't flowing? I don't really believe that they would ever try to make less than their best, but I'm of the opinion that their best this time around isn't as good as their best in the past.i'm thinking that the band is made up of stellar players but maybe the creative chemistry isn't quite up to expectations yet. if you've got a group of guys on similar footing as musicians and the band is called wilco, meaning "the band that jeff built". they are gonna naturally defer to jeff in the end. maybe jeff needs a stronger presence in the band to bounce new ideas off of. of course, the new record will show exactly where they are in this respect and i'm only speculating. i'm just hoping that another jay bennett-type has or will step up. for all his flaws, jay was an important part of the 3 best albums wilco has produced to this point and a noticable drop off (at least to me) occured with agib. i've got my fingers crossed that the actual album will make me forget what i've heard of the new stuff to this point. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ction Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Are you kidding? You're actually picky about your flippin' leaks? How about some artwork and extras, too? I wouldn't mind a t-shirt, if that's what you're asking... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OOO Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Given the fact that Wilco has never put out a bad record, I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. John Stirratt said the album doesn't sound like we think it will. He'd know better than anyone here. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spawn's dad Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 it's interesting how he can read all our collective minds. freaky even. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jakobnicholas Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Welcome to Viachicago Sky Blue Sky High School: Sitting at one table are the nerdy, sensitive types who play Dungeons and Dragons, are in the chess club, and think Sky Blue Sky is beautiful and heart-felt and exquisite. Then at the other end of the lunchroom, are the jocks and partiers who laugh and snicker at the losers who listen to Sky Blue Sky.....making fun of them for liking something so un-rocking and un-edgy and un-Bennett and un-cool. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MWB Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Now I know you're kidding, their last record was 12 tracks and something like 67 minutes long. Yeah, but throw out the twelve minutes of bleeps and bloops on LTYT, and you're down to 55 minutes of actual songs. That's a good length for an album, I think. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
napoleon Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 That line just made me mad. I'm having a bad series of days and I've been a little on edge. I just don't feel like we should have any right to tell anyone else (especially established musicians like JT) what kind of records they should be making. I completly respect Jethro's opinion about the quality of the songs. Sorry for being an asshole this morning. i completely agree with you for what you said. so don't feel bad. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
quarter23cd Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Welcome to Viachicago Sky Blue Sky High School:Sitting at one table are the nerdy, sensitive types who play Dungeons and Dragons, are in the chess club, and think Sky Blue Sky is beautiful and heart-felt and exquisite.Then at the other end of the lunchroom, are the jocks and partiers who laugh and snicker at the losers who listen to Sky Blue Sky.....making fun of them for liking something so un-rocking and un-edgy and un-Bennett and un-cool.Wait, so the jocks are the ones saying it isn't edgy and experimental enough? What kind of high school did you go to?? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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