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"I have no idea how this happens."

Probably the worst thing you can say about music, or any art for that matter, is that it has no effect on you at all. It doesn't move you. It doesn't make you feel good or bad. It doesn't even annoy you. Unfortunately, this is the case with Wilco's new album Sky Blue Sky.

"I will try to understand"

Going all the way back to Uncle Tupelo, Jeff Tweedy has proven himself to be an artist of great depth and creativity. His work constantly evolved and changed with increasing complexity and nuance. Known for line-up changes, Tweedy seemed to have settled on the crew used for the tour following the release of A Ghost is Born. This featured the talents of experimental guitar legend, Nels Cline. Considering the content of the last two albums, this seemed like a logical and promising move. After hearing the product of this collaboration on the live album Kicking Television, it was disappointing to find that the songs sounded flat and uninspired.

Somehow, with a more technically proficient band, Wilco has lost the ragged appeal that made the music so much more affecting and personal. Sky Blue Sky may be seen as a return to their roots; recalling A.M. and Being There. This would be an incorrect assessment. Where those albums were more akin to the Rolling Stones or Flying Burrito Brothers, this album is more in line with the Eagles and Grateful Dead.

To say that this is a bad album would be too extreme. It just lacks the intangible elements that separated Wilco from Ryan Adams and the like. Lyrically, Tweedy is still strong and on a level few can match. There are occasional moments of brilliance.

"Either Way" starts to rock for a few moments before bottoming back out to a lullaby bass line that reminds of Pink Floyd's "Us & Them". "Impossible Germany" meanders before evolving to a back and forth of guitar histrionics much like 'Hotel California". Considering the capabilities of both guitarists, even this isn't as compelling as it sounds. It ends up much more like Steely Dan than Sonic Youth.

"I survived. It's good enough for now."

Sky Blue Sky doesn't rock. It doesn't roll. It just kind of sits in the corner, talking to itself, with nothing much to say.

Reviewed by: Ghostly

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