Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

Timeless

This album is beautiful. Country is, in my opinion, one of the most boring, drab genres in music, especially the newer stuff. But not Wilco. Wilco is the bomb. This album and Summerteeth would have to be my favorite album by Wilco, and they actually make country sound pretty good. So why “almost?” There is still a hefty amount of alternative in this music, and it isn’t all 100%, dominantly country music. I think that this is a good band for people who like lots of different genres and aren’t afraid to try out new styles of music.

Quite honestly, I am not really a Wilco fan, so my opinion might be unqualified. I initially heard this record upon its release via a workmate. I thought it was quite adventurous, interesting, and soulful. I looked into it a bit and read about Jay Bennett. Not sure if anyone agrees, but it seems like his influence is important to this music and perhaps he pushed them into the zones that helped make it successful and compelling. Of course, he left after this record and then sadly passed away in 2009(?). So, as I am listening again and enjoying YHF in a nostalgic sense, I thought I would tip my cap in remembrance of Jay Bennett. I enjoyed what I assume to be his important creative contributions to this record. Wishing the band and its fans continued love, joy, and happiness.

This is a morning album. Make yourself some breakfast and play this album to it. Play it on your way to work. Sensational!

I didn't understand Yankee Hotel Foxtrot my first time through it. I was confounded by it, as the only "single" type song is buried in the meat of the album (Heavy Metal Drummer). You can't go in expecting it to be anything like what you've heard before, because similar to Kid A, it throws things at you out of left field. If you can tough out the initial oddity of the sound, you'll be captivated by the intricate emotional compositions gradually after each listen. I haven't listened to it in a while, because I got into Wilco at a time I don't like to reflect on. What I do remember, is turning on "I am Trying to Break Your Heart" and just beaming at sound of Tweedy's transparent earnestness. It's crazy that an album can be so warm at times but encapsulate a theme of emptiness (like a transmission sent out to never be heard)

That's the best way to describe the songs. They're emotive. They capture a feeling. Anyone that's ever really listened to this album feels this attachment to it.

This is one of my favorite albums in the world. It grew on me over time to be honest. The connections form and sink in. If you like alternative in general, this album is for you.

totes.