Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days Of Summerteeth

 


"Love Is The King" is the new solo record from Jeff Tweedy. Once again, Tweedy sounds as if he is being propped up with sticks and pillows. I understand that somewhere inside the 40 minute record, there are some really great songs. Right? But it's all becoming a chore. Each new Wilco record has become more difficult than the last. Live, Wilco is still a force to be reckoned with. But, if Tweedy, either alone or with his band, doesn't deliver something a bit easier to digest soon, I am going to completely forget why I loved this band for so long.

There are a few songs on "Love Is The King" that stand out, like "Guess Again" and "Bad Day Lately," though neither will get your heart beating. The country tunes like "Opaline" and "A Robin Or A Wren" sound forced and uncomfortable. But it's the title track I dig most. It's hardly a rocker, but I am strangely attracted to the guitar solo which sounds a bit like it was lifted from The Youngblood's "Get Together," both in sound and attack, and pasted into the song, even if it doesn't really fit. Odd praise, I know. But it's the best I can do with this one.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was listening to it with half an ear and thought to myself, geez, he sounds like he's falling asleep. only to discover the song was called "Half Asleep."

Anonymous said...

The guitar solo builds up to a pretty squall, but the song is pretty dull. It seems like Tweedy's trying to emulate the worst of Bonnie 'Prince' Billy. I enjoy most of the Wilco stuff, though the last couple haven't really grabbed me. Fortunately, what Tweedy does solo doesn't have any impact on my enjoying Wilco.

If you want to listen to something more fun, try Blue Öyster Cult's new one, The Symbol Remains. It's surprisingly good!

- Paul in DK

Troy said...

I listened to the new album and wanted to like it. But it did nothing for me. Unfortunately, I have not really liked a Tweedy / Wilco record since YHF. A few songs here and there are ok, but with each release they get farther and farther away from me. That's on me, not them. Just not my thing anymore. That said, I am still looking forward to the expanded Summerteeth.

dogbreath said...

About some tracks, a mate of mine used to say "Wake me up when it's finished." Or was that my ex-wife? Anyhow, that's all I can add. Cheers!

Joe said...

Sadly, I have given up on Jeff Tweedy albums....

kevin m said...

A Ghost is Born was the last Wilco record that I really enjoyed. After that it was matter of diminishing returns. A few good songs sprinkled onto otherwise forgettable records. I don't think I even bothered listening to the last Wilco release and based on Sal's review, not inclined to spend precious time to Tweedy's solo stuff.

buzzbabyjesus said...

It's really hard to keep surprising yourself, especially in public.

Christine said...

Nice song to fall asleep to. I liked the lyrics. Maybe he should just write poetry?