Down With Wilco
by The Minus 5
  • Record Label: Yep Roc
  • Release Date: Feb 25, 2003
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. AllMusic
    90
    This collective has always represented the darker elements of McCaughey's personality, but the depression is kept in check here by Wilco's solid and often upbeat backing, thus playing a major role in the most enjoyable Minus 5 release yet.
  2. Stylus Magazine
    89
    It’s the most lush, symphonic pop music since, well, Wilco’s Summerteeth.
  3. Billboard
    80
    While the album isn't nearly as compelling as Wilco's latest, it proves a thoroughly enjoyable listen nonetheless.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Hardly essential, but very cute--and more fun than Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. [28 Feb 2003, p.80]
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  6. Pitchfork
    73
    Down with Wilco shouldn't be purchased simply on the desire to hear new Wilco material, but would almost certainly appeal to fans of the Summerteeth era.
  7. Rolling Stone
    70
    It's a Saturday- night version of Foxtrot: laid-back, poignant and comic.
  8. Nude As The News
    70
    While not quite as satisfying as Wilco's 1998 collaboration with Billy Bragg, Mermaid Avenue, the new record is a great document of two groups that enjoy experimenting and pushing the musical envelope.
  9. Mojo
    70
    A reflective, pop album fit for a rainy afternoon. [Mar 2003, p.103]
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  10. The A.V. Club
    70
    While Down is ultimately just a collection of minor pleasures, they're the kind of pleasures that add up.
  11. PopMatters
    70
    Almost too understated for its own good.
  12. E! Online
    67
    Neither as experimental as Yankee Hotel Foxtrot nor as accessible as McCaughey's various forays, nothing on the album really makes an impression other than a couple of throwaway lyrics and the abrupt shift between McCaughey's pinched vocal styling and Wilco singer Jeff Tweedy's coarse whisper.
  13. Q Magazine
    60
    Sun-kissed, deeply Beach Boys-esque music that will provide comfort to those who wondered what happened to the Wilco of 1999's Summerteeth. [Mar 2003, p.111]
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  14. Uncut
    60
    The closest Wilco parallel to this sunshine pop is probably the Summerteeth album. [Apr 2003, p.108]
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  15. Alternative Press
    60
    A solid album, but a must-have only for Tweedy completists. [Apr 2003, p.82]
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  16. Austin Chronicle
    50
    It's one of those albums that's good, but you also know you won't listen to it all that much.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. JeffD
    Aug 18, 2005
    3
    If you look at it on paper, I should really like this album. I like Wilco. I like REM. I like some Minus 5 songs. For the life of me, though, If you look at it on paper, I should really like this album. I like Wilco. I like REM. I like some Minus 5 songs. For the life of me, though, I keep looking for the Next button until whoops, ran out of songs. Since I don't worship at the altar of Brian Wilson I suppose I'm not the exact target audience. Technically this is a great album. It sounds good. The pieces are all there, but there's just something that leaves a taste like flat Coca-Cola in my mouth: it's not bad, but it could be better. It is a very produced album; you can tell they spent a lot of time in the studio on this one. Perhaps that's the problem, it's all very sterile to my ears. The Minus 5 sound great on a wonderful power-pop single like "You Don't Mean It" but on this...too much Beach Boys worship for my tastes. If you like the thought of all the production of the Beach Boys with a little bit of Jeff Tweedy, buy this album. Just don't expect a new Summerteeth. As for me, if I want to listen to the Beach Boys I'll actually listen to the Beach Boys.… Full Review »
  2. RonD
    Oct 18, 2003
    8
    Can't get it out of my head
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