These songs find the group's leader on more comfortable ground, and the tone of Star Wars is that of some good friends tossing ideas against the wall and discovering that a surprising number of them stick.
This is the sound of a cohesive unit letting it rip in the studio for by far the shortest album of their careers--and not a note is misplaced or wasted, despite how (intentionally) messy it sounds.
Formulaic song-structure stagnation lingers since the group's 2005 lineup overhaul and subsequent lackluster LP, Wilco (the Album). In Fact, the sextet borders on complacency in its rock-ribbed space-rock safety net, despite that music's surface eccentricity and innovation.
Wilco has released an album that just solidifies their place as the greatest/most interesting working band in modern music. "Star Wars" is anWilco has released an album that just solidifies their place as the greatest/most interesting working band in modern music. "Star Wars" is an action packed, whirlwind of an album whose 11 songs (opening shorter instrumental & 10 others) clock in at just under 35 min.. There isn't a dull moment in the ride. The songwriting is top notch, the band firing on all cylinders. There's no telling how long certain bands can stay at a peak level like this. That Wilco has gone 20 years at this continuous high level, with nary a glitch, is a rare & precious thing indeed. Enjoy them for as long as they might burn this brightly.
The album truly sounds like a cohesive whole & I hope that they continue to play the full work, as they did at the Pitchfork Festival recently. While they still sound like Wilco, this album, like most of their works, sounds unique unto itself. If I had to reference any past works it recalls I guess there'd be some of "A Ghost Is Born", some of Jeff's side project Loose Fur (they made 2 albums) & some "Summerteeth" too. But that referencing doesn't come close to doing it justice. It's nothing short of a modern masterpiece & they play the daylights out of it live.…Expand
It's a cliche to say this, but this album is a "return to form" for Wilco. Every song on Star Wars is quirky and ingenious. Some of the songsIt's a cliche to say this, but this album is a "return to form" for Wilco. Every song on Star Wars is quirky and ingenious. Some of the songs sound deceptively simple, but, upon further examination, turn out to be very original and non-traditional structurally. The album has a somewhat 1970's, fuzzy-rock-guitar aesthetic reminiscent of some of the songs from A Ghost Is Born (I'm A Wheel, Kicking Television). Jeff Tweedy has the ability to write piercingly sad songs; he also has the ability to write groovy rock songs that are incredibly fun to listen to. Composed mostly of the latter, I think Star Wars is an outstanding album that ranks at the top of Wilco's oeuvre, along with YHF, A Ghost Is Born, and Sky Blue Sky.…Expand
Not as good as some of there previous work like A.M. but also a very solid album. The opening instrumental really draws you in and then WilcoNot as good as some of there previous work like A.M. but also a very solid album. The opening instrumental really draws you in and then Wilco does Wilco and keeps you drawn in with quarky and interesting songs.…Expand
As everyone, I was shocked by this surprise release. I've been waiting for a new Wilco album since Tweedy released Sukierae and this is justAs everyone, I was shocked by this surprise release. I've been waiting for a new Wilco album since Tweedy released Sukierae and this is just great. I'm even a little sad that it is short for a Wilco album, but may be that's what it is, something different in a band that has proof of bieng able to bring something new to the table with each release. When I heard Sleater-Kinney's No cities to love in January I thought that that album was going to be the best rock album of the year, may be this one's not better but it certainly gives the other a strong battle.…Expand
This record is better than the last few, maybe because the sonics are exceptional and they are deployed with greater purpose and efficiency;This record is better than the last few, maybe because the sonics are exceptional and they are deployed with greater purpose and efficiency; these are some of the bands' best and most compelling sounds ever, and the execution results in some wonderful drama and listening pleasure.
I really do enjoy the soft heart-tugs from the last two records, but they ran the risk of repetitiveness and I'm glad the band decided to get quickly from point A to point B. The straightforward path rarely gets enough credit in this business-- it's a surefire way to see where a band is, and just how talented they are at that moment. This band's still got it!
(and apparently a new record is on the way as well. Jeff Tweedy is certainly enamored with this particular muse..)…Expand
Similar to Wilco (the Album). Experimental, a bit goofy, but still some genuine songcraft there. Even their throwaway albums have value, andSimilar to Wilco (the Album). Experimental, a bit goofy, but still some genuine songcraft there. Even their throwaway albums have value, and that's why they're so great.…Expand
By all rights this album should be a steaming pile, but if there was to be a band that could release an album out of the blue with the titleBy all rights this album should be a steaming pile, but if there was to be a band that could release an album out of the blue with the title "Star Wars" and a picture of a cat for the cover and have that album actually be good, it would be Wilco. This album is spontaneous, fun, eclectic, and a short, easy listen. Not an album I was anticipating, but one that may just sneak its way into my favorites of the year list.…Expand
