Album Of The Week: Wilco’s Star Wars

Once in a while, a talented and established band will blindside the masses with an unexpected release. It causes a buzz for a few days among the band’s loyal fans. That’s pretty much what happened when Chicago Americana rock act Wilco unexpectedly released Star Wars a few days ago. The release has a fuzzy psychedelic edge to it, glossing over Jeff Tweedy’s trademark rhythmic strums while unleashing guitar slinging madman Nels Cline on every track. Definitely a refreshing record to come out in a year filled with musical gems, Star Wars reaches for the skies.

The band’s 9th studio album, Star Wars has a lot of grit. Wilco strays even more away from the pop sensibilities of previous albums Sky Blue Sky and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and gets back to their roots. It has a similar sound to the band’s 1995 debut A.M., but there’s a heavier bass tone and you’ll hear tinges of garage rock and blues. A few tracks are absolutely nasty (in a good way) and soulful; you can’t help but dig what Wilco is doing from front to back. Ladies and gentlemen, Star Wars is proof that one of America’s favorite rock bands just got weirder.

The name of Wilco’s new album is pretty interesting, huh? Star Wars? Did George Lucas help finance the record? Are Wilco the new Mos Eisley house band in The Force Awakens? We’re going to find out from the band sooner or later. Anyways, here are my top tracks off of the Album Of The Week.

Very bluesy and fuzzy, “Pickled Ginger” is a mix of Motown soul and Delta blues that will put you in a rude mood. It’s almost as if Wilco is trying to do his best impression of Canned Heat and doing a damn good job of it. A tad swampy, “The Joke Explained” has a laid back way about it, but man is it reminiscent of Creedence Clearwater Revival with the twangy guitars. “King Of You” is another rocker that has a triumphant chorus you’re bound to enjoy.

The next time New Englanders can catch Wilco is coming up pretty quickly. They’ll be at the 20th Annual Gathering Of The Vibes happening at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Conn., on August 1 as part of a weekend full of fun. Before you head down to the 203, you can download Star Wars for free on Wilco’s website. Experience the beauty that comes with the unexpected.

Tickets to Gathering Of The Vibes: gatheringofthevibes.festivalticketing.com/boxoffice

Download Star Wars on Wilco’s website: wilcoworld.net