In my time of reviewing albums, there hasn’t been an album as hyped as Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. From the Reprise rejection to the quasi-but-not-breakup of the band to the release of the first single, “Heavy Metal Drummer,” YHF was on everyone’s mind before it even came out.
It did not disappoint. In fact, it was simply the best album released in the year 2002.
Wilco have been darlings of the press for quite a while, in fact, since Nirvana was popular. However, since their third album, the masterpiece that is Summerteeth, critics in the land were proclaiming “Good luck topping that.” And while they may not have topped it, they have matched it, at the very least.
The drama surrounding the record supercedes it. Maybe that’s the reason we like it. Maybe its because Jeff Tweedy is so likable. Maybe its because Tweedy has such a tie to KCOU.
Nevertheless, it is a gem.
The first track, “I am trying to break your heart” (also the name of the Wilco documentary), is a soft, experimental love song. From the onset of it, it’s easy to hear that Wilco is not about to fart around with stupid, conventional production. With feedback, echoes and swanky percussion, YHF creates more than a mood.
The album’s worst moments are still wonderful. The sometimes annoying “I am the man who loves you” is incredibly catchy and has an excellent riff. The somber “radio cure” is hard to get through, but the final 1:30 is worth the payoff. And while “Reservations” goes on too long, it still works.
The great moments are near perfect. “I am trying to break your heart” is passionately written and produced, as is “Pot Kettle Black.” “Ashes of American Flags” tells of every minute detail of everyday life, while questioning nationalism. “War on war” is as subversive as it is impassioned. “Kamera” is a song that would fit on an earlier album, except it’s exponentially better than anything from A.M. or Being There. And “Heavy Metal Drummer” is so much fun to sing and listen to.
Wilco is one of the few bands that attract everyone. There are far more people who love Wilco than hate them. They are one of the few bands that frat guys, jocks, and indie rockers all enjoy. Their wondrous accessibility coupled with constant innovation are the reason for this. It’s also the reason this album is so great.
- Ross Gianfortune
