Every review of this cd that I've read does extensive comparison to Wilco, especially to Wilco's "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot". I would love to escape that trap. Unfortunately, I doubt if I can.
Upon examination of the title "Down With Wilco" there are two meanings that could be applied. Either it's a reference akin to "I dig Wilco" and "Wilco's da bomb" or it's a hate letter that wants to bring harm to Wilco. Or a sarcastic version of either of those meanings.
However, once you learn about the cd, you realize it's not a statement full of malice at all. The Minus 5 is basically Scott McCoughey. And in addition to several other guys, the main people backing him are four members of Wilco, including Jeff Tweedy.
As a consequence, this cd is fairly spaztic. Behind the usual vocals, guitar, bass, and drums, you've got noises that fitz and pop. They drone and grind. Sometimes it's subtle and others it's not.
For the most part, this cd feels more rock and more alt.country than the indie influenced "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot". There is even the subtle touch of an oldies influence to some of the songs. They also feel barer and stripped down. Where "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" is kind of a dark cd, this one bursts with more of a "Summerteeth" glee. Part of this is the lighter touch of the instruments and the fact that Scott McCaughey handles the lead vocals on all of the songs except one.
While not officially a Wilco release, this is definatley a Wilco project. There is enough solid material here to tide any fans over until a new release drifts out of the Wilco camp. Don't expect it to be "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" part 2, but you will see the influences.
Of interesting historical note, while it was just released recently, this cd was actually recorded in 2001. There were two recording periods, September 10-14 and December 15-18. In the liner notes, after each song's lyrics it says the date of recording. One song was actually recorded on September 11, "I'm Not Bitter." It includes the ironic line, "But I'm not bitter, I'm not bitter, not at all, just a lot."
peace.
All in all it's a very well done, quaint cd.
Article comments
1 - Bill Sherman
Critiquees and Wilco fans aside, I'm more interested in this disc as a longterm Young Fresh Fellows lover: Scott McCaughey is an underrated wonder.
(Re: the title. The first Minus 5 disc, which was done in collaboration with REM's Peter Buck and assorted quirkmeisters like Robyn Hitchcock, was called Let the War Against Music Begin. Don't think Scott was serious there either. . .)
2 - Bill Sherman
A correction: further investigation has turned up earlier Minus 5 EPs and discs that predate the two-fer with YFF. Don't know how any of 'em sound. . .
3 - Randominas
Strangely enough, I think the b-sides found on "At the Organ" are largely more catchy and compelling than what what put on the album. I know the album goes for a certain mood, but how a near-perfect track like "Hotel Senator" can be left on the cutting room floor is beyond me. And the unused version of "The Town That Lost It's Groove Supply" has much more life than the album version. Add in "(I've Got A) Lyrical Stance" and "Formerly Hail Centurion" and you've got a batch of songs that could have really made "Down With Wilco" great. What's here is good, I just think some of these other songs are better. I like "Daggers Down" and "Retrieval of You" among others, and who doesn't love a track fronted by Jeff Tweedy (okay, based on Wilco's album sales, a fair number of people....). Anyway, good CD. Could have been better.
4 - DJRadiohead
"Retrieval of You" is worth the price of admission alone. I don't think the album sounds all that Wilco-esque but I am probably in the minority in that respect (and yes, I own all of Wilco's records - I just don't hear it).
5 - Ed
Down With Wilco is actually a pretty dark album if you listen to the lyrics. Songs about kidnapping, bitterness, and quitting set to deceptively snappy tunes.