After ambitious art phases, run by gut and fueled by and emotion, artistic process usually comes to the point of homeostasis. It is not a bad phase per se, rather a relatively predictable succession of works that confirm the artist’s reputation.
The album Schmilco by the band Wilco is in that category – it is difficult to compare it to it precedents, but it is nonetheless worthy of our attention. Some parts reminds us of the greatness of Tweedy Jeff. Schmilko sounds like it was recorded in just one breath, during a single afternoon. It is a coherent album, without redundant facets. It is just the question of articulating the theme in the right way and making it congruent to the rest of the album. The record is dominated by Tweedy’s guitar, while the rest of the band produces some peculiar sounds, equally flirting with pastoral (Just Say Goodbye) and dissonant psychedelic (Common Sense). The latter does not hit the jackpot as a more rural sound does.
Tweedy and co combine acoustic harmonies with electric refinement. The most successful of the kind is Cry All Day, a pop-rockabilly-Americana with simply but irresistible rhythm and impressive guitar sections. Another success is Shrug and Destroy, a forlorn presentation of past-date love packed into a lovely arrangement of shaky piano and violins. Happiness is an unfinished piece, although not necessarily bad. Quarters is in the some category – a rough beginning, but a very cool ambient ending.
We Aren’t The World would be a discrete hit in some other world – Tweedy’s whisper, acoustic guitar and marimba force you to play it again. The closing track Just Say Goodbye ends the record in ethereal light.
You’ll probably hear better albums this year, but this one is definitely one of the most charming ones.
