Wilco have established themselves as elder statesmen of American rock and roll by now. Their decade album run between 1996 and 2007 was enough alone to cement their reputation as icons. And of course Jeff Tweedy is one of our great songwriters, front men, and general righteous dudes. So they can be forgiven for spending the next decade making good records, as opposed to great ones.
There were great moments, though. Star Wars was a shot of adventurous rock and roll after a couple decent but not quite unforgettable records(Wilco(The Album) and The Whole Love, I’m looking at you.) And the Tweedy solo album Sukierae was a brisk reminder that Jeff still has engaging songs in him. I don’t want to say Wilco has settled into a comfortable, familiar groove, but they have somewhat. And good on them. They deserve it.
Their latest, the EP Hot Sun Cool Shroud, is a glimpse of the more adventurous, noisier Wilco of the past. It’s 6 songs and 17 minute runtime blows by quickly, begging for repeated listens. It’s a short but sweet shot of what made Wilco such and important part of American rock and roll.
“Hot Sun” opens this set and it’s just a cool song. Bouncy guitar line be bops around as Jeff Tweedy sings in an almost conversational vibe. The chorus shines sunny dispositions and an almost Motels vibe. It’s sparse and perfect. And an almost psychedelic breakdown is the icing on the cake. “Livid” follows it up in an almost punk rock tempo, complete with chaotic guitars and electronic noise. Touches of Dixie Dregs and White Denim come through. “Ice Cream” is quiet and sweet, touching on almost ambient country.
“Annihilation” might be the greatest gem here. Driving rhythm, jangly guitars, and a melancholy lean. Fans of those Yankee Hotel Foxtrot alt tracks will eat this up. Just a killer song all around. “Inside The Bell Tones” is an odd, artsy instrumental that leads into closer “Say You Love Me”. While sadly not a Fleetwood Mac cover it is a lovely piano-led track that brings to mind classic-era Wilco. Jeff Tweedy’s vocals are lilting among the lush string and piano production.
Hot Sun Cool Shroud is a beauty of an EP from one of the great American rock and roll bands. It’s also a reminder that even after 30 years Tweedy and co still have a few tricks up their sleeves.
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