Alt-country fans rejoice, because Uncle Tupelo’s albums are finally getting the treatment they deserve!
For those who don’t know, Uncle Tupelo was a band in the early 1990s fronted by Jay Farrar (who went on to form Son Volt) and Jeff Tweedy (who went on to form Wilco). While they never had much popular success, they are now considered to be pioneers of what is known as “alternative country”; the genre is often referred to as No Depression country, for the magazine of the same name, which was named for UT’s first album. (The title comes from a Carter Family song that they cover on the album.)
They made four albums before they unfortunately split, largely due to tension between Tweedy and Farrar. Up until now, only the last of them, Anodyne has been readily available at all. In the last month or so, though, remasters of all four albums have been released, complete with augmented liner notes and bonus tracks galore.
I have only picked up one of these so far, March 16-20, 1992. (The others were calling my name…it took restraint to resist.) This was the least electric of the four albums, and with its acoustic guitars and old-time covers, it almost qualifies as a traditional folk record. The rock sensibility is still there, though. This one, interestingly, was produced by Peter Buck (of REM).
If this is your sort of thing, I highly recommend picking these up. (I have heard most of the others via MP3s and such over the years, and I can recommend them as well.) At the very least, everyone should pick up the one-disc compilation released last year (89/93: An Anthology).
Perhaps, but only if it’s possible to be overrated and underrated at the same time. Maybe overrated in music-nerd circles, but underappreciated generally.
I agree, especially regarding Tweedy. I think Farrar was definitely the stronger of the two during the UT days (not to take anything away from Jeff), but I’ve really shrugged at everything since Trace. (I keep thinking I should go back and give Sebastopol (sp?) another chance.) Tweedy and Wilco, on the other hand, keep getting better–I think his best work is ahead of him.
By the way, has anyone seen I Am Trying to Break Your Heart? It’s finally out on DVD. So much musical goodness, so little cash…
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart is great. Buy, not rent.
However, I have to disagree on Tweedy’s best work being ahead of him. I think Jay Bennett is one of the biggest reasons for the growth of Wilco and he is now gone. Sure, Tweedy could surprise us, but I thin Bennett will be missed.
Hyjack: Check out Jay Bennett’s album that he did with Edward Burch – The Palace at 4am (there is demo version available too), it is really good.
I wholeheartedly disagree. While I think Bennett was important in YHF’s songwriting I think Tweedy was the dominant songwriter. I got a copy of the yet to be released (shelved indefinetly) Kamera ep which features the first studio work by Wilco since their split with Bennett and it is awesome! The songs are not filled with ambient noise like YHF (which were were a good part of Tweedy’s doing too) instead they have a more stripped down vibe. Tweedy was definetly the better of the songwriters in Wilco.
As for Uncle Tupelo I think Farar was the driving force. Tweedy was more or less along for the ride. Also Tupelo was, as DoctorJ said, both underated and overated. When they where still around they had a cult following of devoted fans but lacked mass acceptance. Since their demise and the rise of Wilco and Son Volt they picked up an undeserved, almost legendary status. Don’t get me wrong, I like Uncle Tupelo a lot but they were ok, not incredible.
I have a hard time comparing UT and Wilco/Son Volt; I think all of them are great in their own right. Wilco, especially, has come a long way since UT; I remember when my local independent record store back in Lexington finally moved Wilco out of its “Alternative Country” section and into Rock, with a note of explanation where their CDs used to be.
Is Tweedy a difficult guy to work with? He seems to have the proverbial creative differences with a lot of people. I know how defensive he is about his artistic vision, and if YHF is any indication, he should be. I really need to see that movie.
pezpunk, you really thought the EP was that good? Personally, I think it is a pretty minor effort. I also don’t think it a real indication of the post-Bennett Wilco. A number of the songs were written and recorded while Bennett was still in the band. I haven’t seen any notes on who played what, so it is possible they even used recorded versions that Bennett played on.
I’m a fan of a lot of alt-country. Wilco, The Jayhawks, etc.
I have to admit that Uncle Tupelo leaves me a bit flat, as does Son Volt. Son Volt’s ‘Trace’ has a few good songs (Tear Stained Eye, Ten Second News), but quite a few that just annoy me. And Uncle Tupelo’s music just seems to blend together. Also, I really don’t much care for Jay Farrar’s reedy voice. It’s great on some songs (Tear Stained Eye particularly), but often just comes across as harsh and whiny.
BTW, as a semi-hijack - run out and buy “Rainy Day Music” by The Jayhawks. It is a great album. Not quite a “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” - it’s not that ambitious. Just lots of great songs with solid hooks, gorgeous harmonies, etc.
Ok, I may have been a bit overzealous by saying the EP is awesome but I do definetly think that it is an exellent post YHF effort. It shows that they are still evolving and not just going to put out YHF2. Some of the songs were written with Bennet in the band but they have been reworked a bit and I do not think any of the EP was recorded with him.
As for Bennett’s solo effort… eh. So-so at best. I think he may have initially gotten Wilco headed in the right direction but after a bit, slowed down any real progression. You may enjoy the review of The Palace at 4am (Part I) at Pitchfork.
Listening to Down with Wilco was a strange experience; I kept expecting to hear Tweedy’s voice instead of the way-too-smooth lead singer of the Minus 5 (Tom somebody? I can’t remember). It sounds like a lot of the more atmospheric Wilco tracks, like “Reservations” from YHF or “Shot in the Arm” from Summer Teeth.
And while we’re discussing all things Wilco, did anyone see an obscure movie called Chelsea Walls? It was directed by Ethan Hawke, I think; Tweedy composed most of the soundtrack.
I’ll also second Sam Stone’s recommendation of the Jayhawks’ Rainy Day Music. [sub]You’re in a taaaaiiiiilspinnnnnn, baby…[/sub]
That is really awesome! One thing though. the EP I have is only 6 songs but you say “a big part?” Do you have more songs on your Kamera EP? My understanding has always been that they only recorded 6 songs for this EP. There is a YHF Demos cd with other unreleased stuff though.
I don’t get Son Volt. I like Wilco, but the two SV songs I’ve heard (Drown, Medicine Hat) didn’t excite me. They definitely had their moments; some strong melodies, but they seemed to gloss it over with a sticky commercial sheen. It sounded just a little too Mellencamp for my tastes.
Is all their stuff like this, or am I listening to the wrong songs?
I’m really looking forward to buying the remastered version of No Depression, which, I hate to admit, is the only Uncle Tupelo album I own. Hopefully they’ve turned the mix volume up on the reissue. Doctor J, have you or anyone else noticed that you have to absolutely crank up your stereo to listen to the original incarnation of the CD at even a minimally enjoyable volume level?
On a related note, I just found out that Wilco is playing at the Last Day festivities at Duke tomorrow (today? 4/23) along with Better Than Ezra. An odd double bill, to be sure, but one I can get behind.
I can’t find anything out about just how welcome the general public will be (I could flash my UK student ID!), but it’s an hour or less away, so unless I hear that I’ll be shooed away at gunpoint, I’m there!