This band is somewhat of an acquired taste, but the rabid fans of Wilco singer/songwriter Jeff Tweedy go crazy for his music. If you need an easy entry point into this unique band, there’s no better time than to dive in with their new album, Cruel Country, coming out very soon! Judging by the pre-release information, this is shaping up to be a treat for newcomers and returning fans alike.
This new release, slated from May 27th, 2022, will feature two discs and 21 songs of country-influenced Wilco. The album features all six members of Wilco coming together to record, with minimal extra bells and whistles to focus on the group sound. The more earthy, simple approach has so far fit the songwriting expertly.
Only one single has been put out so far, but it is a very fresh take on the Wilco sound. Fitting with the direction that Tweedy has described for Cruel Country, 'Falling Apart (Right Now)' is explicitly country-influenced but, in terms of songwriting excellence, seems like the next logical step for Tweedy's more stripped-down indie rock solo albums.
Jeff Tweedy has over 20 albums to his name under different project names and bands, so here are the highlights to revisit while you wait for Cruel Country to come out.
Uncle Tupelo
The alt-country band that turned into Wilco and Son Volt.
Album to check out: Anodyne (1993)
Wilco
The complex genre-blurring indie band that rose to remarkable cult popularity out of Uncle Tupelo.
Album to check out: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2001)
Tweedy
Jeff Tweedy gets his son to play drums on a double-disc release that marks his first official solo album.
Album to check out: Sukirae (2014)
Solo Albums
Following a collection of acoustic revisits of Wilco songs, Jeff Tweedy started releasing solo albums in the interim between Wilco records. Though his son still plays the drums, the recent albums are all under the name Jeffy Tweedy.
Album to check out: Warm (2018)
Cruel Country will be available on streaming services everywhere on May 27th!