Discovered In October 2023 Mixed Tape
Wilco and More
Wilco-Cousin-Album Of The Month
Cousin is a very good Wilco Record. It has to be my record of the month because of that fact and I am a Wilco tragic. There have been Wilco records like Star Wars that would never make a monthly list of mine. This is not one of them
Love the production and the smooth edges and Jeff being reflective and questioning his presence and his reality.
It’s as if he is looking at life with a bemused curiosity …not with great negativity or positivity…just holding it in his hands.
Just under the surface is the Infinite Surprise that this is life or death.
The songs may not have the same level of angst and pain that a younger man’s work might deliver.
And that’s a good thing cause Jeff is a 56-year-old man who finds joy and wonder wherever he steps. Although he knows all about the stories that make up our trail.
Take a walk with Jeff and the boys and Cate on this one.
He may not walk a straight line but he keeps moving forward knowing there is pain and sunlight and more ahead.
Sonically and lyrically I give it a 4/5 after my second listen on headphones.
There are many songs on here that are going to be fabulous to hear live….as per every Wilco record. Looking forward to 3 shows in March 2024 in Melbourne.
“I don't really know what else to call it. I think it's pop music. I like pop music. I've always loved pop music. I always thought Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was a pop record until they told us it wasn't, and I still thought it was even after they told us it wasn't. The same with Summer Teeth and a lot of stuff that we've done. I mean, Wilco's an unpopular pop band.”-Jeff Tweedy on Cousin
Listen in to Nels, Wilco’s elder statesman, speak of his time with Wilco and more.
Patrick Wilson-It’ll Be Alright-Melbourne singer-songwriter delivers a mellow country-tinged beauty.
“My new record has been a labor of love for a few years now. I was set to release it in 2020 but that didn’t exactly work out so after having the time to sit back and contemplate the big questions I ended up writing and recording more songs which in hindsight was a blessing.
I feel the entire album is self-reflective, and an honest exploration into the grieving process associated with the ending of relationships and the coping mechanisms within that.”-Patrick Wilson
Bonnie Prince Billy-Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You- I have followed Will Oldham’s career for years. This is a beautifully moving record with no drums or electric instruments. It is probably his best in my book and very accessible to all ears.
Ever heard of Michael Hurley? If not, you might check him out if you like Billy. That goes the other way too.
Dope Lemon-Kimosabe-The 4th installment of this dreamy, psychedelic outfit fronted by Angus Stone.
He’s like a groovy Northern Beaches preacher. He be preaching something smooth and easy to get you through your life.
If you get a chance to catch them in person, I recommend it.
“The future, to me, is right here where I am now. I love what I am doing and I feel like that is the future of feeling content and happiness. I’m so lucky to have the fans I have and the people around me that support what I do and I love them all so much for that.” -Angus Stone
Mapache-Swinging Stars- Mapache consists of Clay Finch, Sam Blasucci, Cam Wehrle, and Steve Didelot. Born and raised in Glendale, California, their breathtaking harmonies and heartfelt sound verges on cosmic West Coast Pop Americana. A sweet folky album that is not nostalgic but some of those tunes take me back to that cosmic time.
The Bones Of J.R.Jones-Slow Lightning-Jonathon Linaberry is the musician behind The Bones of J.R. Jones. Brooding and lyrically interesting, this is the first I have heard of Linaberry so I have some back catalogue to delve into….and I will.
“That’s where the notion of ‘slow lightning’ was born,” Linaberry explains. “It’s about a power you can’t control, a force that’s bigger than you and follows its own path no matter how badly you want to mold or direct it. That’s what this record felt like, and it’s something I had to figure out how to embrace.”-Jonathon Linaberry
The Bures Band-Bird’s Nest-Debut album from this outfit from Western Australia. Americana leaning into a bit of Jerry Garcia and JJ Cale territory. Jut caught them at the Out On The Weekend Festival in Naarm and they played a couple of sweet sets. Check them out when they come to your village or city or pub near your living situation.
Jonah Tolchin-Dockside-Co-produced by Luther Dickinson and recorded a the legendary Dockside Studios in Maurice, Louisiana, you get a gumbo of blues in these 11 tracks. This is yet another artist I have only just stumbled upon and will have to dig into their back catalogue to see what else Tolchin has to offer.
Last Birds-Endless Turn Of Day Into Night-File this Canadian duo , the husband/wife songwriting team, Lindsay Arnold and Mike Davis, close to your Welch/Rawlings records. Intimate, warm, and comforting, this record is a diamond.
See you next month. Next year I may move away from a monthly update and give you the best albums of the month as they arrive. Have any thoughts? Or do you like this monthly gathering?