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Lane Campbell Reviews: March,
2001
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down for John Stirratt of Wilco
Whiskeytown: A Hint of Pneumonia
Whiskeytown’s third, and likely final, release, slated for
a spring ‘01 release, has been making the rounds in demo form
for quite some time now. The record, essentially on the shelf
for around two years due to label mergers and the resultant
tossing of Whiskeytown from its Outpost contract, is set to
feature its share of guest contributions, including James
Iha of the Smashing Pumpkins, and apparently Tommy Stinson,
formerly of the Replacements and briefly a member of Guns
‘n Roses.
The piano-laden, almost majestic sound that dominates the
demo comes as quite a surprise, given the group’s earlier
lean towards gritty alt-country, guitar-driven songs. Lead
singer Ryan Adams has written the “Tumbleweed Connection”
of today, and nothing he’s ever done is quite as beautiful
as “Crazy About You,” in which the singer attempts to woo
back a lost lover: “Trust is a weird thing / Make you crazy
make you jealous make you wish you hadn’t said a thing.” Adams
sings with fierce conviction throughout, particularly on “Ballad
of Carol Lynn.” In the song, an almost bitter paean to an
ex-girlfriend, Adams’s voice finds a new range previously
unheard. “Bound to Make You Smile” introduces a chorus of
chiming waitresses. “Paper Moon” finds the band exploring
a little calypso-tinged balladry.
The
prolific Adams is rumored to have a considerable number of
songs in the can, including projects with Stinson (tentatively
titled “Fuck”), and former dB Chris Stamey. While it’s unfortunate
that Whiskeytown’s days are apparently behind them, it was
a natural progression. The band had tracked a path similar
to that of the Replacements, whose last two albums were arguably
Paul Westerberg solo records. This album is a pretty powerful
indication that we can expect fuiture greatness from Ryan
Adams.
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The
Autumn Defense The Green Hour
I had to keep checking the disc to make sure this was actually
John Stirratt’s latest project. Stirratt, whose day job as
bassist for Wilco has kept him busy for the last few years,
unleashes a collection of power-pop songs that would make
any fan of Shoes smile. Easily comparable to the work of Todd
Rundgren, Badfinger, and Matthew Sweet, it’s clear Stirratt
shares much of Wilco leader Jeff Tweedy’s interest in pop
music.
While Tweedy has brought Wilco forward from its alt-country
roots to the pop explorations of its latest record, Summer
Teeth, Stirratt has chosen to bow with a full-fledged
pop record (although Stirratt has considerable experience
with songwriting, first with the Hilltops, then while involved
in side project Courtesy Move, and finally with Wilco). The
record has a jazzy feel, particularly on “Revolutionary Mind,”
featuring lyrics by Woody Guthrie.
Calling to mind Mark Eitzel and even Freedy Johnston, its
horns and tempered percussion evoke the nostalgia of New Orleans.
The beautiful “Wellspring” is reminiscent of Alex Chilton,
and brings the power-pop nod full circle. It’s a fun journey,
and a fine debut as Stirratt seeks to find his voice.
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Lane
Campbell: February, 2000
Lane
Campbell: December, 2000
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