#225 Wilco, 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot' (2001)

Previously #493

This album was so far down the list last time that I hardly even remember it. I mean, I know I listened to it because I got excited when I went to Chicago for the first time in 2016 and saw the famous Marina City Complex in person. It begins with the epic 7-minute-long ‘I Am Trying To Break Your Heart,’ a track that would lend its title to the documentary about the tumultuous recording and release of this record. The band’s label, Reprise Records, refused to release the record at the time as they weren’t too happy with it. This led the band to negotiate themselves out of their contract for free and as band-leader, Jeff Tweedy, didn’t want this to delay the release, the band streamed the album for free on their website. This would be, if not the first, then a VERY early incidence of music streaming – a gamechanger. In an eery coincidence, the album was originally slated to be released on September 11 2001 (take note of the album cover). It was streamed a week later due to the slight hiccup.

I got lost in this record, in a good way. Not entirely certain it deserves a spot this high up, but maybe due to its innovation, that gives it extra credits. My favourite tracks were ‘Jesus, Etc.’ and ‘Heavy Metal Drummer.’ Incidentally, it was a transition between ‘Ashes Of American Flags’ and the latter song that caused one of the major conflicts between the band on recording. I do believe this album is one of those that requires more than one listen. You really do pick up different things on every spin. It’s a complex and well thought out record.

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