This is the first time in Wilco’s history that the same line-up has made two albums. Much of it was recorded in New Zealand earlier this year while the band were helping out Crowded House’s Neil Finn with a charity project.
The change of scenery seems to have suited notoriously downbeat frontman Jeff Tweedy, who almost (but not quite) sounds chirpy at times. Opener ‘Wilco The Song’ – described by the singer as a love letter to fans – is a chugging, mid-tempo rocker certain to become a live favourite. Meanwhile, ‘Deeper Down’ sees pastoral acoustic guitars vying with ethereal studio-crafted textures; Tweedy duets with chanteuse of the moment Feist on ‘You And I’ and ‘You Never Know’ has a Rolling Stones Exile On Main Street swagger, and more than a touch of the atmosphere of George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass (even down to a note perfect ‘My Sweet Lord’ guitar lick). The best American band around right now? Who knows but they’re certainly the most consistent.

Key Track: ‘Wilco The Song’