Wilco

They do some very interesting work, folk, alternative, rock, esoteric, it's hard to put these guys in a label (and that's a good thing).

Why rate a band when you don't know who they are? Wilco are a fantastic band that change with every album, and while it is not always for the better it shows how far reaching their musical palette is. The fact that they can break into show-stopping Sonic Youth deconstruction and then turn around and sing a lonely country ballad is just amazing. Those who don't like Wilco are justified, but those who love Wilco, like myself, understand that they need to continually grow to express themselves as musicians.

When Uncle Tupelo broke up into Son Volt and Wilco, I was sure that I was going to be more of a Son Volt fan than a Wilco fan. Even after each band released their debuts, I still liked the deeper sounds of Son Volt. But somewhere along the way, I couldn't tell you exactly when it happened, Wilco has become not only my favorite of the two, but one of my favorite of all time.

During its existence Wilco has expanded its engaging roots rock to include some tasteful electronic effects.  While their studio albums have a tendency to contain too many depressing songs, Wilco kicks up the intensity level several notches in concert.  The double album “Being There” is worth owning, but they are definitely much better live.  3.5 stars.

My wife and I bought two copies of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot on the strength of its astonishingly enthusiastic critical reception. Maybe there's something we were missing that will leap out at us another time, but the album really bored us; it was really droning and depressing. We sold our copies back, but maybe we'll regret it; who knows?

Greatest band to come out of the midwest in 10 years, amazing sound. Jeff Tweedy is a genius.

This band is awesome. It disheartens me that they do not receive the respect they deserve; people turn up their noses in disgust upon hearing only the first fifteen or thirty seconds of a Wilco song. Their albums are always works of art--no two are ever alike. Also, each song has a message; the lyrics are are new and surprising. While some albums have songs which are eerily similar to the other ten tracks on the album (think Nickelback or Britney Spears), Wilco keeps you excited by delivering one shattering song after another.

Wilco has experienced tremendous critical-acclaim yet has received minimal promotional support from the youth-oriented music industry. Their most acclaimed CD is perhaps 2002's YANKEE HOTEL FOXTROT. Wilco has flavors of 90's grunge, REM, The Beatles, and a touch of country among their many influences. The end result is awesome. RateItAll has its own Wilco song list for individual track recommendations (mine are How to Fight Loneliness and Jesus, Etc.). Brilliant CDs.

Alt-Countryish at times, but have a more rock styled edge, a good band.

The greatest active band on the planet. The greatest active songwriter in America. The best American rock band of the past -- umm -- scratch that. The best American rock band, ever. Think of The Beatles. Think of The Band. Put them together. Add poetry. Add vision. Add musical ambition, innovation and brilliance. Sprinkle in a big kiss-off to the corporate world of contemporary rock. Shake gently. Shake violently. Wilco.

Probably the very best American band of the late 90's. Now they need to find a way to balance Tweedy's overbearing personality with his unbelievable talent to survive.

I hesitate to give such a young band ("young" meaning they've only released a few albums) five stars, or even sometimes four stars. But these guys deserve it. If "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" is any indication, they have a VERY promising career ahead of them, and a ton of street credibility, having been dropped by their record company after refusing to record a single for their album. RateItAll's "About Wilco" describes them as "versatile", and they pretty much hit the nail on the head. Wilco is VERY versatile (what other band could put two songs like "Heavy Metal Drummer" and "Ashes of American Flags" on the same album?). Assuming the record companies don't screw them anymore, I am confident that the public should catch onto Wilco soon enough. Let the war against teen pop begin. Take care, everyone!

one of the present and future great bands in Rock'n'roll. people go on about Ryan Adams and alt country--NEGATIVE---here's Alt Country/rock at it's best--all their albums are worth owning.

Of the post-Uncle Tupelo bands, I do prefer Son Volt, but Wilco has put out some very good tunes.

I just got introduced to Wilco from friends that are obsessed fans. Well, at first, I didn't really understand. I mean, yes, I liked their music but I didn't think it was the BEST EVER. Then, things changed. I listened to them more and got more background on the band and now I am a huge fan. I want to learn/hear more of Wilco. They came to San Francisco not too long ago and I was out of town and unable to see them. Very disappointed I couldn't see them. I am looking forward to hearing them when they come again. They have great lyrics, Jeff Tweedy has a great voice, and the the songs are just great.

Quietly making great record after great record...

By far my favorite band of all time. Jeff Tweedy is a musical genius and will go down as one of the 'unsung' musical heroes of the 90s and beyond. The early days in Uncle Tupelo were just a stepping stone for him to grow into what he is now with Wilco. Seems like a super cool guy who would be really fun to sit down and have a beer with. He has been tagged as one of the forefathers of Americana music, and he has boldly strayed away from strictly playing that genre of music. That takes some balls and confidence. Wilco has a super loyal legion of fans and that speaks volumes for the kind of band they are and the music that they play .

Jeff Tweedy has produced an alltime great with "Summerteeth" and his compilation work with "Mermaid Avenue" is to be commended.

Nut busting good!