Wilco - A ghost is born

I've had it a couple of weeks and like it more each day. Need to skip a couple of the more self-indulgent tracks though. Not sure it is as fresh as YHF but not bad at all. Going to see them live next week too.

Bruce

My wife didn't like YHF and hates Ghost. Have to say they are in danger of disappearing up their own wotsits Radiohead style but there is some brilliant stuff here.

Olly

I was (still am) a big fan of Being There & AM. YHF I liked but not that much in comparison to the aforementioned. I read an article on JT and his migraine/drug problems, which I instantly related to cause I am kinda in the same boat (with migraines and the meds that you need to take to manage it). So, I purchased the album the day it came out thinking I would instantly relate to it. It's been in my car deck ever since and I'm not that thrilled with it. The track in the middle (not sure what #) that is essentially agitated white noise drives me crazy (and can itself induce a migraine). It almost forces you to switch the track immediately. I think I’m missing something as everyone seems to think it’s brilliant.
krak

A another great album and it's good to see them starting to move away from their Alt Country formula of their privous few albums.

Agree with the white noise track I have to skip it each time it comes on.

I liked Summer Teeth best. You know - actual songs. With tunes. But that's just me.

Bhoyo - you have good ears. A Ghost Is Born just tries too hard. There's plenty of good music out there, don't waste time on this.

(Pops his head above the parapet)

I like it too Minky. Don't have any other Wilco albums apart from YHF though! Maybe it's a frame of reference thing?

(Ducks back down)

I have all of their records and think this i their best yet. The others had some good tunes but, for me, no real identity. On this there are great tunes Theologians is one of their best - and a real sense of a group exploring the limits of what they do. I think Kidsmoke is a fabulous song, taking a good wilco tune and extending it in a way that comnpliments it rather than wrecks it. I also like the feedback. And I love Tweedie's guitar sound on this record, again more distinctive and characterful than before. Even better that YHF.

Kevin

Kevin,

The negative responses I got on this thread drove me away, "never to return", so it was nice to find your post while I was having a wee looksee today. Thanks for restoring my faith in the human race Ditto to you Jay.

I've played "Ghost" MANY times now and I just don't seem to be able to wear the bugger out. The songs are perfect and beautiful and I challenge anyone to find a more visceral guitar performance.

When the devil came
He was not red
He was chrome and he said ..

IMO it's on a different planet to YHF.

It's currently the frontrunner for my Album of Year honors. Color me impressed.

jay

i have to agree with Minky et al. i tend to focus on the instrumentation for the first few listens when i purchase an album. slowly, the lyrics insidiously creep in. i didn't totally "get" A Ghost is Born until i heard the lyrics

When the devil came
He was not red
He was chrome and he said ..

the album then hit me like a ton; it's beautiful music.

corey

I have no wish to drive others away from this forum and if I have given offence I apologise, but I was under the impression the point of it was for us to express our opinions.

After further listening my opinion of Ghost remains that it is a flawed album and I feel YHF (the only other Wilco album I own or know) is much better.

I note the praise for Hell is Chrome and agree it is one of the best tracks on the album but the last minute doesn't really take you anywhere and for me Kamera, War on War and I'm the Man who Loves You are much better songs.

Next up is Spiders which has a great riff that kicks in after around 4 mins of a fairly hypnotic beat with ethereal vocals overlaid (although even this is preceded by some pretty pointless guitar noodling in the build up). There is a harder edge here than anywhere on YHF that with a bit of focus the band could really do something with, but at around 9 mins (why is it even still going then?) Spiders has descended into a pointless noise. Ditto Handshake Drugs where a catchy hook degenerates at the close of the track.

Hence my comment they are in danger of disappearing up their own wotsits. I'd like to see the harder edge evident in Ghost combined more consistently with songwriting of the standard of YHF - then Wilco would indeed be a band worth making alot of fuss about.

Olly

quote:

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Originally posted by Jay:
(Pops his head above the parapet)

I like it too Minky. Don't have any other Wilco albums apart from YHF though! Maybe it's a frame of reference thing?

(Ducks back down)

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You mean a Fraim of reference, don't you ?

(Runs away giggling like a madman)

Edouard S.

The opener "At Least That's What You Said" is one of the standouts on the album for me, based largely on the overall song structure and some quite demented fretwork.

My other fave is "Theologians". Just a brilliantly crafted song.

I like it much better than YHF, FWIW. YMMV.

Following a write up in Stereophile Mag, which I get digitally in Uk. I bought Ghost - I think this is wonderful. My point here is that I bought YHF and the accompanying DVD. If you think they are getting up themselves watch the DVD.

Where is the next one.

Also I think EEls has a lot to offer

BigNick

quote:

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Originally posted by Edouard S.:

You mean a Fraim of reference, don't you ?

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No doubt it'd sound even better with a Fraim