CD Review - Being There


Being There
Wilco
Reprise Records

  Wilco's 2 CD set Being There hints at mounds of potential but smells slightly of mediocrity. There is some amazing songwriting to be found on this album, but unfortunately the great writing gets lost in the overload of songs.
  Formed out of the ruins of the Midwestern band Uncle Tupelo, Wilco sounds like a combination of The Band, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and any obscure black hills country writer.
  Comparisons like these seem only to be positive, but it is the lack of the bandıs own identity that will be their downfall. There are songs on this release that would reap havoc on the classic rock station's rotation list if given the chance, but probably won't create an identifiable name for the band.
  In "Someone Else's Song," lead singer Jeff Tweedy questions his own originality and sings "It sounds like someone else's song from a long time ago." Let me help you out with exactly who it is...Bob Dylan. Should I name the song too?
  To the album's credit, with an excessive number of plays, it grows on you. Unfortunately the average listener will not make it past the first disc.
  For those who feel like attempting to conquer this release, the highlights are "Outtasite (Outta Mind)," "Sunken Treasure," and "Monday." For those that don't feel that energetic, pull out your old vinyl of the classic aforementioned artists and save yourself the time and money.
  by Christopher Belsito