There's been a lot of expectation and talk about this record. So far a lot of the reviews have been disappointed. Supposedly a return to the days of AM and Being there. Sky Blue Sky does indeed present a more stripped down sound. The lead electric guitar of Nels Cline is often to the fore, and what's different about this Wilco record seems to be mainly based around him.

So far then, it seems to have been a disappointment for the critics while many fans love it. It also appears to be a grower. Listen more than once, don't be judgmental and you'll probably grow to love it.

The album starts off with 'Either way', and we're introduced to Sky Blue Sky in particularly mellow fashion, with the comforting familiar tones of Jeff Tweedy. Its almost dreamy, and the guitar, bass and piano spine lend it a jazzy feel. The percussion is soft and beguiling. Apart from Jeff's voice I'm reminded of Nick Drake. ANd yes, there are some strings. 'Maybe you still love me. Maybe you don't'. Tell you later Jeff.

'You are my face' sounds similar enough initially. With a glimpse of quieter U2. SOme gorgeous guitar work, and at a certain point, things get a bit stronger, a bit louder.
 An electric guitar jam with backup from the drums. A stretched Tweedy, and could that be a hammond organ?

'Impossible Germany' starts off as a straight song, good melody. It ends up as a gorgeous bluesy, jazzy jam. But mellow of course. Actually its gorgeous.

Title track next. 'SKS' talks about the 'drunks ricocheting the old buildings downtown'. Sounds like a hazy summer evening. Its too hot to rush. Better to relax; to chill out; to strum a guitar over a cold beer. Ever heard of Jack Johnson?

Some guitar playing breaks up a rather monotone 'Side with the seeds'. Then again with a name like that what do you expect?  I've seen this record described as Wilco's jam record and this song lends credence to that.

'Shake it off' is not doing much for me at all. Slightly grungey. Loud...quiet... loud. Seems to all have been done before. And it doesn't really go anywhere.

'Please be patient with me', presumably being sung to a partner/lover. Its a bit Jack Johnsonish again, but far more touching. You couldn't ignore that cracked fractured voice. We'll be patient Jeff. Promise.

We take off again in 'Hate it here'. Its not exactly head bashing but it is head nodding. It gets bluesier and more Beatlesish circa Abbey Road. Think 'Oh! Darling' or 'I want you'.

'Leave me(like you dound me)' is gorgeously delicate and touching.

'Walker' is more of a rocker. In the old style. Nice bluesy guitar and a strong piano lead. Overall quite bouncy and reminds one of Ben Folds. But rockier.

'What light'? Indeed. Lyrically this seems to be a message to each of us, folow your path, do what comes naturally and don't let anyone tell you that its wrong. Sounds a bit like James taylor. Not exactly Velvet Underground.

Album closer, 'On and on and on' is not in fact a threat. The song and album do end. Its actually one of the best songs on the album. More emotionally uncertain and worried 
than the rest of the album, it touches in a way that the other songs haven't. This is the one to 
make you cry. The one that reminds us all of those times in our relationships. Where we 
broke up or where we became stronger. A song and a subject that Tweedy's vocal, always 
seeming on the edge, is perfect for. It also builds beautifully from a very sparse vocal and
backing into a crescendo full of hope and future.

Overall then quite a melloy melodic album. It does have its bluesier elements. Not much rock going on. But a very enjoyable listen with a few lapses. Its not a challenge to listen to. It is a pleasure.

Stunning recording and mastering by Stan Ricker. Its not a long album, probably just over 50 minutes and its spread over 4 sides of extra high quality 180grm vinyl. In protective plastic lined sleeves. A extra strong cardboard gatefold sleeve and an lyrics insert. And of course a free cd copy of the album.