Keys to the Hotel?
June 1, 2011 8:22 PM Subscribe
Help me get into Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
I have this pattern where I listen to it once a year, then get rid of it. I like TWeedy's other work, and I like work that sounds like this, and so I should like this. What is good criticism about this album, good writing, or in general, what are you looking for when you listen to this?
I have this pattern where I listen to it once a year, then get rid of it. I like TWeedy's other work, and I like work that sounds like this, and so I should like this. What is good criticism about this album, good writing, or in general, what are you looking for when you listen to this?
Response by poster: I know that, but it's mostly a curiousity thing.
posted by PinkMoose at 8:32 PM on June 1, 2011
posted by PinkMoose at 8:32 PM on June 1, 2011
Maybe you try watching I Am Trying To Break Your Heart on Netflix? Otherwise, I don't know. I think that's a good first stop.
posted by padraigin at 8:35 PM on June 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by padraigin at 8:35 PM on June 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
I 'should like' the Fall. I fucking hate em.
There's way to much out there in life to ponder things you should like, just find something you do without analysis!
posted by tremspeed at 8:44 PM on June 1, 2011
There's way to much out there in life to ponder things you should like, just find something you do without analysis!
posted by tremspeed at 8:44 PM on June 1, 2011
I think it may help to be incredibly depressed, drinking a bit too heavily, and younger than you think you are. I spent a good chunk of this sort of hot, underemployed, early-20s summer laying on the floor and staring at the ceiling and listening to it, which is what cemented it as one of my favorite albums, for whatever reason.
I can't think of a good review that you should read. Which is a little odd, because I remember feeling like everyone on the web had decided to write one and argue about the ones other people had written.
posted by brennen at 8:45 PM on June 1, 2011 [9 favorites]
I can't think of a good review that you should read. Which is a little odd, because I remember feeling like everyone on the web had decided to write one and argue about the ones other people had written.
posted by brennen at 8:45 PM on June 1, 2011 [9 favorites]
If you need to listen and like something with Yankee in the title, pop in At Yankee Stadium by NRBQ. It rocks!
posted by JohnnyGunn at 9:21 PM on June 1, 2011
posted by JohnnyGunn at 9:21 PM on June 1, 2011
Help me get into Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Skip the first track? From memory, Tracks 2-10 are the pop meat between the artisan bread of this genius sandwich.
posted by smithsmith at 9:25 PM on June 1, 2011
Skip the first track? From memory, Tracks 2-10 are the pop meat between the artisan bread of this genius sandwich.
posted by smithsmith at 9:25 PM on June 1, 2011
I agree with padraigin. I Am Trying to Break Your Heart does a pretty decent job of documenting the story surrounding YHF and this might help you relate to the album to a greater degree.
That being said, if you don't like it, even if someone says you should, you still don't have to like it. Look at flossing and spinach.
posted by elder18 at 10:00 PM on June 1, 2011
That being said, if you don't like it, even if someone says you should, you still don't have to like it. Look at flossing and spinach.
posted by elder18 at 10:00 PM on June 1, 2011
I always feel bad that 'A.M.' is my favorite Wilco album.
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 10:01 PM on June 1, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 10:01 PM on June 1, 2011 [3 favorites]
If what you want a stranger's take on it:
Best sad album ever. Tweedy sings from a hole in his chest... you can hear the painkillers in his voice. It's an album for depressed, broken, numb romantics. Even the most jangly songs are still sad. so... maybe your problem is that you aren't in the right state of mind. Brennen's got it right, this is definitely one of those albums that you listen to while staring blankly at the ceiling. The way it lingers is totally crushing, but if you aren't in the mood to be crushed then it will probably just make you feel impatient.
but anyway, when there's a challenging album that I want to get into, I think it helps to put it on in the background and just hear it passively a few times. Then when I decide to actively listen, it sounds more familiar. I probably listened to YHT 10 or 15 times before I really got what was going on
posted by Bunge at 10:19 PM on June 1, 2011 [6 favorites]
Best sad album ever. Tweedy sings from a hole in his chest... you can hear the painkillers in his voice. It's an album for depressed, broken, numb romantics. Even the most jangly songs are still sad. so... maybe your problem is that you aren't in the right state of mind. Brennen's got it right, this is definitely one of those albums that you listen to while staring blankly at the ceiling. The way it lingers is totally crushing, but if you aren't in the mood to be crushed then it will probably just make you feel impatient.
but anyway, when there's a challenging album that I want to get into, I think it helps to put it on in the background and just hear it passively a few times. Then when I decide to actively listen, it sounds more familiar. I probably listened to YHT 10 or 15 times before I really got what was going on
posted by Bunge at 10:19 PM on June 1, 2011 [6 favorites]
It was hailed as a classic when it came out due to the whole Evil Record Company Won't Release Genius album thing.
Turns it, it's a good album. But not a classic one. I wouldn't worry about it too much.
posted by bardic at 10:56 PM on June 1, 2011
Turns it, it's a good album. But not a classic one. I wouldn't worry about it too much.
posted by bardic at 10:56 PM on June 1, 2011
Well, it's the only Wilco record I own. Actually, I had never listened to them before getting that album half-a-year ago, and I have lost count of the number of times I've listened to it. Moreover, I haven't heard another Wilco record all the way through (thanks to the magic of Pandora), so I don't know what to say. Maybe I'm afraid to ruin the experience by finding that the next record sucks. The first tune is probably my favorite (sorry smithsmith), in large part due to the well-crafted drum part.
As for your question of what folks around here are "looking for" when listening to the album...Did I mention that I still think it's pretty badass? I'll be the first to admit that I'm shamefully behind the times, but the record's got the right mix of tempo/feel changes, some great, understated bass lines, and it's good background music. There you have it.
posted by klausman at 12:20 AM on June 2, 2011
As for your question of what folks around here are "looking for" when listening to the album...Did I mention that I still think it's pretty badass? I'll be the first to admit that I'm shamefully behind the times, but the record's got the right mix of tempo/feel changes, some great, understated bass lines, and it's good background music. There you have it.
posted by klausman at 12:20 AM on June 2, 2011
If it helps any, I love Wilco and loved the documentary I Am Trying To Break Your Heart, but still find YHF itself overrated. Then again, I'm a firm believer that Wilco live is hands down better than anything they do on the studio. Try Kicking Television.
posted by KingEdRa at 1:06 AM on June 2, 2011
posted by KingEdRa at 1:06 AM on June 2, 2011
I'll also suggest trying to listen to some live versions. I tend to recommend YHF to people interested in listening to Wilco, but I've had one or two people not really enjoy it.
posted by backwards guitar at 4:33 AM on June 2, 2011
posted by backwards guitar at 4:33 AM on June 2, 2011
Listen to Uncle Tupelo for a bit of perspective?
posted by roboton666 at 6:34 AM on June 2, 2011
posted by roboton666 at 6:34 AM on June 2, 2011
I always feel bad that 'A.M.' is my favorite Wilco album.
Same here. Except I don't feel bad.
posted by travertina at 7:19 AM on June 2, 2011
Same here. Except I don't feel bad.
posted by travertina at 7:19 AM on June 2, 2011
Response by poster: Not to thread sit--but links to good reviews would be nice.
posted by PinkMoose at 7:26 AM on June 2, 2011
posted by PinkMoose at 7:26 AM on June 2, 2011
Are there any particular tracks you like that stand out? It took me a while to realize I loved it all the way through, when I could zone out/dream out to track one, and then oh man track two is pop goodness, but wait i love track 3, etc etc...
for optimal enjoyment I recommend:
- being sad, possibly recovering from a breakup
- being under the influence of something
- possibly driving
- being an angsty teenager
- sunny springy weather - maybe take a walk with it on headphones?
alternatively you could try listening to single tracks at a time. I first heard "heavy metal drummer' on a Virgin compilation and loved it. gradually obsessed over the album one track at a time, then started listening to it all at once, then BAM! ooohyes.
overviews of reviews on the wikipedia page.
posted by ghostbikes at 7:30 AM on June 2, 2011
for optimal enjoyment I recommend:
- being sad, possibly recovering from a breakup
- being under the influence of something
- possibly driving
- being an angsty teenager
- sunny springy weather - maybe take a walk with it on headphones?
alternatively you could try listening to single tracks at a time. I first heard "heavy metal drummer' on a Virgin compilation and loved it. gradually obsessed over the album one track at a time, then started listening to it all at once, then BAM! ooohyes.
overviews of reviews on the wikipedia page.
posted by ghostbikes at 7:30 AM on June 2, 2011
What an odd question. Have you tried listening to it on some good headphones? It's a whole new experience.
Don't watch IATTBYH first unless you want to be embarrassed for Tweedy for acting like a douche and filled with an irresistible urge to punch Leroy Bach in the mouth. Jay Bennett roolz, Tweedy droolz.
posted by entropicamericana at 8:27 AM on June 2, 2011
Don't watch IATTBYH first unless you want to be embarrassed for Tweedy for acting like a douche and filled with an irresistible urge to punch Leroy Bach in the mouth. Jay Bennett roolz, Tweedy droolz.
posted by entropicamericana at 8:27 AM on June 2, 2011
Agreed with the other commenters, I think it's a state of mind and age. For the opposite direction, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is the Wilco album I enjoy, and never got into the others.
I agree with this reviewer, who mentions "a gripping darkness that doesn't often lift. It's hard going, but it's worth it, and that is undoubtedly their point."
Live version of "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart"
posted by shinynewnick at 12:25 PM on June 2, 2011
I agree with this reviewer, who mentions "a gripping darkness that doesn't often lift. It's hard going, but it's worth it, and that is undoubtedly their point."
Live version of "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart"
posted by shinynewnick at 12:25 PM on June 2, 2011
If it makes any difference, I started to listed to this album based on this question. I am not sad, or broken up, and it makes me bob my head when I work on menial tasks, like scoring results in the lab. So, to each their own?
posted by lizjohn at 9:37 PM on June 5, 2011
posted by lizjohn at 9:37 PM on June 5, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by oohisay at 8:29 PM on June 1, 2011