WILCO – "THE WHOLE LOVE"

"The concept of love is actually pretty easy; allowing yourself to love is very difficult and the part that people seem to have problems with as their fears control their lives. That needs to be transcended. It's worth applying effort — not to fix somebody else, but to fix yourself in pursuit of that ability to love and to allow yourself to be loved." - Jeff Tweedy, Wilco

Wilco embodies the touring band. Since its 1994 inception, Wilco constantly toured, only taking a break to record a new album. The band members changed, leaving lead singer Jeff Tweedy and bassist John Stirratt as the only original members. The audience grew, venues expanded and critical acclaim followed suit. In 2004, after a decade of revolving cast members, Wilco found the right combination of bandmates and kept steadfast to their rigorous tour/recording schedule. But in 2010, for the first time in its existance, Wilco took a break. The result is The Whole Love, the eighth studio recording from the Chicago-based band. 

"It was really great to have a chance to recharge and forget how to play all the old songs," remarked Tweedy. Six years of touring with a consistant band and the ability to wipe the mental slate clean of sixteen years of music rejunevated Tweedy and allowed Wilco to write music from a blank canvas. And while this may be a new beginning for Wilco, life-long fans should find solice in the fact that Tweedy's pensive lyrics remain at the core of the music, which this time around find him contemplating the entirity of love. It's almost fitting that while they're redefining their music, Wilco is exploring possibly the first musical inspiration.

For a taste of The Whole Love, which is out today via dBpm, check out the video for "Born Alone" below.

– The Music Director