Yankee Hotel Foxtrot [Enhanced] [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
2003 reissue of 2002 album for 'Rolling Stone's People Of The Year', released to commemorate their slot on Australia's Big Day Out tour, includes a bonus disc with six previously unreleased tracks, 'Camera', 'Handshake Drugs', 'Woodgrain', 'A Magazine Called Sunset', 'Bob Dylan's 49th Beard', & 'More Like The Moon'. Nonesuch.

Tracks:

I am Trying to Break Your Heart
Kamera
Radio Cure
War on War
Jesus, etc.
Ashes of American Flags
Heavy Metal Drummer
I'm the Man Who Loves You
Pot Kettle Black
Poor Places
Reservations

Amazon.com

Named in honor of the three-word codes used by short-wave radio operators, Wilco's fourth album sounds like a late-night broadcast of some weirdly wonderful pop station punctuated by static and the sonic bleed of competing signals. Songs that begin with simple, elegiac grace--"Ashes of American Flags" and "Poor Places"--end in a cathartic squall of distortion. The results can be initially jarring, but it's these tracks more than the sturdy jangle pop of "Kamera" or "Heavy Metal Drummer" that demand, and reward, repeated listens. Mixed by studio experimentalist Jim O'Rourke and produced by the band, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot harkens back to a time when the words "pop" and "sonic adventurism" weren't mutually exclusive. The Beatles and Kurt Cobain knew this, and clearly so do Jeff Tweedy and company. --Keith Moerer

Album Description

11 songs about America that echo and update some of the themes heard on early albums by The Band, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young. Enhanced format features exclusive live footage, band photos, and a trailer for the film 'I Am Trying to Break Your Heart'. Slipcase. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Classic.......2007-06-20

I bought this album because, using my Rhapsody account, I had listened to "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart" and really, really liked it. I still love this track. However, songs I didn't like at first (a surprising amount of the album, god knows why), such as "Kamera", "Radio Cure", "War On War", "Jesus, Etc.", and "Heavy Metal Drummer" (gee, that really is most of the album) I have grown to really, really like too. "Kamera" is a nice, fairly poppish tune accentuated by relatively unusual production and a very catchy melody. "Radio Cure" has sort of a drifting beginning, but it all fits together and has one of the most addicting choruses(?) (I dunno if it's truly a chorus) of all time. "Oh, distance has no way/of making love/understandable". Simple, perhaps even cliche. But in Wilco's hands, lovely. "War on War". Stylistically similar to "Kamera", really, but sounds a lot different. Again, a grower for me, but oh so addictive once I started to like it. "Jesus, Etc." is basically Wilco's alt-country roots breaking through, with non-sappy violins and sort of a mellow vibe adding to this feel. Kind of emotional. As others have said, this could almost be about 9/11 if it wasn't. "Tall buildings shake/voices escape/singing sad sad songs/tuned to chords/strung down your cheeks/bitter melodies/turning your orbit around". Yeah, pretty much sounds like the Twin Towers aftermath. It makes this song sort of sad. I think it was intended to be, though, anyway. "Heavy Metal Drummer" is basically another pop tune. Big frickin' deal. Great song, good lyrics about the cheesy metal days of either Tweedy's actual or just the character in the song's childhood. I'm willing to bet it's the character's, why would these guys reminisce (sp?) about KISS?
Yes, these songs are totally the highlights. But again, like most of the albums I've reviewed lately, there's not a dud to be found here.

Album of the year: 2002.......2007-03-15

Wilco had already been around for many years when they released this record and had received their fair share of critical plaudits. But nothing in their back catalogue sounded as good as this record. "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" combines excellent songwriting with spare, effective production to create one of the best records of the decade so far. Alienation is a recurring theme in these songs and there are times when the slightly deadpan vocals or bursts of dissonance aim in the same direction but overall the sound of this album is warm and personal. The guitars have a clean, warm sound and the songs are written more from the heart than the head. A word that springs to mind is likeable: this is an easy album to like and keep coming back to.

I love this album........2007-02-08

I've been listening to music for 40 years, and it's rare for me to write fan mail. However, I can't think of any other group that does to me today what the Beatles did 40 years ago--Wilco makes me wish I could walk up and shake their hands and say "Thank you". That's how much I like this album. It's innovative, beautiful music that doesn't have a bit of extra crap thrown in. Unlike some bands, Wilco even makes "noise" sound like an essential part of the music--it isn't artsy-fartsy at all. Anyway, you get the point--buy this album, listen to it 5 or 6 times, and you'll want more.

Solid pop music........2007-01-07

I actually understand where many who don't like this come from. This isn't really the most energetic album I've come across at all, but it's not about being heavy or intense -- it is neither of those things. Also, I agree that the excessive hype made me hesistant and I still think Wilco are a very overrated band, however, this is one time when they actually do impress me. If you followed them before, this might not seem as "groundbreaking" as other critics kept calling it. There are a bunch of great songs, and one thing I also disagree about it people talking about how the record's esoteric. It's not. These are mostly pop songs, although in cases like "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart," the electronics of the track come in, kind of like a new element to their song. Also, the group transcended from alt-country long earlier in their career, arguably as far back as "Being There" from '96. Jeff Tweedy is not an amazing vocalist, but is listenable and fits with the music fine enough. I may also note that his voice doesn't exactly sound uplifting, either. The emotion/character and the songs are what make "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" a great record. It did not seem unnecessary to me like the re-hash of older works put through new age music (in my terms) known as "A Ghost Is Born," and the songs do more for me than on "Summerteeth," actually.

If I could make any complaint, it's that "Reservations" could have ended about three minutes sooner. That was a completely unnecessary and draggy ending. That being said, it is a minor complaint, and if you're into hooks, give it some time for them to sink in because they are there. This record is a winner and while I'm not huge on Wilco, I am a fan of "YHF".

In Defense of Wilco.......2007-01-02

I wholeheartedely and unappoligetically love Wilco. I love ever album that they have ever made, and even love the DVD's that they have released. I also do not consider myself a pretentious intellectual with an indier than thou mentality. I love all kinds of music, but Wilco just happens to be my favorite band, and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is my favorite album.

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was released four years ago and I still listen to it all the time. There is not a weak or wasted moment on the entire album. YHF starts off with possibly the bleakest song in the Wilco catalogue, the haunting and poetic I Am Tring to Break Your Heart. Right from the get go, if your a fan of Wilco's earlier material you might be turned off by the noise and production techniques on this album. I Am Trying to Break Your Heart features plenty of noise and dissonance to go along with the haunting lyrics. I urge you to give it a chance and listen to it a few times, because the material is complex and it takes time to sink in.

From there the album lightens up, with songs that are catchy and warm, even a bit romantic. The most surprising part of this album is that it is incredibly catchy despite all the noise and dissonance in the production. Heavy Metal Drummer is a nostalgic tune about getting started in rock and roll, Ashes of American Flags is a slow and touching ballad with a great soundscape.

Overall I feel that this album is a classic and the best album to come along so far this decade. Some have critcized the production by claiming that it takes away from the songs and is distracting. I feel completely opposite. I think that the noise and production enhance the songs. As Jay Bennett said about the production "we didn't want to make just a bunch of folk songs, we wanted something more." So I recommend this to Wilco fans and fans of groups like Radiohead, Pink Floyd, and Brian Eno. But I urge you to give it a chance, even if you struggle with it in the beginning.

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (+1 Bonus Track) (E

Average customer rating:

Yankee Hotel Foxcrap (ZERO stars)

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (+1 Bonus Track) (E
Wilco
Manufacturer: Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000065ELP
Release Date: 2002-09-16

Album Details

Japanese Version featuring the Bonus Track 'the Good Part'. Also Includes Enhanced Material.

Customer Reviews:

Yankee Hotel Foxcrap (ZERO stars).......2005-04-20

This is what Sting would sound like if he were born in Arkansas. Simply put, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is awful. I should have steered clear when I started seeing comparisons to Radiohead, but I was suckered by the positive reviews. Once upon a time, alternative music, and alt-country especially, could be relied on for simple pleasures, and at some point things would start to rock. No more. Lyrics are almost unrelentingly morose, melodies are virtually non-existent, and you get the feeling that no one enjoyed making this music, nor do they want you to enjoy listening to it. We have gone from No Depression to All Depression. Jay Bennett didn't leave the band because of this music. He lapsed into a boredom-induced coma while listening to the tapes and is still asleep under a desk somewhere. I beg you... don't encourage these people. Go buy a used Bottle Rockets CD instead.

Hey! I just found out that Wilco was sued for using the "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" soundbite without permission. As a result, they had to fork over a large sum of money to the owner. So, something good came out of this dreck after all - kinda like finding a quarter at the bottom of a portajon. The soundbite is from a 4CD collection called "The CONET Project." The discs consist of recordings of short wave "number stations" - mechanical voices repeating numbers to no discernible purpose. It's a great collection, and a million times more interesting than this disc.

Average customer rating:

Heavy Metal Drummer [1-Track CD Single]
Wilco , and Jeff Tweedy
Manufacturer: Nonesuch Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000RZFKBC

Product Description

Wilco 1 Track CD Single: (1) Heavy Metal Drummer 3:08 produced by Jim O'Rourke from the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot CD. Limited Edition single.

Average customer rating:

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00007JTM9
Release Date: 2002-04-23

Average customer rating:

Yankee Hotel Foxcrap (ZERO stars)
the way it will be
Bonus CD does not equal the YHF album
YHF w/Bonus CD is worth the extra $$$
YHF = excellent. but this is the only cd that has the bonus

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (Bonus CD)
Wilco
Manufacturer: Import [Generic]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00007M58G
Release Date: 2003-03-04

Tracks:

I Am Trying To Break Your Heart
Kamera
Radio Cure
War On War
Jesus Etc
Ashes Of American Flags
Heavy Metal Drummer
Im The Man Who Loves You
Pot Kettle Black
Poor Places
Reservations
Canera (Bonus)
Handshake Drugs (Bonus)
Woodgrain (Bonus)
A Magazine Called Sunset (Bonus)
Bob Dylans 49th Beard (Bonus)
More Like The Moon (Bonus)

Album Description

2003 reissue of 2002 album for 'Rolling Stone's People Of The Year', released to commemorate their slot on Australia's Big Day Out tour, includes a bonus disc with six previously unreleased tracks, 'Camera', 'Handshake Drugs', 'Woodgrain', 'A Magazine Called Sunset', 'Bob Dylan's 49th Beard', & 'More Like The Moon'. Nonesuch.

Album Details

Features a Bonus Disc Including Six Previously Unreleaed Tracks.

Customer Reviews:

Yankee Hotel Foxcrap (ZERO stars).......2005-04-20

the way it will be.......2004-03-12

This is to modern music what Revolver was to those who grew up listening to "I want to hold your hand". It is at first near on unlistenable, by the fourth time you like it, by tenth you feel the music, you know it, understand it, love it and could never go back.

Bonus CD does not equal the YHF album.......2003-05-03

(YHF Album: 5 Stars Bonus CD 4 Stars)

The YHF album of course rates 5 stars, and we dont need to go into details here. The question is how the bonus CD (6 tracks, 22 min) stacks up. It was at first supposed to be issued as an EP in the US, but that has been shelved--permanently (although it now is available as a free download if you own the YHF CD). The answer is that it is a mixed bag, not up to par to YHF.

"Camera" is a rockier (and distorted) version of YHF's "Kamera", and quite frankly not as good. "Handshake Drugs" is quite good. "Woodgrain" is a short tune (less than 2 min.), finding Jeff Tweedy solo on guitar. "A Magazine Called Sunset" is another short, yet beautiful, upbeat tune. "Bob Dylan's 49th Beard" is a song Wilco has played regularly live on the tour supporting YHF, and it is the best song on here. "More Like The Moon" rounds out the CD, a mid-tempo, reflective tune, with a beautiful accoustic guitar solo.

It is very instumental that Jeff Tweedy decided to leave these songs out of YHF's final track listing. YHF is so much more daring, and for that matter cohesive. In the end, the bonus CD is nice, but not essential, for anyone (like me) believing YHF is one of the best albums in recent memory.

YHF w/Bonus CD is worth the extra $$$.......2003-04-15

For hardcore Wilco fans that need a fix until their next release, the bonus CD offers just what the junkie ordered. There are some experimental sounding tracks on here, which, like some on YHF, take a few listens to really start to appreciate. Alternatively, the best two tracks, A Magazine Called Sunset and Bob Dylan's 49th Beard, are instantly likable. Especially the former (Magazine), its lyrics and melody along with its Beatle-esque mellotron sound represent what is fast becoming Wilco's signature sound. BOTTOM LINE: If you love Wilco, this is a must have...especially if they're not planning on releasing it in the States.

YHF = excellent. but this is the only cd that has the bonus.......2003-04-07

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is a great collection of rock songs that border on catchy and experimental. However, it should be noted that the bonus songs on this cd will NOT be released in the US. The original plans to release the EP in America has been cancelled.