Both great musicians. My mom was friends with Jeff Tweedy in college because she met him through Jay Farrar. Her and Jay are close friends to this day, and one of my best friends is his son. He’s a very chill and interesting guy, but he doesn’t talk about music much.
I'm a bigger Wilco fan than I am a son volts, but I must say when they both released their first albums right around the same time, I love the son volts much more. in fact I seriously had to get up and go out in the man cave and put on volts debut album. This album really brings back warm memories of life when I was younger living in Texas and my kids were young. Thanks for doing this good video man
Hey Rod. I prefer Wilco’s catalog as a whole over Son Volt’s. But I agree, Trace was a much better album than A.M. It’s legendary. I saw Logan sent you that Rounder CD box. I bet that’s fantastic! Thanks for watching and I hope things are well in East Tennessee. ✌🏻
Ahhh the debate for the ages which lost of us who care have long since decided 😂 I love that you made this video series. I don't even know the outcome yet but I dig it, Thanks!
Thanks for posting. I agree with most of these rankings so far. Also agree with most of your favorite song picks as well. One Wing off of Wilco the album is one of their best songs. Cheers! Liked and Subscribed.
This is quite the endeavor you are taking on here - I really come and go with both Son Volt and Wilco - especially as the years have gone on. Their debut albums were big in Minnesota. Both Wilco and Son Volt were always fantastic live when I was able to see them. I remember liking The Search when it came out. Okemah as well. I think a few of these would rank higher on my list. I enjoyed the program and look forward to part 2.
Hey Sam. I would think that Son Volt and Wilco had a decent amount of popularity in the Midwest with those early albums. I’ve seen Son Volt 4 times. The original lineup twice. The other two times were when they were touring for Okemah. I’ve seen Wilco six times - first time in 2003. So never saw them with Bennett. Which is fine. Incredible live band. I cut out a lot of personal stories because I’ll probably have another opportunity to tell those boring stories later. This ranking is just an excuse to say “Look at all these records I have. Maybe you guys can tell me why.” It definitely makes no sense to rank the discographies together, but I never make much sense anyway. Why change now? Part 2 coming soon. Cheers! ✌🏻
I’ve always wanted to make a Alt- Country homage video of sorts. I have been revisiting some of my favorites from that genre. I’m familiar with all of the early UT and Wilco stuff but, not the more recent. Interesting hearing your thoughts on these records. Takes me back to a great time in my life. Thanks Jon!
I once thought about doing a series on Alt-Country/Americana. However, I have this series I’m doing on North Carolina music, and I’ve only done three videos in two years. Haha! So, a pointless ranking it is! I’m thinking of doing a Favorite 50 Alt-Country/Americana list. This bands changed my life. I think just about anybody that discovered Uncle Tupelo in the 90s had a similar reaction. Thanks for hanging out Zach. Cheers! ✌🏻
Thank you very much for this thoughtful review. I'm just recently getting more into these bands and solo acts. I've dabbled in Wilco over the years and owned a few of their albums, but that was the extent of my knowledge. I got Trace on cd just recently and loved it, along with the bonus live disc. So, now, I'm digging Jay's voice and songwriting and looking forward to diving in further. I also recently bought and heard Cruel Country and enjoyed it very much. Cousin may take longer to get into, based on first listen. Thank you again for putting this together.
Listiculating wildly! I really like that you're ticking off some big videos that you been wanting to do for a long time. "intimidate myself out of making videos" oh man, such an excellent expression. It hurts knowing that about that one. But here you are, a two part-er covering 30 albums!! Respect. I actually had no idea you were a fan since high school!! Quickly - double respect for your title pages and production here. An extension of genuine love for the artist here, done with care :) You even put an intermission in, goddammit! Now there's a lot here I simply haven't heard. But I enjoy hearing your take on the albums and especially the process of ranking these titles. Eg dissecting the term "Return to form". Or addressing the 'Tweedy/Farrar camp' and the stumbling across 'Too Far Apart' - loved that. Or especially the '60/65% preference vs 40/35% Objectivity' - I know what you mean. I always want to objectively argue my subjective choice. Lame, right? I almost forget I saw Tweedy on that Warm/Warmer tour. Guy was good. I remember you tearing that insta-guy a new one. Bang on, guy was a shit. I like a grower like Okemah, those ones that sneak up on you. Love your breakdown on #12 and how the sides mirror each other, great insight. Don't love that #12 is #12, but something has to be. #11 a surprise too, not sure why. And just quietly, the way you finished this video with the outro, pure quality. Thank you for this my friend, outstanding. Part two is gonna be incredible.
Again, always picking up on the things that others don’t seem to comment on. I can’t get anything past you, Dean. Which is what I love most about our discourse. The intimidation factor is still evident as I watched this back while editing. Objectivity vs subjectivity is such an important part of doing these rankings, I feel. Often times, one’s objectivity is affected by opinion-at-large of other fans and critical responses that have been read over the years. So, how truly “objective” can you be when considering those outside influences? It’s much easier to just roll with personal preference. It’s kind of crazy how much music Farrar and Tweedy have put out during their careers. 30 albums here, and as I stated, I’m not even mentioning collaborations, side projects, soundtracks or live albums. So, at least a dozen more. I knew that most people would take issue with where I ranked Being There. However, I feel like my Top 10 will explain that. At least from my point of view. Part 2 will ultimately be a letdown. Who are we kidding? 😎 I just saw you posted a new video! Excited to get to that later. Cheers! ✌🏻
Dont always agree, but much appreciate your opinion & breakdown of these artist. Ran across you by accident and I believe it is really terrific. So many people have never heard of any of these, so my sincere thanks go out to you. ....Red Adams Cedar Hill Mo
Good one. I was aware of UT of course and ended up picking up a couple of those late 90s Wilco and Son Volt CDs but then they fell off my radar, I may have to dip my toes into some of these using your video as a guidepost. Enjoyed it friend. Looking forward to part 2.
I think if there’s any Son Volt album that you’ve missed out on it’s probably Honky Tonk. A really solid, pure country album. Okemah is great, too. Thanks, Elliott! ✌🏻
I love the detail and thought put into this project. With so many albums to go through, I am sure that this had to be a challenge in itself, but to put these all together like this, really well done. I am definitely learning more about Wilco et al, and to me that is very interesting. On to the Top 10!
I've had the pleasure of seeing: Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Wilco and Jay performing solo or with one other musician. The UT show was a few months before the breakup, you could sense that something was off. Post show comments at the hotel, The Bottle Rockets (Opening band) kicked ass, and UT had no energy, appeared to be tired, and just going through the motions.
Yeah. Never got to see Uncle Tupelo. There is a recorded boot I have from that last tour and they sound pretty good on it, but I have heard similar stories to yours in the past. Was lucky enough to see the original Son Volt lineup a couple of times. Such a great band they were. Cheers!
Hey Jon, Good catching up with you. Very fun and informative discussion as ever of music I know little about, though did learn a bit about Wilco/Jeff from Shannon last year. Even found 'Being There' for cheap on CD and took it home. :-) Nice stuff. Thanks for sharing, and looking forward to your continuation of this. -Carm
Hey Carm. Glad to hear that you picked up some Wilco. Shannon and I definitely share a fandom for them. Being There is a really great album. Felt weird to rank it 12th. Haha! Thanks for watching! Hope all is well. Cheers ✌🏻
I was into Tupelo, Son Volt and Wilco in 2000-ish when I lived in Chicago and alt-country was in its prime. I saw Wilco live several times, at the Vic Theater and the Riv. Saw Jeff Tweedy solo a couple times. I'd kinda stopped following them by 2006. I can't believe how many records they've put out since then....
Hey Jon , I enjoyed the video a lot as I wanted to know how some of those albums sounded and you broke them down well. I will be getting Uncle Tupelo next, Cheers Snowy
Howdy. Excellent. I’ve been looking forward to this. “Being There” not in the Top 10? Controversial. That comment about Tweedy having not made a decent record since he’s been sober was just nasty. Fair play for calling the guy out. My favourite Wilco album is their disco record. I also like the one that was remixed by Shep Petibone.
I’m all about controversy, John. People are going to lose their minds when they see I have Ryan Adams at #1. I don’t think the guy that hates sobriety knows I make videos. I guess we’ll find out. Wilco’s disco album is in Part 2. Along with Jay Farrar’s free jazz album. Always great to hear from you. Especially when I’m talking about banjos. Cheers! ✌🏻
This really needed musical snippets. You probably should have done a lot of research & spent much more time on each album. Ultimately, you should have considered like six episodes of five per. Beyond that, you miss the context of like all of the 25-30 on this list. Start at Terroir Blues- #30. Terroir is earth in French. This second solo effort between Son Volt 1 & Son Volt 2 lineups, has Jay digging deep during a period his father was dying of cancer. Hanging on to You is an open tuning lyrical masterpiece. ACD was the first of Jay mining traditional Bakersfield sounds for inspiration. It was a radical departure from The Search & around the time Jay explored other ventures you alluded to involving Gibbard, Kerouac, Jim James, Johnston. AM at #24, well. You are looking at a relatively young Jeff Tweedy thrust into a band leader/singer/songwriter roll. He still connects with the UT style that he will be moving past with the help of Bennett. Think of AM as a marvelous debut.
I think you mistake what the point of this channel is. It’s been so long since I made these videos, but I think I said something about not being a music critic? Maybe not. I say it a lot in my other videos. I had no idea these videos would get the amount of views they have received. They were never intended to be taken as a “guide” or a deep critical analysis. Never said AM was a bad album. I’ve read Tweedy’s first memoir and based on what he wrote about it, I don’t think I’m too far off in my opinion of it. Thanks for watching?
@@TheDigitalGramophone It’s fine. Your favorite musicians right? This project could have been so much better with more detail, research, sound clips and context. Some of us would have loved the discussion-heck, it’s been 25 years or so-but might be six hours of content rather than 30 minutes. Thanks
@@MrThemegaballs My favorite band. How music makes me feel is so much more important than all the back stories behind it. I don’t need to be a band’s personal biographer to justify how much I love their music. Maybe make your own set of videos?
You have done well here Jon. Enjoyed! I've always been firmly in the Wilco camp but somewhat recently. Joined the bandwagon like everyone else after Yankee Hotel. However Uncle Tupelo has never quite clicked for me in the same way Wilco has. And I like the punks and the folks and the countrys. Same goes for Mr Farrar. Have you read Tweedy's book? His biography that is. I enjoyed it but like any biography I always wonder how some of these tales would be told from another perspective. Revisionist history. In any case, Star Wars has become one of my favorite Wilcos. Songs I come back to there. Schmilco too. Ode To Joy I have on the very bottom though. Bring on Pt. 2!
I can totally understand how someone that discovered Wilco first (especially around YHF) would have a difficult time with Uncle Tupelo and even more so with Son Volt. Uncle Tupelo was as responsible for introducing me to The Minutemen and The Replacements as they were Gram Parsons, Doug Sahm or Townes. So things might have been very different for me had I not stumbled upon them as a teen. I have Tweedy’s book. I read the foreword and then got into a different book. Will be reading it soon. I am interested to hear his point of view on “the Jay’s.” I love his sincerity and sense of humor, and have faith it will be an easy read. Cheers ✌🏻
That's a great point. If I would've found these bands before YHF it might have been different. I resisted Wilco during Summerteeth but once YHF came out I was all in. The movie sold them even more. Tupelo being a gateway drug makes sense too. Maybe it's just Farrar...I'm about to dig into your part 2 where I suspect I'll find Trace...the Son Volt LP my good friend here loves and has tried to get me on. Perhaps as I push further into my 40s. Hope all is well.
If I were to rank your ranking video, I'd put it in the top 20....maybe top 15. We'll see how Part 2 goes. The only album I have by Wilco is The Whole Love and I also stupidly ordered the No Depression reissue from Amazon, so who knows when I'll get that. It seems that the Tupelo family tree has spawned a shit ton of music, most of it good, apparently. Sorry for the randomness of this comment. Carry on.
Can’t wait to hear what you think whenever you get that Tupelo album, Jeff. Lots of twang to go with that punk. The Whole Love is a great album. Thanks for hanging out, buddy. ✌🏻
Never understood why fans want their musicians/bands to purposefully change their sound. I know it's a common desire...a lot of people want change and a lot people don't, but I'm firmly in the "don't change the sound too much" camp....assuming I like your sound (otherwise I wouldn't care). I can't even count how many 2nd albums have pissed me off over the years. I'm not insisting on this opinion or that, but I've never been able to relate...seems to me if I wanted a different sound, I would have bought an album by a different band. (???)
Dude, I am a 48 year old husband and father from Georgia who feels the Uncle Tupelo sound in my bones. I dig Jay Farrar's voice from UT and today with Son Volt. I am not willing to pick sides when you have Wilco and Son Volt albums stacked together with all the bands different albums over the years. I reckon at this point I just simply wish to be able to enjoy the music, and I am not interested in anything other than my own collection of CDs from an amazing rock music era from the 60s and the 2010s. I appreciate the reminders of why I have all of my CDs. PEACE THROUGH MUSIC
I hated am as well compared to trace by Son vote, it seemed even worse...lol. I still remember them both coming out and having them laying on my desk thinking to myself man Wilco is going to bomb.. I ate those words and now I love them
Hi Jon - I imagine this was a very arduous process you subjected yourself to. I have a quibble with the omission of Pat & John's side project The Autumn Defense. Two of their albums would crack my top 30. But that's just like my opinion man .. So with your rules , I think you are right on. I had a fundamental problem but I feel I addressed it & I hope that you were listening. 👌
It all stems from Farrar/Tweedy for me, David. And neither one of them had anything to do with Autumn Defense (unless Tweedy guested on an album). I’ve only sampled a little bit of Autumn Defense. There’s a cool video of them performing “Praying Mantis” with Don Dixon in what looks like somebody’s home. It’s on RUclips somewhere. Hope all is well! Spring is in the air. Cheers ✌🏻
I am, by no means, UTs first fan. But as someone who’s been listening to them for legitimately 36 years, and who… admittedly… hasn’t heard 90% of Jay or Jeff’s other records on this list… if the seminal collection of music that started it all, “No Depression,” is #11… well numbers 1-10 must be goddamned masterpieces. And since “Still Feel Gone,” “March 16-20 1992,” & “Anodyne” (the last two of those, in my admittedly biased opinion - other than being, as previously mentioned, a big UT fan for the previous albums & years beforehand - fail to touch their first two records although obviously not for a lack of effort) have all not been mentioned in Part One, it’s safe to assume you’d disagree with that assessment. And that’s ok man👍. While this is the first video of yours I’ve ever seen, you seem like a really cool, well informed & well educated guy - especially musically. So this very well just might your first time being wrong. Anyway, in all seriousness, thanks for taking the time to give such a criminally under promoted & underrated band (especially during those early years) so much of your time. Both guys have certainly been lauded & renowned since, of course. But no matter the genre, watching bands you were a big fan of “back in the day” get credit years, or even decades later just never feels as good as you’d hoped. Two other examples I can think of - from much different genres than UT inspired, would be the DC post punk outfit SoulSide, and the fathers of what unfortunately became known as Stoner Rock - Kyuss. Different genres, same significant influence in the future of similar music. As for Alt Country, considering the recent mind blowing success of Jason Isbell, you might even throw the DBT into that group. But since they are still active & continuing to release great records, I don’t want to sell that fantastic group short. Ok, rant over. I guess I’ll have to give #s 10-1 on your list another listen (or a first time spin for at least a few I’m guessing). On to Part Two. Despite the small disagreement on “No Depression,” well done Sir! 👏✌️
Hey man. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment. Yeah, I don’t want anybody to mistake me for an expert. I’m just a fan. This exercise was kind of insane. A ranking was unnecessary, but at least gave me an avenue to discuss the music and my experience with it. I never expected so many people to watch these videos, but I’m so happy they are my most watched. Thanks again, Cheers! ✌🏻
I didnt discover UT, Son Volt, and Wilco until the late 00s. Being an old boomer kinda stuck in his Bluegrass bubble through the 90s and early 00s I somehow just kinda missed the boat on them. Sad really because they became a fav once I discovered them. Somehow I came across Trace and then went back and soaked in UT. I like Wilco, but not as much as Trace and the earlier UT stuff, esp No Depression.
Nice job! I know I'm in the vast minority, but I like AM better than any other Wilco album, and Being There next. After that, they pretty much lost me. Son Volt has been a pretty sketchy project for me too, but their first two albums are almost as good as an Uncle Tupelo album. Looking forward to the next one.
I would come across a lot of folks back in the 90s that seemed to jump off the train when Summerteeth came out. If you’re more of a country rock fan, it makes sense. Thanks for watching! Part 2 will be up sooner than later. Cheers ✌🏻
Great job, Jon - I'm not a huge fan of anything other than YHF, but I appreciate Uncle Tupelo (they were big when I went to college) and everything Tweedy did - just not my sound.
The slide playing on Left A Slide is incredibly distorted for pedal steel. Its so unexpected. And beautiful. And while I certainly don't agree with the opinion that Tweedy's work as a lyricist stalled once he cleaned up you can't get all triggered by that. Someone has an opinion that's different than yours and it doesn't fit you feel good narrative. That individual's comment wasn't mean. There could be fallout associated with cleaning up. Creativity is fragile. But I don't feel Tweedy's work suffered.
Interesting take. I don’t know if I came off triggered, but I definitely take issue with anybody that says that sobriety stifles creativity. In recent years, I can think of many songwriters whose work has vastly improved after getting sober. Not that sobriety was the only factor, but still. I’m all about people sharing their opinions. I go to pretty extraordinary lengths to not be judgy when it comes to music these days. Somebody shared an opinion. I disagreed. Doesn’t make me “triggered.” Thanks for watching! Cheers ✌🏻
I heard a (I think) son volt song on a college radio this morning It was slightly up beat, it had a lot of violin, i would call it a waltz , I’ll try n get a few lyrics, any idea ? I think a lyric in there was (simple truth )
Diehard, sonvolt/ jay farrar, fan hyere..saw sonvolt 2wice inna year, okemeah and the Melody riot cd/ album, just came out, phenomanal cd/ album..neve really errd much a wilco..errd s couple of wilco songs..not bad, but jay farrar, is the closest, songwriter, to springsteen, ive errd of in 90 ish to now...had the trace, retropective, and okeameak cds...luved the songs on all.of em Im.not into politics, so i just glaze, over thoze lyrics..still.listen to the songs though..big sonvolt fan hyere..peace
Straightaways at #16 is ridiculous. It’s a Son Volt classic and definitely superior to a lot of the meandering, self-indulgent Wilco stuff you had higher rated. I love both bands but there’s only a dozen Tweedy songs that are on the same level as the classics on this album like Left a slide, Last minute shakedown, Back into your world, Creosote, etc. I do agree that Sebastopol is underrated.
I'll go one further that the I Got Drunk b/w Sin City 7" goes deeper than the No Depression LP in that the pressing is way better and contains the full raw sound of UT in their prime...!!!
Putting , okeamah and melody riot at 13, is just criminal..top.2 to me....wen that alblum came out, bought it immediately...cd just gets ya hooked on.sonvolts music..nice review by ya..itz hard to list any bands great alblums in order...but..okemah izza cant miss top.2 , or retrospective could be numro.ono..
@@TheDigitalGramophone This was the first video of yours I've seen. I thought this and the part 2 video were quite good and am looking forward to checking out more. As a 52 year old who is mainly listening to the same stuff I did 20+ years ago, I suspect I'll find some good suggestions in your other vids.
I was so stoked to see this until you placed Sebastopal as the absolute lowest. EDIT: Oh yeah, not for me as you are putting all of Son Volt at the bottom.
As I said in the video, it was the one album I listened to over and over revisiting the discographies for this ranking. Wilco’s sound is timeless already, but I think Schmilco and Ode to Joy are going to age really well. Thanks for hanging out. Cheers! ✌🏻
1. Ghost is Born 2. Sky Blue Sky 3: No Depression 4. YHF (on the strengh of Ashes of an American Flag) 5. Being There 7. Anodyne 8. Summerteeth Don't care for anything post- Ghost Is born. Sun Volt doesn't do it for me
Wilco was trendy in early 2000s through 2012. At Red Rocks for sure. But when E.R. turned me on to U.T. in late 90s. I always thought Jay was the impetus, the one with deeper music knowledge. True Americana! Woody style.
Depends on what you consider deeper musical knowledge. Jeff was in on some out there stuff as a teenager. Nothing you would’ve read about in Rolling Stone. Jay is great, and I’m still a big fan - but I wish he would experiment with his sound a bit more. Like Sebastopol. Cheers ✌🏻
Both great musicians. My mom was friends with Jeff Tweedy in college because she met him through Jay Farrar. Her and Jay are close friends to this day, and one of my best friends is his son. He’s a very chill and interesting guy, but he doesn’t talk about music much.
I'm a bigger Wilco fan than I am a son volts, but I must say when they both released their first albums right around the same time, I love the son volts much more. in fact I seriously had to get up and go out in the man cave and put on volts debut album. This album really brings back warm memories of life when I was younger living in Texas and my kids were young. Thanks for doing this good video man
Hey Rod. I prefer Wilco’s catalog as a whole over Son Volt’s. But I agree, Trace was a much better album than A.M. It’s legendary. I saw Logan sent you that Rounder CD box. I bet that’s fantastic! Thanks for watching and I hope things are well in East Tennessee. ✌🏻
@@TheDigitalGramophone yes the rounder box set is great!!
You're nuts for even trying this but I'm glad you did :) Thanks man.
It was just an excuse to talk about my favorite band and two songwriters I admire. Don’t take it seriously. 😉 Thanks for watching!
Oh mannnnn, a cliffhanger. Can’t wait for the next episode. Love your countdown videos Jon. Take care.
Gotta leave them either wanting more or less. There’s no in-between, Kimbo. Thanks for hanging out, man. ✌🏻
Ahhh the debate for the ages which lost of us who care have long since decided 😂
I love that you made this video series. I don't even know the outcome yet but I dig it, Thanks!
Thanks for posting. I agree with most of these rankings so far. Also agree with most of your favorite song picks as well. One Wing off of Wilco the album is one of their best songs. Cheers! Liked and Subscribed.
This is quite the endeavor you are taking on here - I really come and go with both Son Volt and Wilco - especially as the years have gone on. Their debut albums were big in Minnesota. Both Wilco and Son Volt were always fantastic live when I was able to see them. I remember liking The Search when it came out. Okemah as well. I think a few of these would rank higher on my list. I enjoyed the program and look forward to part 2.
Hey Sam. I would think that Son Volt and Wilco had a decent amount of popularity in the Midwest with those early albums. I’ve seen Son Volt 4 times. The original lineup twice. The other two times were when they were touring for Okemah. I’ve seen Wilco six times - first time in 2003. So never saw them with Bennett. Which is fine. Incredible live band. I cut out a lot of personal stories because I’ll probably have another opportunity to tell those boring stories later. This ranking is just an excuse to say “Look at all these records I have. Maybe you guys can tell me why.” It definitely makes no sense to rank the discographies together, but I never make much sense anyway. Why change now? Part 2 coming soon. Cheers! ✌🏻
I’ve always wanted to make a Alt- Country homage video of sorts. I have been revisiting some of my favorites from that genre. I’m familiar with all of the early UT and Wilco stuff but, not the more recent. Interesting hearing your thoughts on these records. Takes me back to a great time in my life. Thanks Jon!
I once thought about doing a series on Alt-Country/Americana. However, I have this series I’m doing on North Carolina music, and I’ve only done three videos in two years. Haha! So, a pointless ranking it is! I’m thinking of doing a Favorite 50 Alt-Country/Americana list. This bands changed my life. I think just about anybody that discovered Uncle Tupelo in the 90s had a similar reaction. Thanks for hanging out Zach. Cheers! ✌🏻
Thank you very much for this thoughtful review. I'm just recently getting more into these bands and solo acts. I've dabbled in Wilco over the years and owned a few of their albums, but that was the extent of my knowledge. I got Trace on cd just recently and loved it, along with the bonus live disc. So, now, I'm digging Jay's voice and songwriting and looking forward to diving in further. I also recently bought and heard Cruel Country and enjoyed it very much. Cousin may take longer to get into, based on first listen. Thank you again for putting this together.
The fact you started by saying Uncle Tupelo is your favorite band..... That speaks volumes to me, sir. Props.
Listiculating wildly! I really like that you're ticking off some big videos that you been wanting to do for a long time. "intimidate myself out of making videos" oh man, such an excellent expression. It hurts knowing that about that one. But here you are, a two part-er covering 30 albums!! Respect. I actually had no idea you were a fan since high school!! Quickly - double respect for your title pages and production here. An extension of genuine love for the artist here, done with care :) You even put an intermission in, goddammit!
Now there's a lot here I simply haven't heard. But I enjoy hearing your take on the albums and especially the process of ranking these titles. Eg dissecting the term "Return to form". Or addressing the 'Tweedy/Farrar camp' and the stumbling across 'Too Far Apart' - loved that. Or especially the '60/65% preference vs 40/35% Objectivity' - I know what you mean. I always want to objectively argue my subjective choice. Lame, right?
I almost forget I saw Tweedy on that Warm/Warmer tour. Guy was good. I remember you tearing that insta-guy a new one. Bang on, guy was a shit. I like a grower like Okemah, those ones that sneak up on you. Love your breakdown on #12 and how the sides mirror each other, great insight. Don't love that #12 is #12, but something has to be. #11 a surprise too, not sure why. And just quietly, the way you finished this video with the outro, pure quality. Thank you for this my friend, outstanding. Part two is gonna be incredible.
Again, always picking up on the things that others don’t seem to comment on. I can’t get anything past you, Dean. Which is what I love most about our discourse. The intimidation factor is still evident as I watched this back while editing. Objectivity vs subjectivity is such an important part of doing these rankings, I feel. Often times, one’s objectivity is affected by opinion-at-large of other fans and critical responses that have been read over the years. So, how truly “objective” can you be when considering those outside influences? It’s much easier to just roll with personal preference.
It’s kind of crazy how much music Farrar and Tweedy have put out during their careers. 30 albums here, and as I stated, I’m not even mentioning collaborations, side projects, soundtracks or live albums. So, at least a dozen more.
I knew that most people would take issue with where I ranked Being There. However, I feel like my Top 10 will explain that. At least from my point of view. Part 2 will ultimately be a letdown. Who are we kidding? 😎 I just saw you posted a new video! Excited to get to that later. Cheers! ✌🏻
I need to look into Wilco more closely. I’m looking forward to part two. You present your view points very well in this one.
Wilco is an American treasure. Start with Summerteeth. See how it feels.
@@TheDigitalGramophone Great advice. Summerteeth the greatest record ever made.
Plastic! 😙💨💨💨💨💨
@@JimMorrisonslizard Lizard! 🥳💨💨💨💨💨
Dont always agree, but much appreciate your opinion & breakdown of these artist. Ran across you by accident and I believe it is really terrific. So many people have never heard of any of these, so my sincere thanks go out to you. ....Red Adams Cedar Hill Mo
Jeff and Jay have held their own.
Broken new ground.
Reflected on each phase the world presents to their muse.
Great artists make art.
They have.
Good one. I was aware of UT of course and ended up picking up a couple of those late 90s Wilco and Son Volt CDs but then they fell off my radar, I may have to dip my toes into some of these using your video as a guidepost. Enjoyed it friend. Looking forward to part 2.
I think if there’s any Son Volt album that you’ve missed out on it’s probably Honky Tonk. A really solid, pure country album. Okemah is great, too. Thanks, Elliott! ✌🏻
Uncle Tupelo- The wisdom of Woody, the lyric of many, and the power of The Who!
I love the detail and thought put into this project. With so many albums to go through, I am sure that this had to be a challenge in itself, but to put these all together like this, really well done. I am definitely learning more about Wilco et al, and to me that is very interesting. On to the Top 10!
Thanks, Tim! You’re not a wanker. ✌🏻
Great shoutout to Eric Heywood's Left a Slide solo. The ACL performance of that song absolutely consumes me.
I've had the pleasure of seeing: Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Wilco and Jay performing solo or with one other musician. The UT show was a few months before the breakup, you could sense that something was off. Post show comments at the hotel, The Bottle Rockets (Opening band) kicked ass, and UT had no energy, appeared to be tired, and just going through the motions.
Yeah. Never got to see Uncle Tupelo. There is a recorded boot I have from that last tour and they sound pretty good on it, but I have heard similar stories to yours in the past. Was lucky enough to see the original Son Volt lineup a couple of times. Such a great band they were. Cheers!
Hey Jon, Good catching up with you. Very fun and informative discussion as ever of music I know little about, though did learn a bit about Wilco/Jeff from Shannon last year. Even found 'Being There' for cheap on CD and took it home. :-) Nice stuff. Thanks for sharing, and looking forward to your continuation of this. -Carm
Hey Carm. Glad to hear that you picked up some Wilco. Shannon and I definitely share a fandom for them. Being There is a really great album. Felt weird to rank it 12th. Haha! Thanks for watching! Hope all is well. Cheers ✌🏻
I was into Tupelo, Son Volt and Wilco in 2000-ish when I lived in Chicago and alt-country was in its prime. I saw Wilco live several times, at the Vic Theater and the Riv. Saw Jeff Tweedy solo a couple times. I'd kinda stopped following them by 2006. I can't believe how many records they've put out since then....
Hey Jon , I enjoyed the video a lot as I wanted to know how some of those albums sounded and you broke them down well. I will be getting Uncle Tupelo next, Cheers Snowy
Uncle Tupelo is a great band. Discovering them as a 15 year-old changed my life forever. Thanks for hanging out, Snowy. Cheers ✌🏻
I was an Uncle Tupelo fan since 1994. Moonshiner is an awesome cut, and I like a scattering of other songs from both artists.
“Moonshiner” is a fantastic song that has been recorded countless times by other artists. This version remains my favorite.
Great Video! You nailed everything that I love about ranking videos perfectly.. I’ll be back haha.
Thanks for the kind words. I actually think this ranking was a mess. 🤣 Thanks for hanging out in my little corner of the RUclipsVerse. Cheers ✌🏻
Howdy.
Excellent. I’ve been looking forward to this. “Being There” not in the Top 10? Controversial.
That comment about Tweedy having not made a decent record since he’s been sober was just nasty. Fair play for calling the guy out.
My favourite Wilco album is their disco record. I also like the one that was remixed by Shep Petibone.
I’m all about controversy, John. People are going to lose their minds when they see I have Ryan Adams at #1. I don’t think the guy that hates sobriety knows I make videos. I guess we’ll find out. Wilco’s disco album is in Part 2. Along with Jay Farrar’s free jazz album. Always great to hear from you. Especially when I’m talking about banjos. Cheers! ✌🏻
Love all three. Son Volt for me
Saw U.T in like early '93 in San Diego w/ Freedy Johnson opening. I remember it for the most part.
This really needed musical snippets. You probably should have done a lot of research & spent much more time on each album. Ultimately, you should have considered like six episodes of five per.
Beyond that, you miss the context of like all of the 25-30 on this list. Start at Terroir Blues- #30. Terroir is earth in French. This second solo effort between Son Volt 1 & Son Volt 2 lineups, has Jay digging deep during a period his father was dying of cancer. Hanging on to You is an open tuning lyrical masterpiece. ACD was the first of Jay mining traditional Bakersfield sounds for inspiration. It was a radical departure from The Search & around the time Jay explored other ventures you alluded to involving Gibbard, Kerouac, Jim James, Johnston. AM at #24, well. You are looking at a relatively young Jeff Tweedy thrust into a band leader/singer/songwriter roll. He still connects with the UT style that he will be moving past with the help of Bennett. Think of AM as a marvelous debut.
I think you mistake what the point of this channel is. It’s been so long since I made these videos, but I think I said something about not being a music critic? Maybe not. I say it a lot in my other videos. I had no idea these videos would get the amount of views they have received. They were never intended to be taken as a “guide” or a deep critical analysis.
Never said AM was a bad album. I’ve read Tweedy’s first memoir and based on what he wrote about it, I don’t think I’m too far off in my opinion of it.
Thanks for watching?
@@TheDigitalGramophone It’s fine. Your favorite musicians right? This project could have been so much better with more detail, research, sound clips and context. Some of us would have loved the discussion-heck, it’s been 25 years or so-but might be six hours of content rather than 30 minutes. Thanks
@@MrThemegaballs My favorite band. How music makes me feel is so much more important than all the back stories behind it. I don’t need to be a band’s personal biographer to justify how much I love their music. Maybe make your own set of videos?
You have done well here Jon. Enjoyed! I've always been firmly in the Wilco camp but somewhat recently. Joined the bandwagon like everyone else after Yankee Hotel. However Uncle Tupelo has never quite clicked for me in the same way Wilco has. And I like the punks and the folks and the countrys. Same goes for Mr Farrar. Have you read Tweedy's book? His biography that is. I enjoyed it but like any biography I always wonder how some of these tales would be told from another perspective. Revisionist history. In any case, Star Wars has become one of my favorite Wilcos. Songs I come back to there. Schmilco too. Ode To Joy I have on the very bottom though. Bring on Pt. 2!
I can totally understand how someone that discovered Wilco first (especially around YHF) would have a difficult time with Uncle Tupelo and even more so with Son Volt. Uncle Tupelo was as responsible for introducing me to The Minutemen and The Replacements as they were Gram Parsons, Doug Sahm or Townes. So things might have been very different for me had I not stumbled upon them as a teen. I have Tweedy’s book. I read the foreword and then got into a different book. Will be reading it soon. I am interested to hear his point of view on “the Jay’s.” I love his sincerity and sense of humor, and have faith it will be an easy read. Cheers ✌🏻
That's a great point. If I would've found these bands before YHF it might have been different. I resisted Wilco during Summerteeth but once YHF came out I was all in. The movie sold them even more. Tupelo being a gateway drug makes sense too. Maybe it's just Farrar...I'm about to dig into your part 2 where I suspect I'll find Trace...the Son Volt LP my good friend here loves and has tried to get me on. Perhaps as I push further into my 40s. Hope all is well.
If I were to rank your ranking video, I'd put it in the top 20....maybe top 15. We'll see how Part 2 goes. The only album I have by Wilco is The Whole Love and I also stupidly ordered the No Depression reissue from Amazon, so who knows when I'll get that. It seems that the Tupelo family tree has spawned a shit ton of music, most of it good, apparently. Sorry for the randomness of this comment. Carry on.
Can’t wait to hear what you think whenever you get that Tupelo album, Jeff. Lots of twang to go with that punk. The Whole Love is a great album. Thanks for hanging out, buddy. ✌🏻
Never understood why fans want their musicians/bands to purposefully change their sound. I know it's a common desire...a lot of people want change and a lot people don't, but I'm firmly in the "don't change the sound too much" camp....assuming I like your sound (otherwise I wouldn't care). I can't even count how many 2nd albums have pissed me off over the years. I'm not insisting on this opinion or that, but I've never been able to relate...seems to me if I wanted a different sound, I would have bought an album by a different band. (???)
Some of the best alt-country electric guitar playing ever on Okemah. Duesenberg's used by Rice here sustain forever.
Dude, I am a 48 year old husband and father from Georgia who feels the Uncle Tupelo sound in my bones. I dig Jay Farrar's voice from UT and today with Son Volt. I am not willing to pick sides when you have Wilco and Son Volt albums stacked together with all the bands different albums over the years. I reckon at this point I just simply wish to be able to enjoy the music, and I am not interested in anything other than my own collection of CDs from an amazing rock music era from the 60s and the 2010s. I appreciate the reminders of why I have all of my CDs.
PEACE THROUGH MUSIC
Thanks for watching! This ranking exercise was absurd. All in all, just an excuse to share my love for these musicians. Cheers! ✌🏻
I hated am as well compared to trace by Son vote, it seemed even worse...lol. I still remember them both coming out and having them laying on my desk thinking to myself man Wilco is going to bomb.. I ate those words and now I love them
Uncle Tupelo is my fave band, too. ❤
Hi Jon - I imagine this was a very arduous process you subjected yourself to. I have a quibble with the omission of Pat & John's side project The Autumn Defense. Two of their albums would crack my top 30. But that's just like my opinion man .. So with your rules , I think you are right on. I had a fundamental problem but I feel I addressed it & I hope that you were listening. 👌
It all stems from Farrar/Tweedy for me, David. And neither one of them had anything to do with Autumn Defense (unless Tweedy guested on an album). I’ve only sampled a little bit of Autumn Defense. There’s a cool video of them performing “Praying Mantis” with Don Dixon in what looks like somebody’s home. It’s on RUclips somewhere. Hope all is well! Spring is in the air. Cheers ✌🏻
Uncle Tupelo is one of the best bands ever.
Right on!
I am, by no means, UTs first fan. But as someone who’s been listening to them for legitimately 36 years, and who… admittedly… hasn’t heard 90% of Jay or Jeff’s other records on this list… if the seminal collection of music that started it all, “No Depression,” is #11… well numbers 1-10 must be goddamned masterpieces. And since “Still Feel Gone,” “March 16-20 1992,” & “Anodyne” (the last two of those, in my admittedly biased opinion - other than being, as previously mentioned, a big UT fan for the previous albums & years beforehand - fail to touch their first two records although obviously not for a lack of effort) have all not been mentioned in Part One, it’s safe to assume you’d disagree with that assessment. And that’s ok man👍. While this is the first video of yours I’ve ever seen, you seem like a really cool, well informed & well educated guy - especially musically. So this very well just might your first time being wrong. Anyway, in all seriousness, thanks for taking the time to give such a criminally under promoted & underrated band (especially during those early years) so much of your time. Both guys have certainly been lauded & renowned since, of course. But no matter the genre, watching bands you were a big fan of “back in the day” get credit years, or even decades later just never feels as good as you’d hoped. Two other examples I can think of - from much different genres than UT inspired, would be the DC post punk outfit SoulSide, and the fathers of what unfortunately became known as Stoner Rock - Kyuss. Different genres, same significant influence in the future of similar music. As for Alt Country, considering the recent mind blowing success of Jason Isbell, you might even throw the DBT into that group. But since they are still active & continuing to release great records, I don’t want to sell that fantastic group short. Ok, rant over. I guess I’ll have to give #s 10-1 on your list another listen (or a first time spin for at least a few I’m guessing). On to Part Two. Despite the small disagreement on “No Depression,” well done Sir!
👏✌️
Hey man. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment. Yeah, I don’t want anybody to mistake me for an expert. I’m just a fan. This exercise was kind of insane. A ranking was unnecessary, but at least gave me an avenue to discuss the music and my experience with it. I never expected so many people to watch these videos, but I’m so happy they are my most watched. Thanks again, Cheers! ✌🏻
I didnt discover UT, Son Volt, and Wilco until the late 00s. Being an old boomer kinda stuck in his Bluegrass bubble through the 90s and early 00s I somehow just kinda missed the boat on them. Sad really because they became a fav once I discovered them. Somehow I came across Trace and then went back and soaked in UT. I like Wilco, but not as much as Trace and the earlier UT stuff, esp No Depression.
I kind of went the other way. If not for Uncle Tupelo, I might not have gotten to bluegrass. Cheers ✌🏻
Nice job! I know I'm in the vast minority, but I like AM better than any other Wilco album, and Being There next. After that, they pretty much lost me. Son Volt has been a pretty sketchy project for me too, but their first two albums are almost as good as an Uncle Tupelo album. Looking forward to the next one.
I would come across a lot of folks back in the 90s that seemed to jump off the train when Summerteeth came out. If you’re more of a country rock fan, it makes sense. Thanks for watching! Part 2 will be up sooner than later. Cheers ✌🏻
Great job, Jon - I'm not a huge fan of anything other than YHF, but I appreciate Uncle Tupelo (they were big when I went to college) and everything Tweedy did - just not my sound.
Totally get it. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is a masterpiece. Thanks for hanging out, Kris. ✌🏻
The slide playing on Left A Slide is incredibly distorted for pedal steel. Its so unexpected. And beautiful. And while I certainly don't agree with the opinion that Tweedy's work as a lyricist stalled once he cleaned up you can't get all triggered by that. Someone has an opinion that's different than yours and it doesn't fit you feel good narrative. That individual's comment wasn't mean. There could be fallout associated with cleaning up. Creativity is fragile. But I don't feel Tweedy's work suffered.
Interesting take. I don’t know if I came off triggered, but I definitely take issue with anybody that says that sobriety stifles creativity. In recent years, I can think of many songwriters whose work has vastly improved after getting sober. Not that sobriety was the only factor, but still. I’m all about people sharing their opinions. I go to pretty extraordinary lengths to not be judgy when it comes to music these days. Somebody shared an opinion. I disagreed. Doesn’t make me “triggered.” Thanks for watching! Cheers ✌🏻
Just started and can't wait to see the results....
Hey Chris. I don’t think we’re too far off each other. From what I remember. Hope you’re doing well, man. ✌🏻
@@TheDigitalGramophone I'm at 15 and no major objections yet, although I would have Sukierae and Love is a King higher.
Being There at #12? Ok, now we need to talk.
@@TheLongCut1 🤣
@@TheDigitalGramophone I need to see 10-1 immediately.
Great stuff, also a fave band of mine but I have Sukierae much higher. Songs like World Away and Flowering have that jammy Sky Blue Sky vibe.
That’s cool. I’m such a fan that I don’t think there’s any wrong way to rank these albums as long as you’re genuine about it. Thanks for watching! ✌🏻
I think Low Key is one of the best Jeff Tweedy-written songs
I’ve always loved AM, even when it originally released.
I like both sides, but UNCLE TUPELO is my piece of cake
I heard a (I think) son volt song on a college radio this morning
It was slightly up beat, it had a lot of violin, i would call it a waltz , I’ll try n get a few lyrics, any idea ? I think a lyric in there was (simple truth )
Maybe Hearts and Minds from the Honky Tonk album. ruclips.net/video/Zn2_XK9EQTI/видео.html&ab_channel=RounderRecords
@@henryzepeda1153 yea that’s it, thanks gonna send it to a friend, me n her were the only ones I know who liked these guys , good song
Right off the bat: what?! Terroir Blues last? That album’s awesome! 😁
Happy to hear that you like it.
Still watching, btw. Thanks for doing this! And Being There is probably my #1. Then Trace.
Terroir has its moments, I dug the dog town sessions? I think it’s called.
jeff tweedy is a rock god
Diehard, sonvolt/ jay farrar, fan hyere..saw sonvolt 2wice inna year, okemeah and the Melody riot cd/ album, just came out, phenomanal cd/ album..neve really errd much a wilco..errd s couple of wilco songs..not bad, but jay farrar, is the closest, songwriter, to springsteen, ive errd of in 90 ish to now...had the trace, retropective, and okeameak cds...luved the songs on all.of em
Im.not into politics, so i just glaze, over thoze lyrics..still.listen to the songs though..big sonvolt fan hyere..peace
Never cared for Tweedy’s stuff. Love Son Volt
My beef with Sukierae is that it shouldn't be a double album. I think as a regular album with 11 or 12 tracks it would be a lot stronger record.
Yeah this is awesome. I could never
This was a foolish exercise. 🤣 But a good way to go through this part of my collection and to touch on my fandom.
Straightaways at #16 is ridiculous. It’s a Son Volt classic and definitely superior to a lot of the meandering, self-indulgent Wilco stuff you had higher rated. I love both bands but there’s only a dozen Tweedy songs that are on the same level as the classics on this album like Left a slide, Last minute shakedown, Back into your world, Creosote, etc.
I do agree that Sebastopol is underrated.
The Farrar is strong with you.
Hey, I completely agree with your top 5…
Great content worth watching!
@@ibh1001 Thanks for watching! Amazed these videos still get new views. Cheers ✌🏻
Jay and Son Volt. Hands down.
I'll go one further that the I Got Drunk b/w Sin City 7" goes deeper than the No Depression LP in that the pressing is way better and contains the full raw sound of UT in their prime...!!!
Wow, A.M. is by far my favorite from Wilco.
Putting , okeamah and melody riot at 13, is just criminal..top.2 to me....wen that alblum came out, bought it immediately...cd just gets ya hooked on.sonvolts music..nice review by ya..itz hard to list any bands great alblums in order...but..okemah izza cant miss top.2 , or retrospective could be numro.ono..
1. Son Volt
2. Other stuff that disappointed me because it wasn't as good as Son Volt.
🤣 Much more efficient than my ranking.
@@TheDigitalGramophone This was the first video of yours I've seen. I thought this and the part 2 video were quite good and am looking forward to checking out more. As a 52 year old who is mainly listening to the same stuff I did 20+ years ago, I suspect I'll find some good suggestions in your other vids.
You should Rank the albums by Rank & File just for kicks.,
A Top 50 Alt-Country/Americana albums ranking is in the works. Sorry Rank and File isn’t included. But Alejandro is.
Nice shirt, what's the make?
Thanks! Damn, I don’t remember. Lol
Everything Jay touches is gold. Tweedy, not so much.
Another one for Team Jay. For those keeping score at home.
I love Anodyne
Wish I could go back to 1992
Right on!
I was so stoked to see this until you placed Sebastopal as the absolute lowest. EDIT: Oh yeah, not for me as you are putting all of Son Volt at the bottom.
Yeah, I don’t think you’re paying attention. #8, #6, #1.
I really love,love is the king,I’ve listened to that album so much.theres not a song I don’t like
Schmilco is fantastic. Probably the Wilco I listen to the most these days
As I said in the video, it was the one album I listened to over and over revisiting the discographies for this ranking. Wilco’s sound is timeless already, but I think Schmilco and Ode to Joy are going to age really well. Thanks for hanging out. Cheers! ✌🏻
@@TheDigitalGramophone 100%
How could an album with a song like nobody tries anymore be one of your least favorites
@@cbartal1 Because it’s just one song.
@@TheDigitalGramophone oh, I thought it was three songs. I'm sorry
Chapters, nice!
Ranking videos are the new Prog Nerd !
AM wee too lo
🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Killer!!!
why would anyone have a subscription to rolling stone?
Plenty of people my age read that magazine when I was a kid. What’s your point?
@@TheDigitalGramophone no comment. i thought everyone knew.
@@316diag Then don’t bother posting a comment
@@TheDigitalGramophone comments help you, it's ok.
1. Ghost is Born
2. Sky Blue Sky
3: No Depression
4. YHF (on the strengh of Ashes of an American Flag)
5. Being There
7. Anodyne
8. Summerteeth
Don't care for anything post- Ghost Is born. Sun Volt doesn't do it for me
Sky Blue Sky came after A Ghost Is Born. So you do like something after it. 😄 Son Volt isn’t for everybody. Thanks for hanging out. ✌🏻
Ode to Joy is the worst cover of any album ever released in the history of Planet Earth®
It leaves a lot to be desired. I’d like to know more about the Process™️ behind it.
Wilco was trendy in early 2000s through 2012. At Red Rocks for sure. But when E.R. turned me on to U.T. in late 90s. I always thought Jay was the impetus, the one with deeper music knowledge. True Americana! Woody style.
Depends on what you consider deeper musical knowledge. Jeff was in on some out there stuff as a teenager. Nothing you would’ve read about in Rolling Stone. Jay is great, and I’m still a big fan - but I wish he would experiment with his sound a bit more. Like Sebastopol. Cheers ✌🏻