This 1995 debut from Wilco, often overlooked because the band’s 1996 follow-up, Being There, usually gets all the attention, came not too long after the break-up of Uncle Tupelo. As a result, or perhaps because Jeff Tweedy and & gang meant for it to be so, the sound is largely indebted to UT, and that’s not a bad thing. The strong songwriting foundation is drives the record, and although it doesn’t showcase the group pushing boundaries and experimenting a la Being There, A.M. is a straightforward, accessible, & excellent country rock release w/ tracks like “I Must Be High,” “Passenger Side,” “Box Full Of Letters,” and “Casino Queen.” This is the remastered, deluxe edition of the album, and it includes various unissued outtakes (check “Myrna Lee”) + liner notes by John Stirratt. Also, “When You Find Trouble,” the last recording from Uncle Tupelo, is on here.

• deluxe edition w/ 8 previously unissued outtakes
• liner notes by John Stirratt
• music label: Reprise Records 1995 / 2017

reviewed by rei kwondo 12/2017

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