Review:

on 2009-08-23 Yergman Said:

A.M. is mostly forgotten in the Wilco discography, perhaps not undeservingly. It's an average album, in line with his so-so songwriting efforts with Uncle Tupelo, and moves straight ahead, filled with hooky country rock songwriting that rarely strays out of its comfort zone, a quality that landed A.M. in hot water, especially compared to former bandmate Jay Farrar's debut with his band Son Volt.
But on the other hand, this is Jeff Tweedy working firmly within his comfort zone, crafting solid, if a bit average, rock songs with lyrics rooted in heartache and lost love that foretold Tweedy's ability to write the powerful, cynical songs from Summerteeth.
There is a simple appeal on display here, from the hard rock of 'Casino Queen' to the balladry of 'I Thought I Held You'. There are just good songs here, and they are well written and played. Surely not a accurate barometer to the heights that Wilco would eventually achieve, but not a bad album by any means.
Rating: 7/10

Review:

on 2009-07-27 Rahgwood Said:

When I was told by my friend to review this album, I responded with a groan, but I respectfully bowed to his request. It's hard to imagine the kind of people who heard the single and got excited about buying the album. All the songs are done with the kind of commitment that gets you booed off the stage in the open mic of my dreams. Where is the heart felt, gut-wrenching being there, being present of good music. Jeff Tweedy sounds bored through most of the album. Wilco started their career off in a bad way as tools trying to cater to a specific view of who they should be. We should all be glad they grew up a bit.
Rating: 2/10