Wilco has always found strength in the storytelling of their frontman and singer Jeff Tweedy. Whether their desire to follow an experimental path, or to keep things simple, it always seems to come back to the songs. And on Wilco (The Album), a myriad of ideas and obsessions complete the collection.

The album opens with the jangly and playful "Wilco (The Song,)" an obvious nod to their fans and soon to be set list favorite. Already road-tested, the song "One Wing" is also one of the album's most intimate and heartbreaking outpourings. The intensity ensues on the darker, haunting and a bit jammier "Bull Black Nova." And we witness Tweedy's simpler side on his duet with Canadian numerologist Feist on the love song "You And I."

For the first time in their career, Wilco has the same line-up on consecutive albums. Which means again, on Wilco (The Album), guitarist Nels Cline accentuates and propels Tweedy's songs as only Cline can.

So far, 2009 has seen a handful of young bands consume our debates of the year's best works. However Wilco, the band, remind us not to count out the rock veterans when we cast our ballots this December.  

XPN Featured Album of the Week June 29, 2009 and < ahref="/music-artist/cd-of-the-month">CD of the Month for August 2009

Download and Listen to Mike's review.

WXPN & NPR Exclusive 1st Listen - Enjoy a Preview of Wilco's New Album

Hear Wilco's impressive new album in its entirety at NPR.org/music.