Wilco’s Hot Sun: A Return to Their 90s Alt Country Roots

Wilco is the outcome of the break-ups of alt country pioneers Sun Volt and Uncle Tupelo. Wilco itself has gone through many changes with only Jeff Tweedy and John Stirratt being the only original members left. Having said that, with 13 studio records, a few live records and some amazing collab records with Billy Bragg it’s hard to argue that Wilco has not become a genre defining band. They have been drifting around lately with some studio records that haven’t really hit with me as Tweedy works on producing. Well, they are back with some stripped down indie-esque 90s alt country goodness. Their track Hot Sun has all the hallmarks of what made them a must listen band in the 90s and 2000s, while capturing that intoxicating slacker energy of Kurt Vile.

First, let’s look at the track musically. There are the telltale snares, crunchy electric guitar and acoustic guitar accents that made alt country so popular in the 90s. The combination of indie rock with traditional country touches is as enticing now as it was then. However, Wilco breaks this up with some wall of sound / modern musical interludes that freshen up the alt country formula enough to keep you up in your seat and paying attention. These synth and string sections do not detract from the song, but give it some added lift and life. It shows that even though Wilco has mastered their alt country craft, they are still willing to colour outside the lines.

Lyrically the track follows a lot of Tweedy’s themes of searching for yourself and searching for meaning. Within this contrasting land of hot sun and ice he is found searching for words and pleading “what can I do?” when faced with the oppressive sun. There is a vibe of surrendering yourself over to the natural order instead of fighting some futile battle. What adds to this vibe of surrender is Tweedy’s rolling slacker vocal, which seems lifted straight from a Kurt Vile record. I love how effortlessly Tweedy rolls over the lyrics like waves washing on a beach. Even as he sings about how the hot sun is destroying the world around him his vocal is soothing and warm. This contrast between his reassuring vocal singing lyrics about impending doom mirrors the track’s long list of contrasts.

It’s hard to say how many records Wilco has left. Tweedy has been heavily into production and every band has a final record. However, the fact that they are still putting out great music and pushing themselves is a good sign of more to come. I love these shorter EP projects and I hope that the band continues to evolve.

Listen to Hot Sun