Anodyne
Illinois trio Uncle Tupelo was founded in 1988 by guitarists Jay Farrar (who later formed Son Volt) and Jeff Tweedy (who later formed Wilco) and drummer Mike Heidorn. The trio released their first record, “No Depression” in 1990 and at some point, their music--- which sought to reinvigorate the punk/indie rock they loved by returning to the authenticity of country and bluegrass--- became labeled “alt” country, and a movement was born.
By 1993, the time Uncle Tupelo began recording their final album, the monumental break-up chronicle Anodyne, Heidorn had left (replaced by Ken Coomer), and the deteriorating relationship between Farrar and Tweedy would soon tear the band apart. Before that happened, however, all of Uncle Tupelo’s promise and passion came together on Anodyne: The aching title track (“Throughout the years/it was hard to make it last”), Tweedy’s homage to “Acuff-Rose” and the angry “We’ve Been Had”, a farewell to innocence. A note of authenticity is struck with a version of Doug Sahm’s “Give Back the Key To My Heart”, which features the seminal country rock composer on guitar and vocals, while the worldweary “Slate” begs “Lay it down in full view”.
The future sounds of Son Volt and Wilco are clearly evident in songs like “Chickamauga” (“The time is right for getting out while we still can”), “The Long Cut” and “No Sense In Lovin”, but it becomes clear in listening to Anodyne that without the hard compromise that Tweedy and Farrar reach through the songs-- agreeing to disagree and still making a great album despite the separate paths they would soon take --that those bands wouldn’t be a good as they are. Just as anyone who is familiar with Anodyne’s hard-won truths and magnificent blend of country and rock sounds certainly is a better person for the experience.
Also Recommended:
Uncle Tupelo March 16-20, 1992
Son Volt Trace
Wilco A.M.
The Byrds Sweetheart of the Rodeo
Doug Sahm/Augie Meyers Back to the ‘Dillo
Music Direct Magazine, 2000
