Jeff Tweedy is a legend in disguise. From his early days in influential alt-country outfit Uncle Tupelo, to his defining work in Wilco, to his innumerable side ventures with Loose Fur, Golden Smog, Billy Bragg, Mavis Staples and his son Spencer, Tweedy is an indie elder statesman who has let his work speak for itself over the years.
Well over three decades into his career, WARM, Tweedy’s first proper solo album, is another understated work from the humble master. Stripped down and largely acoustic, the album has a sketchbook-like quality to it, as if he’s pulling back the skin to reveal the flesh and bones of a Jeff Tweedy original.
Those familiar with his extensive discography will pick out threads leading to his various projects and eras of Wilco, and it’s fun to imagine how they could be fleshed out into more complex arrangements under those different hats.
As ever, his songwriting is melancholy, soothing and frequently heartbreaking without ever trying to be. WARM is a fitting and subtly revealing solo effort from an artist who keeps on keeping on.
Score: ✨✨✨✨/5
Ryan is a writer, editor and vinyl collector currently based in Los Angeles. He started Mini Music Critic in 2017.