Born Again

Ironically, some of the best musicians in rock music are producers. Many a band member - in creative awe of their boardsmen - even take their envy to the next level: side projects. Brian Eno and David Byrne’s experimental work together in the closing minutes of the 70s stands as the most notable documentation of this phenomenon.  

As a getaway from his labor-heavy Yankee Hotel Foxtrot recordings, Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy began collaborating with Chicago uber-producer Jim O’Rourke and Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche under the moniker Loose Fur in early 2003. The band’s 2003 self titled debut unquestionably had its fine moments, but for the most part was a half-assed set of experimental songs, some overdone, others the contrary. With Wilco taking their time to follow up 2004’s excellent A Ghost is Born release, Loose Fur put together a second album, the amusingly titled Born Again in the USA.

Comprised of one instrumental track, six Tweedy originals and three O’Rourke-penned tunes, Born Again in the USA is a surprisingly straightforward dose of rock n’ roll, easily the closest Tweedy has come to classic rock since Wilco released Being There 10 years ago. The most universal feedback concerning Loose Fur’s first album was that O’Rourke’s tunes were a buzz-kill; not this time around. “Answers to Your Questions” is a slow, sweet song so secretly dense with details that, like O’Rourke’s solo albums, it demands many repeat listens before fully revealing itself. “Stupid as the Sun” is likely the most dead-ahead two-and-a-half-minute rock song since Robert Pollard retired the Guided by Voices namesake last year. O’Rourke sounds more comfortable with his voice than ever, as Glenn Kotche shows off his inherent knack for rock drumming, adding that special something to an otherwise standard rocker. O’Rourke’s final song, “Thou Shalt Wilt,” is a bouncy pop song so perfect in structure and execution you’d almost wish he carried a bigger load of Born Again‘s writing.

Then, of course, you have the six Tweedy songs ... oh, but first, the cursory instrumental track. Clocking in at under four minutes, the textured “An Ecumenical Matter” keeps Born Again accessible, never steering too far away from the band’s new pension for (dare I say it) early 70s radio rock. “Ecumenical’s” modest, yet unique composition only further defines Loose Fur as a somewhat tossed-off collaboration of busybodied rockers with a need for an open forum.

So, like I was saying, the Tweedy tunes. Country, punk, Americana, alternative, folk, progressive and so on, Tweedy has subtly made nearly every brand of rock music his own through the years, penning over 100 songs, many of them classic. His work on Born Again in the USA keeps the streak alive; yes, Jeff Tweedy has done it again. Someone, please inform Jay Farrar’s wife.

Back to that “like I was saying” thing: any Wilco devotee would do just about anything for a Jeff Tweedy tune in between Wilco releases. Born offers six (yes, all six) top-grade Tweedy moments. So wait, why haven’t you bought Born Again in the USA yet? Do you not trust Jeff? Does Drag City need to put one of those “includes members ofÖ” stickers next to the price tag? Basically, if you liked the organic, yet slightly playful direction of Ghost, you’ll be more than satisfied with Born Again. Tweedy’s six tracks offer the trademark poetic wordplay, his still recent penchant for guitar noodling and, most importantly, his perpetual knack for pop structure. Imagine oddly catchier, more stripped-down versions of “I’m a Wheel” or “The Late Greats” and you’ll have Tweedy’s contributions to Born Again. It’s that easy.

A gem for any fan of rock music, Wilco or Jim O’Rourke, Born Again in the USA should hold listeners over until the new Golden Smog album is released later in the year. Cross your fingers for that Wilco dance album, sans O’Rourke, who has reportedly quit music while he takes on a film career. Now get up and go buy Born Again in the USA. You’ll never look back - unless you’ve always insisted that “Farrar was better,” that is in which case I suggest you do some soul searching. Have fun; listen to Loose Fur.   8/10

Written by G. William Locke