#50 Wilco – Sky Blue Sky

For as many truly great albums Wilco has put out since the early ’90s, it’s kind of a disappointment that Sky Blue Sky isn’t in my top 10 for the year. Nevertheless, it’s got its own kind of beauty that shown through a little clearer when I was able to catch them live with the Moore brothers in Dallas a few months back. Tracks like “Impossible Germany” and “Either Way” are a little trite when compared the apex of their abilities found on 2002’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (one of only three albums this decade I’ve been able to give a perfect 10.0), but I’ve conceded to allow frontman Jeff Tweedy at least one commercial album. For the first time since I discovered these guys, I’m seeing their songs played over the speakers at bars and on a Volkswagon ad. Kind of a sell out? Yes, definitely. But then again, what indie act hasn’t lent their name to iPod (Feist), Outback (Of Montreal) or, like Wilco, the dreaded car commercial (Nick Drake, The National)? At least Band of Horses rejected Wal-Mart …