Loose Fur - Born Again in the U.S.A.

Longtime recipients of this list probably think that Jeff Tweedy could sneeze (or worse) into a microphone and earn a place on it every year. It's certainly true that Jeff's a contemporary hero of mine, and in my view, one of the finest and most affecting songwriters and performers of his generation. I just loves me some Tweedy, what can I say. And while we'll have to wait until 2007 to get the new Wilco record, 2006 saw this release by one of Jeff's many side-projects. Loose Fur -- Jeff's occasional collaboration with Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche and songwriter/producer Jim O'Rourke -- isn't usually the vehicle for his very best songs, but it is an outlet for some of his more experimental material, as well as some of his more light-hearted. This record is no different, featuring Tweedy tracks like "The Ruling Class," an acoustic singalong in which Jesus returns to hang with the drug dealers in the neighborhood, "Apostolic," which is alternately delicate and driving, lovely and loud, and "Wreckroom," which could have been a Wilco tune if it weren't quite so trippy. I have to say, too, that what cinches this record's place on my list is the surprisingly strong material, and some lovely singing, by O'Rourke as well. ("Answers To Your Questions" is particularly nice.) And, as always, Kotche is just a wonder -- a true artisan of rhythm and texture and nuance. Nobody keeps time like he does. This basically is three wonderful artists, one of them a bona fide genius, stepping away from their usual outlets for a moment, being creative and having fun. The results are never less than interesting, and are frequently special. Now, excuse me while I go reserve a spot for the new Wilco record on my list for next year. I've already heard all of the songs, and I promise you, it'll be there.

LISTEN / DOWNLOAD: The Ruling Class, for an alternate vision of the Second Coming.