Established from the ashes of alt-country legends Uncle Tupelo by singer/guitarist Jeff Tweedy, Wilco initially followed its roots instincts. With fellow cohorts John Stirratt and Ken Coomer also aboard, the band's A.M. builds on Uncle Tupelo’s brand of up swinging country-rock and good-natured songwriting. Fans that had previously fallen in love with Tweedy and Co.’s Americana tint found plenty to love here. So did many others.

Intriguingly, A.M. was subject to an abnormal amount of attention and debate months before its March 1995 release. Since it was being recorded while ex-Uncle Tupelo member Jay Farrar was making his debut with Son Volt, everyone wondered what band would get its album out first and how they would fare. Reflecting the internal drive that has allowed him to become one of contemporary music’s most influential artists, Tweedy’s new project beat that of his former mate by several months. History has also proven the record's lasting power.

Mixed with radioplay in mind, A.M. is stacked with modest yet playful arrangements, straightforward hooks, and fun-loving humor--as well as a bit of drunken debauchery. Yes, those are actual beer bottles clanking together in simultaneous unison on the contagious “Casino Queen.” Not to be outdone, the bar-favorite “Passenger Side” stumbles and staggers as Tweedy laments what it’s like to lose a driver’s license to a DUI arrest. Spirited and soulful, this is where Wilco launched its now-trademark sound. A.M. remains both a great starting point for newcomers as well as a pleasant place to revisit for listeners that might have missed it the first time around.

180g vinyl LP reissue mastered from the original tapes and pressed at Germany’s legendary Pallas facilities.