This week Wilco took the sensible step of streaming their new album Wilco on their own website following a full leak online. The band had clearly planned ahead and quickly moved to placate fans tempted by downloading the leaked tracks.
On first listen the new record is shaped by Krautrock structures, sparkling guitar interplay and as usual, highly accomplished instrumentation. We've yet to take in Jeff Tweedy's words, but it's safe to say that Wilco is a winner; proven by the band's eagerness to stream its entirety to the world, 6 weeks before stated release date. Now that takes some balls.
Hard working, intelligent and unshakably their own men, The Nightjars have adopted a steady approach since emerging in Manchester four years ago.
Now a three piece, they've assembled a debut album with the experience of their Towards Light mini-album, which was one of the strongest North West records released in 2007. The world may have since gone nuts over The Ting Tings, but bands of The Nightjars' ilk remain unconcerned with fashion's empty vogue. Music comes first.
If Towards Light had an angry streak steaming through its 7 tracks, The Nightjars is it's wiser, more relaxed brother. Take the dreamy acoustic track 'Valentine'; a classic melody weaves around dual vocals from Ollie Wright (bass) and Phil Arnold (guitar) and we're transported to a hazy summer day in Chorlton Park.
There is plenty to be had in The Nightjars. 'Logic Has No Part In It' reveals throbbing rhythms and impressive instrumentation, 'We Fall' is a gorgeous, striped-back cry for help and the upbeat 'Machines Down' mixes Sonic Youth guitar fuzz with frazzled vocal shouts and more superb band interplay.
Streaming below is 'You In A Fine Light' the fine opener to The Nightjars. Reminiscent of Wilco's full on rock moments circa Kicking Television, it's The Nightjars going at full pelt.
You can now order the CD album for a very reasonable £6 here, from the band's own Nightjars record label (digital download scheduled for 27th April).
They launch the album at Chorlton Irish Club tomorrow, Friday 3rd April. They also play at Cafe Saki in Manchester on May 9th, keep an eye out for new dates over on the band's MySpace page.
This year marks the fifteen year anniversary of Chicago troubadours Wilco's formation. Currently recording their seventh studio album, they next month release their Ashes of America Flags tour DVD as part of the international Record Store Day.
A welcome celebration of the humble independent record store in these digitally force-fed times, the UK arm of Record Store Day will offer exclusive releases from Graham Coxon, Sonic Youth and Tom Waits.
Wilco's first live concert film (frontman Jeff Tweedy released a solo live DVD in 2006) was filmed across gigs in Washington, New Orleans, Tulsa, Nashville and Mobile and features 13 songs from all corners of their enviable back catalogue. If the film is anyway near as good as 2002's I Am Trying To Break Your Heart documentary, then we're in for a real treat.
Recently the band joined forces with everyone's favourite new band, Fleet Foxes, to perform a cover of Bob Dylan's 'I Shall Be Released' as part of their support to Barack Obama's successful presidential campaign.
This week Wilco took the sensible step of streaming their new album Wilco on their own website following a full leak online. The band had clearly planned ahead and quickly moved to placate fans tempted by downloading the leaked tracks. 
