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Jun 23, 2017 Web Exclusive By Aug Stone

Now this is a lovely thing. Jeff Tweedy revisits his past catalogue, recording acoustic renditions of songs from Wilco, Loose Fur, and Golden Smog. The record begins with a slightly faster paced “Via Chicago” from Wilco’s Summerteeth, the tempo suiting the song very well. Summerteeth is the album best represented here with two further takes on songs from that record. There’s a gorgeous version of “In a Future Age” where the softer timbre of Tweedy’s acoustic really brings out the guitar line. And although one could never hope to match the full band perfect pop assault of “I’m Always In Love,” the rendition here is definitely worth hearing. Tweedy’s take on Loose Fur’s “Laminated Cat,” with its acoustic setting and lack of frantic percussion underneath, showcases what a great song it is, and even more, just how good the lyrics are. This is true for the whole record. Entirely acoustic except for an electric guitar lead at the end of “In a Future Age,” the music on Together At Last provides ideal space to take in the meaning and wordplay of what Tweedy is singing. “Ashes of American Flags” is also ever-so-slightly more laid back, working to good effect. And here the minimal setting makes not just the lyrics more prominent but the melody as well. Together At Last is the first in a proposed series of like releases. Which is very good news indeed, since as the album finishes and you let it play again, you are also wishing there is more to hear. And with Tweedy there is a lot more gold to mine. (www.wilcoworld.net)

Author rating: 7/10