Was throwing out a bunch of old CDs. For the most part, I've dumped the WAV files into a hard drive (like a good little 21st century audiophile).

Found a record I hadn't even thought of in years: The intelligentsia are all familiar with the word "Wilco"... if not as a band then at least as an ersatz for all that is refined, misunderstood, or martyred in our beautiful universe. Yea, we know of the way the industry has marginalized them over the years, of Tweedy's on-again-off-again relationship with himself, and of the band's eventual triumph as critical darlings and curators of rock music's authenticity.

Almost ironically though, fewer know the name of Jay Farrar. Tweedy and Farrar started-off in Uncle Tupelo, sometime in the late 80s I believe. After a brief, but memorable run among the other founding fathers of alt. country-- the trio split up (go figure, personal differences). Farrar formed 'Son Volt' and of course Tweedy 'Wilco'.

But if we are all saddened by Wilco's rocky romp with the music industry, we are all but devastated by Farrar's story. You see, he's been sitting around the room writing similarly emotive songs of the world-weary road musician. Difference being that he sings them to much smaller audiences, and with much less acclaim. I'm not sure things get more disappointing than that... even Elliot Smith had his moment in the sun (possibly the one that transpired just before he stabbed himself in the heart!)

Anyway... track 3, 'Tear Stained Eye' ranks to me not only among the best of the alt.country genre, the best of the 90s... but possibly something more metaphysical than that. I can't imagine a recording whose production, delivery, and intensity convey more aptly the spirit of a song and the person who wrote it. By the time the pedal steel finishes its promenade and the 3rd verse begins, I am beside myself.

"like the man said-- rode hard and put away wet
throw away the bad news, put it to rest
if learning is living, then the truth is a state of mind
and you'll find it's better at the end of the line"

I'm sorry for getting all 8th grade with y'all... quoting lyrics and whatnot, but it's a real moment friends. See if you can find 'Trace' somewhere and dial-up track 3. The version on MOG is a demo, and though still recognizable--- the song just isn't there as it is on the album version.