Schmilco
by Wilco
  • Record Label: Anti-
  • Release Date: Sep 9, 2016
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 41
  3. Negative: 2 out of 41
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  1. frankrog29
    Sep 16, 2016
    7
    Schmilco is similar to other Wilco albums in that it is alternately comforting and disquieting. The album is quiet yet offbeat and unpredictable. The lyrics often address Jeff Tweedy's rebellious youth. The tone is scrappy and restless yet ultimately conciliatory. The mellow, organic, intimate sound makes the album somewhat comforting but, as in other Wilco albums, an undertone of regretSchmilco is similar to other Wilco albums in that it is alternately comforting and disquieting. The album is quiet yet offbeat and unpredictable. The lyrics often address Jeff Tweedy's rebellious youth. The tone is scrappy and restless yet ultimately conciliatory. The mellow, organic, intimate sound makes the album somewhat comforting but, as in other Wilco albums, an undertone of regret makes the album more intriguing and complex. When compared to other Wilco albums, Schmilco's organic sound and the songs' short running times make the album feel slight. However, this is a good album in its own right.… Expand
  2. molecular
    Sep 26, 2016
    8
    A very low key album. Probably won't appeal to new fans. Older fans will appreciate this for its improvement over several listens. A nice companion piece to "Star Wars".
  3. sratomasfer
    Jan 2, 2017
    8
    Definitely a step up from Star Wars, which I still liked. Wilco explores their melancholy sound more with tracks like If I Ever Was a Child. The only time I'm taken out of this record is on Common Sense which has some weird guitar parts that just don't fit with the flow of the record. Overall, a great listen and a great Wilco record.
  4. IvanMejia_
    Sep 9, 2016
    9
    Pretty much awesome! Terribly masterpiece and one of the best of the year, from track one to the last, it's really an impressive album. Schmilco never disappoints.
  5. oceanofnoise
    Nov 28, 2019
    8
    Good effort not their best because the songs are either really good or very passable. Songs to add to your playlist:
    Rating 1-5 Normal American kids *****
    Locator ****
    If I Was Ever A Child ****
    Cry All Day ***
    Nope ****
    Someone To Lose ***

Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
  1. The Wire
    Nov 8, 2016
    70
    As the album progresses, uneasiness is subliminally incorporated into otherwise deceptively easy rockin’ tunes. [Oct 2016, p.60]
  2. Magnet
    Oct 18, 2016
    80
    Tweedy is a certified master of the simple, effective melody--time and again, he's built something grand from the pieces of something small, and trace evidence of this trick is splattered all over Schmilco. [No. 136, p.60]
  3. Under The Radar
    Sep 15, 2016
    70
    Schmilco is much more understated and autumnal.
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