The Autumn Defense, Green Hour (Broadmoor Records) 9+
The Autumn Defense is Wilco's John Stirrott and Pat Sansone. United by a mutual love of Love's Forever Changes, Brazilian Tropicalia, Robert Wyatt and Scott Walker, the duo recorded this catchy pop album at Kingsway, a studio in New Orlean's French Quarter. At first glance, these songs sound like early 70s A.M. hits lurking in your childhood subconscience. Surprisingly, the moldy spectre of that cheesy singles band Bread rears it's crusty head. How did the love of Tropicalia and Wyatt begat Bread? Nevertheless, much is forgiven on the strength of songs like "Make It Through The Summer," co-written with Kevin Junior of Chicago's The Chamber Strings. The cover of Woody Guthrie's "Revolutionary Mind" tops anything from the two Wilco/Billy Bragg collaborations. Lots of harmonizing and a variety of strummed instruments, organs and even glockenspiels, sitars and marimbas fuel this sunny stroll from strength to strength, from heart-stopping ("Wellspring"), inspiring ("Full 5 Paces") and celebratory ("Under Electric Moon"). The album climaxes with the low-key, but powerful closer, "Put On The Ground." Wilco's next album, which was originally scheduled for a September release, was delayed because Reprise foolishly dropped them. In the meantime, open-minded fans can be nourished by this refreshing appetizer.
