UNCLE TUPELO
An Anthology (Sony)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Uncle Tupelo is one of those Velvet Underground type bands that people fervently site as a major influence, yet sold few records in their day. Laying claim to the "no depression" tag (evidence A: the lead off track: "No Depression," the defense rests), Uncle Tupelo was certainly at the fore of the alt.country dance line. After three albums and nothing more than critical raves, the Uncle split into two interesting camps. Whereas Son Volt wallowed in the beautifully ugly side of real depression country, Wilco has morphed into an ever changing pop outfit capable of shining at any sort of party. The dichotomy of the principles is what gave Uncle Tupelo a unique power. Even within individual songs, there is clashing of tempos, ideals and styles. "An Anthology" gathers the moments of spark so nobody feels left out, and unearths a brilliant bluegrass version of Iggy's "I Wanna Be Your Dog." Divine.

© 2002 - John Sekerka