 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
A Ghost Is Born
- By Wilco
- Genre: Alternative Rock
Common Sense Media says
Unorthodox CD for thoughtful teens.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although the very artistic Wilco's tone is usually serious, that doesn't equate to top-heavy, the-world-is-crashing-around-our-ears seriousness. Nor does it mean extreme profanity or celebration of drugs and alcohol, despite singer Jeff Tweedy's struggle with substance abuse and recovery while making the CD. There are some palatable feelings of tension, pain, and hope, lyrically and musically. There's also brief profanity (a few "holy s--t"s in one song and a "hell" in another title), and an obscure, anti-drug message in "Handshake Drugs."
What's the story?
While not portrayed as "experimental," like Wilco's 2002 breakthrough Yankee Foxtrot Hotel was, A GHOST IS BORN might be even more unorthodox in parts. But that hardly affects its listenability (if one is looking for a true alternative to mainstream). Wilco shows as much imagination on this CD as on its predecessor, while going for a warmer, more earthy tone in places. But Tweedy's inner turmoil is evident all over this CD, especially in the pained guitar playing. Although there aren't any catchy hits like "Heavy Metal Drummer" here, there is much for thoughtful teens to explore.
Is it any good?
If you're the parent of a teen listening to Wilco in this time of meaningless disposable pop, you should jump for joy. You should react the same way as your parents should have reacted when you discovered Bob Dylan or the Beatles. The music is indeed alternative in its creativity and the lyrics are poetic and thought-provoking without revealing too much.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what Tweedy went through and how his feelings might have influenced the music. Can music -- either writing it or listening to it -- help soothe tough times? After listening to "Theologians," which is mildly anti-religious but pro-God, families can talk about religion and spirituality.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Note That Should Be On Album: Buy Me!
For this review, I would like to say the exact opposite of what I think.
A Ghost Is Born is a terrible album. All the songs are the same, and there is just too much of this kind of music around. Jeff Tweedy (lead singer) can't sing at all! The instruments sound like dying cats!
Do not buy this album!
Now, just flip what I said around, and you have my review!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Another wonderful album by wilco!
My mom and I are big wilco fans. In my opinion, this is one of the best albums. My favorite song from this is "spiders."
5 out of 5 stars.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
There needs to be more music like this around these days. A great album!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
This album takes some getting used to but Wilco is the best band around nowadays. I wish I could get my teenager hooked...
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I love all Wilco and I've bought every album since I was for years old! I hate mainstream music, and Wilco is the only alternative to mainstream junk nowadays.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Artist: | Wilco |
| Release date: | June 22, 2004 |
| Label: | Nonsuch |
| Genre: | Alternative Rock |
| Parental advisory: | No |
| Edited version available: | No |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already listened to it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
