2000 Great Songs #1252: Drown

Early Americana/No Depression pioneers Uncle Tupelo are on the short list of band whose break-up launched multiple respectable musical trajectories. Jeff Tweedy's work with Wilco has probably garnered more commercial and critical attention (and is a much bigger part of my own life). But it was Jay Farrar's Son Volt originally projected to lead the way. Farrar's songwriting dominated Uncle Tupelo's albums, or at least the first couple--Tweedy's increasing role as a co-leader presumably playing a big role in their parting ways. And it was Farrar's voice that was arguably the most attention-grabbing feature of Uncle Tupelo, a weathered, really-been-through it husky growl surprisingly emitted by such a young man.

Yet I can't say I'm a massive Son Volt van. To be sure, they have a pretty massive discography at this point (including some Farrar solo & side projects), and I don't believe they've ever released anything I haven't liked. But for me, the band is consistently solid, but rarely revelatory. Still, their early albums in particular approached greatness. "Drown," the first single off 1995 debut LP Trace, is a fine example of Farrar as rocker (as distinguished from Farrar as country/folk balladeer), an energetic riff-rocker that feels thoroughly electric without sacrificing that down-home Midwestern sense of melancholy.

Live on Conan 1996:

Another live one:

Jay Farrar acoustic:

Cover by Michael Cash & The Departed: