Once upon a time there was a pioneering Americana band from Belleville, Il. called Uncle Tupelo. Two of the founding members of the band were Jeff Tweedy and Jay Farrar. The band recorded three albums for a local indie label, and when they were signed by Sire Records, they expanded the trio (which included Mike Heidorn) to a five-piece. Sadly, the relationship between Farrar and co-songwriter Tweedy was deteriorating faster than the band’s fortunes were rising. Just before the release of Uncle Tupelo’s first major label album, Anodyne, Farrar decided he was leaving. The band broke up in 1994. Farrar formed Son Volt, and everyone else formed Wilco.

It’s inarguable that Wilco has received the lion’s share of the spotlight in the intervening years, and I’ve often wondered how that must make Jay Farrar feel. But Son Volt has made some terrific albums, and stayed out on the road through it all, except for a three-year period when Farrar pursued a solo career. There have been a lot of lineup changes, but the one constant, Farrar, soldiers on. (more…)