Released 20 years ago, Being There is the album that showcased Jeff Tweedy & gang's versatility. Although operating within the alt-country outline, Wilco doesn't hesitate to experiment for the double-disc release: pop rock, psych, & other styles are explored & incorporated with ease. With that said, and despite the brolic tracklist (19 songs), Being There is a focused, cohesive listen, something that is owed to the group's solid-songwriting foundation. A.M., Wilco's 1995 debut, might have been an extension of the group's Uncle Tupelo lineage, but with Being There, the guys take on an identity of their own and even after 20 years, the music holds up. Highlights include: "Outtasite (Outta Mind)," "Misunderstood," "Forget The Flowers," "I Got You (At The end Of The Century)," and "Sunken Treasure."

• remastered deluxe version
• limited to 15000 copies
• includes disc w/ outtakes/alternates/demos
• music label: Rhino 1996 / 2017

reviewed by rei kwondo 12/2017