Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - Weathervanes ALBUM REVIEW 

As far as I'm concerned, Jason Isbell is arguably one of the best living songwriters I've ever heard. 24 Frames, Speed Trap Town, If We Were Vampires, and Godamn Lonely Love are masterpieces in terms of lyricism and storytelling

Fantano clearly misses the entire point of Jason in the opening speech when he calls him cliche and compares him to Springsteen and Young. Jason has intentionally progressed each album in subversion to country cliche and thoughtless lyrics. His words are powerfully specific, yet tightly relatable to the individual listener. He doesn't mess around with vague themes that pander to commercial audiences, nor does he ever speak of desire for the "commercial" fame Fantano references. If one was to make any comparison at all, they should call the names of Prine and Dylan. However, if one actually listens to Isbell's discography, they find that he really carved his own name into the Americana hardwood, truly beyond comparison.

Southeastern and Something More Than Free are both basically 10/10 records. This one was more of a grower to me, but I'm liking it a lot more than the last couple

If anyone deserves the Fantano boost it's Isbell. Easily one of our best modern songwriters

Wasn't expecting this review, but happy to see him covered. Weathervanes is easily my favorite album of the year so far

Jason is basically a god to me at this point and this album is a 9.5 The thing with Jason is you have to really listen to the songs with intent and pay attention to the lyrics and think about them. You're not gonna get the full experience if you're only listening to a song once or twice. I've been listening to him for 3 and a half years and there are still times when I focus in on a detail in the lyrics that I've never considered before and it clicks, revealing a whole new aspect of the story. It's like reading a novel but in song form. He is a crazy good guitar player as well. It's worth noting that this is the first album he produced himself since before Southeastern. I think he did an awesome job.

When We Were Close is actually one of my favorites on the album. It’s about Justin Townes Earle

Jason Isbell is consistently making the best country out right now. Weathervanes is an easy 9 for me

the double punch of Death Wish and King of Oklahoma alone deserves a yellow

I don't know, Melon. When We Were Close is pretty autobiographical about his relationship with Justin Townes Earle. The drive of that song seems to match the real anger of losing someone to an overdose/addiction that they couldn't pull out of.

Spectrum Pulse introduced me to Jason Isbell, and this record might become my favourite studio album released this year

I'm so glad to finally see Fantano talking about Jason Isbell. He's been the best country artist currently working ever since Southeastern in 2013 (arguably a 10/10 album), and Weathervanes is probably his best since that one!

I am blown away by the lack of note of the song White Beretta both in the video and the comments. Such an outstanding heartwrenching song when you read between the lines of what it's about.

Jason Isbell is the best song writer since Bob Dylan

This is one of the album that grew a lot for me. It started as like a high 5 to 6 and now stands in the high 8 to low 9. Musical arrangment and the emotions are what finally got to me the more I listened to this. Weirdly enough the backend of the album is one I enjoy the most about the album. Cast Iron Skillet is another favorite of mine

Went to a Jason Isbell concert with my dad. I usually don’t like country music so I hadn’t heard any of his music beforehand. His performance moved me to tears and I’ve been a fan ever since! Amazing lyricist.

Bro 100% posted this strategically because of all the drama going around between Jason Isbell and Jason Aldean. This album came out like a month ago. Love to see it tho. Great album

Also extremely this video pop up. Not only because I’ve never heard Anthony talk much about Jason before, but also because this album came out weeks and weeks ago. But I’m extremely happy none the less! This is my favorite album of the year by far and it’s easily a 9-10 for me. Some of Jason’s best songs and it’s probably my second favorite album from him. He’s my favorite singer-songwriter out there right now.

Whenever you asked people on your other channel "What's my worst take?" I always struggled to think of what I would say. Now I know! This is definitely a 9 in my opinion.

Miles not being in the best tracks section is a shame. It's basically him channeling Neil Young and Crazy Horse for a solid 7 minutes

While I enjoy Jason's instrumental work. It's his lyricism that always brings me back. It's between Pheobe Bridgers and him for my favourite lyricists right now.

How come I’ve never seen a drive by truckers review

was not expecting this! ive always been waiting for your review of a jason isbell record. he's been my favorite songwriter for a while, and i love how important is to have someone like him (and amanda!) on the country/americana scene. glad you enjoyed some of the songs! death wish is one of my favorites of the year

if it was called To Pimp A Weathervane it would be a 10/10

Was not expecting a Fantano review of this project. I love this album, will probably wind up on my top 10. Cast Iron Skillet makes me tear up every time.

Was not expecting this review and I am ecstatic that we got it!

Has Anthony ever spoken on any Tyler Childers projects? If he has it’s slipped by me, but he (along with Isbell) is one of the few modern country I extremely enjoy.

Love Jason Isbell so much. One of my favorite songwriters

This album is 10 for me. Jason is on incredible run of great albums. The 400 unit are great musicians, Jason and Sadler are phenomenal guitarists. I usually don’t listen to critics, this review reminds me why.

I can't believe Miles and This Ain't It didnt cut it for Melon! Easily the top tracks for me

My favourite album of the year so far and I don't see that changing. I adore everything about it

I always check his stuff out since his connection w/ John Prine, so far I’ve only loved a couple songs of his songs but I’m looking forward to giving this a listen.

I think that Jason is such a craftsman that some people might mistake some of his melodies and structure for being cliche when they're actually pretty darn well perfect, driven by amazing, thoughtful, actually deep lyrics that encapsulate a novel in a song. Jason puts you in a time and place and mindset like basically no one else working today imo

More country reviews please !

Huge Isbell fan, really really glad that Fantano reviewed this album. I really feel like Miles hits very hard, but I can understand that some might find it a bit too long. Excellent video.

I doubt my request had anything to do with you covering this, but either way I highly appreciate that you did - Jason Isbell is one of the best singer/songwriters working today in my opinion. This album rules!

when we were close is more personal then think you realise .he was friends with Justin Townes Earle, fell out and he died before he could patch up friendship. I feel you should of researched more to give the songs more context

Thank you so much for covering this, I was honestly doubting you would. Hope you also cover the new Gabe Lee record.

I loved this album all I was suprised with what we got but happy nonetheless

The review is more than fair, but the one thing you missed, in my opinion, is the excellence of the lyrics. He writes at a different level than any American songwriter. Tyler Childers, Stapleton, John Moreland...a few others..are outstanding, but Isbell is the top of the heap. The guy will go down as one of the greatest songwriters to ever live.

You nailed Volunteer as well.

Isbell is the only country music I purchase and consistently enjoy. I enjoyed his music with DBT more, but his solo music is still very enjoyable to relax to.

FYI, his last name is pronounced Isbull or maybe even Isb'll - I think it kind of elides the second vowell. I only correct you because I try to remember it myself.

Jason Isbell is an amazing songwriter, so glad you are finally covering him

Please review the the new Guided By Voices Anthony. They’ve been killing it lately but this is their best in a while.

I’ve waited so long for this since listening to the album for the first time

Fantano is way off here - this is an easy 9, Isabell is unmatched as a songwriter in the modern day. P.s. we need more country reviews!

Miles is an amazing song, it's pretty deep lyrically too. It's about his relationship progression with his wife and daughter.

Now give us that 1 year late American heartbreak review by Zach Bryan

what does the black and white flannel mean?

King of Oklahoma is Isbell's best song since Elephant

Jason Isbell continuously putting great music, thoughtfull lyrics and awesome playing makes him and the band one of the best musicians of this generation. More than that, he is a masterfull lyricist and bring important topics to think about on this day and age. Even if you disagree with what he says, at least the puts the word out for conversation. 9/10 is my rating of this one.

Did you see Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at The Greek Theatre last week? It was a vibrant and compelling concert. The songs "Death Wish", "King Of Oklahoma", "Middle Of The Morning", and particularly, "This Ain't It" take on a distinctively richer, more energetic sound palate live. These studio versions pale in comparison. The songs on "Weathervanes" seem as if they were written to be heard live primarily.

sorry this isn’t related to this video, but any thoughts on the Duckboy/Ruby da Cherry solo project? yuno review?

See I don’t think Jason Isbell has some comparable stars… He is his own type of sound and music. This album is beautiful… but my life long favorite will be Alabama Pines! I enjoyed his show I saw back in June sooo much! He’s just a 10/10!

Outstanding take and review. Nashville sound is my favorite of the 400 Unit albums. Have you reviewed Manchester Orchestra? If not, I'd love to hear your take. Cheers. 🤘🏼

Possibly my favorite album of the year so far.

Just came to ask for the latest Blur album review

I wonder if you've seen Barbenheimer yet ?

waiting for the glaive review!

Not a bad review. I have heard similar comments about "When We Were Close" so I am going to leave my take on it here. Basically people state they don't like the rock vibe on a song about a friend's death. When I listen to the song, I hear Drive by Truckers, Patterson Hood in particular. Being that Jason played on more than a couple of Drive by Truckers songs that were about friends deaths and suicides, I think that is what influenced this particular song. Also, couldn't disagree more with Miles. If you have ever dealt with an out of control teen through high school, then the lyrics in the break and change are devastating. In particular "In the name of survival we get used to this"

Reunions was a phenomenal album as well, southeastern too, Overseas is one of my favorite Country Rock songs of all times and Cover me up is one of the greatest love songs ever written

I haven't watched this review yet, but I've listened through the album (as a big Isbell fan), and the tracks I like are: Cast Iron Skillet, When We Were Close, & Save the World. Cast Iron Skillet has got to be the best track on the album, by far.

Think you missed in on Miles at the end... classic CSNY type tune with great lyrics. Longer, sure, but harmonically distinct and lots of great, emotionally rich imagery. Appreciate your whole take though!

been listening to jason since i was 7 glad to see him getting recognized

Wasn't expecting this review tbh, huh

Would love to hear your thoughts on the new Blake Mills album “Jelly Road”

Southeastern, Something More Than Free, Weathervanes, and almost Nashville sound are all perfect records. Isbell doesn’t miss

Gotta do the new blur album sooner or later

Review new Blur

could you review the new blur album pleaseeee

Ik I'm late but I always appreciate people giving Isbell a chance, I think what makes him popular and what I enjoy is how he captures a frustrated almost angsty feeling in his music. Not to mention the lyrics are poetic and lead you into his themes without just saying them. I love his music(maybe gets a little overrated by fans) but will always be a staple imo.

Nas when

When we Were Close is Justin Townes Earle. Steve's son.

Review Yumi - LOST please. I would love to see your thoughts on it.

"One of the best americana albums of the year. I give it a 7!" -Anthony Fantano

This isn't my favorite Isbell album but I love "this ain't it" and "miles." I love the interplay of guitars between Sadler and Jason. You, not so much. Sometimes I just want to jam, and these songs were born to be played live. I think "cast iron skillet" was the song that hit me in the feels the most. "King of Oklahoma" is another stand out for me. Another song about the fragility of the working class and how shit can go sideways at any minute. This album hasn't grabbed me right out of the gate yet like Reunion's did but I know I'll warn up to it with more listens. I get what you're saying but we just have different points of reference and desires and that's OK. Good work.

New Blur album review when????

When we were close is a banger

Review the new Grata Van Fleet album Staecatcher

Please review the new Paris Texas Album

I highly recommend southeastern if you haven’t listened to it yet. In context with his life at the time, it is one of the greatest albums I have heard.

Review Henge, when you get the time!

I’ve (somewhat jokingly) said that Isbell makes music for ppl who regret their lives, so maybe it’s for the best if you’re only lukewarm on him. Loved this record personally, his best since something more than free. White Barretta is brilliant. “Could have been somebody’s father/couldn’t boil a pot of water” is a lyric that has been stuck in my head.

unrelated, but PLEASE review TOODLES AND THE HECTIC PITY-HOLD ONTO HAPPINESS WITH BOTH HANDS

Every single legend people respect when it comes to singer song writers from Paul McCartney to John Mayer all say they wish they had 1/10 the talent Jason Isbell has.

Volunteer is an amazing song

I think Southeastern still stands above the rest, but yea this album is his best since then

Bro review magic 2

This Ain't It in the least favourite tracks ain't it baby

Middle of the Morning is about the emotions and frustrations that came out of the covid lock downs

Melon you've gotta review the next Billy Strings album. You can't ignore him any longer!

Can you review NewJeans’ 2nd EP “Get Up”? I don’t know if you’re open to reviewing anything Kpop related, but the EP is short, only 12 minutes long. Would really like to hear what you think because you’d be a great unbiased review.

Yeah

PLEASE REVIEW MAN ON THE MOON ONE

When are you gonna review the new lil tjay album??

Never did anything for me, looking forward to listening

Please review mid air by Paris Texas

I listened to the album before this review and largely agree. The first half is legit a 10/10 but it kinda fizzles. Isbell is way more my speed than Fantano's tho, so it's like an 8 for me

@theneedledrop review Lil Tjay - 222 album.. do u live under a rock? like