Wilco Celebrate Star Wars One-Year Anniversary with Stripped-Down New Tune, “Locator”

Wilco shared their stellar, surprise-released Star Wars last year on July 16, and in honor of that album’s impending birthday, Jeff Tweedy and company have given us the gift of song.

“Locator” is almost skeletal in its simplicity: Tweedy’s drowsy vocals take center stage, propelled along by laidback percussion and a two-note bassline. Groaning synths build up pressure until the eruption of a discordant guitar breakdown. The whole surprisingly potent mess fades out after just over two minutes, practically demanding another listen.

The dynamic track would have been right at home on Wilco’s loose and lifelike Star Wars, which we numbered among the best albums of 2015.

You can download and enjoy “Locator” here for only the cost of your email address, and find the song’s artwork below.