I've had more or less the same conversation with innumerable Deadheads during the past 40 years. Deadhead: “Do you like the Dead?” Me: “No, not really.” Deadhead: “You obviously never went to a concert.” Me: “Yes, I did.” Deadhead: “But… but…” Me: “I’ll grant you this- I love American Beauty.” The Grateful Dead’s 1970 album is loaded with smart, concise folk-rock shuffles. So is Cruel Country. Wilco’s twelfth studio album sounds like a loving tribute to American Beauty. The sound, atmosphere and intent of the two albums are strikingly similar. A handful of Cruel Country songs may one day become as universally beloved as American Beauty classics like “Friend of the Devil,” “Ripple” and “Truckin’.” Cruel Country is the miracle Deadheads didn’t know they needed.