mike squires

Was the show sold out or at least full-ish?

I didn't get a good look at the balcony. The bottom was full and maybe 1/4 of the top. I think it's about 2,000 capacity so I would say about 1500 people were there. Just a guess though. As mentioned, it was a pretty respectful crowd considering concerts these days.

lasts nights show was so beautiful and perfect.

 

i didn't hear anyone utter a word during any of the songs, although there were a few yip-yowlers and song requesters but it didn't bother me. the crowd was mostly reverent- in awe, i think- and they were hesitant to sing along but i think that was because it was so quiet! once everyone joined in, it was fun. i loved the 'is that the thanks i get?' "we can make it better" sing along!!! (jeff- "you could do it better" crowd- "we could sing/do/make it betbtrrtr...")

 

after 4 hours on the road, i had the absolute joy of being able to sit the whole show (no one was in front of me, either!) and even though i was in row Q, it was a great seat! it seemed like any seat had a good view.

 

the songs were the best. the setlist was varied and its always nice to hear a new song- the instrumental was pretty, too. sunken treasure gets me every time and the extreme quiet in the auditorium made it even more chilling than normal. jeff wasn't in perfect form (forgotten words, etc) but thats what makes a show charming and funny.

 

the crisp fall evening and being on a beautiful college campus just made it all that much better. the fall leaves were blowing everywhere and it was chilly and perfect. kris and i even went to a pumpkin patch before leaving downstate today to top it all off.

 

ive been to a great number of wilco/tweedy shows and this might be on my top 5! it was just so so beautiful. i never really care about this but... i hoped this was taped!

I totally agree. When my wife came home I told her it feels like a Wilco night. With the nip in the air and leaves blwoing. The last three times he's been to the Folenger it's been like this. It was PERFECT. IT will be a night I will not forget. So intimate and beautiful. I thought Autumn Defense set the tone and the mood nicely. I also agree that the crowd was in awe. They were literally hanging on every line...No pun intended (radio King) Crappy thing is, it will probably be another 2 years or so before I see him again.

So Jeff came out to sign? I stuck around for a bit, but obviously left too soon. Nice poster, would have been even better signed.

Yeah, I should have stuck around a bit too. I have an old poster from 97 that would have looked nice signed. Maybe next time.

No bus for this show. I saw a yellow Ryder type truck and maybe a white van. It reminded me of when I played a show back home in 97. We only had the usual stuff for bass, guitar and drum but had to rent out a small uhaul to get the equipment there. I felt silly backing up to unload to find only a few guitars, drums, a few amps and a bass.

Good job calling the guy out for the black eye. You must have been 4 rows or so behind me. I was in M. Jeff did a nice job getting back on track saying just cuase he messed up doesn't mean he lost control of the show and that he does this all the time and he's a professional. For as nervous has I've heard he gets before a show, you would never know it the way he interacts with the crowd.

Yes, Spiders...I prefer the acoustic version Jeff played.

In all seriousness, this guy could no doubt be the next (our generations) Johnny Cash. Even wore all black tonight.

Wilco gets quite a bit exposre (especially since YHF) but if this guy doesn't get a Rollingstone cover or a spot on SNL, then what we already know is true...the current stae of music sucks.

This had to be one of the best shows I have ever seen. There were a few times I had to swallow hard, particulary,,,when he intensely says..I AM SO OUT OF TUNE WITH YOU. I found myself taking pictures in my mind so I would never forget this experience.

I have to also say, being from Indiana and not letting me bias speak, Illinois crowds are typically lame. Not this one. Aside from the usual one or two idiots, the crowd was a good one!

Time for bed.

This is a lot of pressure. I'm not much into reviewing concerts and I can't give you a set list. I feel like if I kept track of every song I would lose my focus on the show. Anyway...

What a show. My wife and I walked in what must have been about 1/4 into the Autumn Defense set. They truly showed that they are great musicians and songwriters. Their quiet strumming and beautiful harmonies took me back to the 70's when I was about 7 listening to Simon and Garfunkle through the old transister radio. What an intimate set these guys put on. I truly felt I was watching Austin City Limits or something. MY only complaint, let's just say I'm glad Mr. Tweedy is the lead songwriter of the group! Stiratt and Pat seemed very appreciative of being able to open for Jeff and the reception they got.

After about 20+ minutes, Jeff walked out and immediatly started his amazing set. I would say this had to exceed my expectations. Jeff had the audience from the beginning. I can't even tell you what he opened with but was soon playing, I am Trying To Break Your Heart, Sunken Treasure, Cars Can't Escape. After about 3 or 4 songs Jeff began his usual crowd comedy banter. He talked about his recent scuffle with the "fan" and how he can't use the same jokes anymore because of his DVD release.

I would say the crowd was pretty respectful. There were a few knuckle heads and 2 guys sitting a few rows apart starting talking back and forth a bit. Tweedy said, "are you guys fighting amongst yourselves?" He messed up the beginning of a song by forgetting the words and took him a minute to get back on track. After the song the crowd started to make a few requests. I yelled slightly just above everyone else..."RADIO KING." Now, I stated in the champaign thread how he would make my night if he played this song. About 4 seconds after yeling it out, he did the little intro to it. Now I'm a 33 year old male, 6'3 about 200 pounds but I will be the first to admit, I'm in touch with my feminine side. I could have cried at this moment. I honestly believe Jeff either saw my post earlier in the day or he heard my request. My wife thinks I"m a moron and naieve for thinking he played this for me but considering his huge catalog of songs I think it would have been too ironic for him to have played it at this point. A friend of mine asked me after the song, how did you do that?!" Jeff, in fact you played it for me and you are reading this I appreciate it. I do believe he took some requests. Another guy called out for GUN and he played it right after...Another obscure song. Of course during all these requests, someone yelled out Freebird. He got booed and Jeff shook his head sadly as if to say, there is one in every group.

Jeff played a nice variety of songs....In a Future Age, Summer Teeth, was i in your dreams, Theologians, Shine a Light, Bob Dylans Beard and finished with We can make it better. The final song and radio King were my highlites.

Please add folks and I'm sure someone will have a setlist in a matter of time.

Mike

For me it's Radio King. If he plays that...it's all good.

I don't have any idea when the bus will be rolling in, but that's just fucking creepy, dude.

What, asking for an autograph? What's so creepy about that?

OK, so what if I'm a dork and show up at the venue for an autograph. About what time do you predict the bus to arrive at Champaign today? Any of you die hards know? I got lucky a few yeaers ago. I walked right up to the back of the venue and there he was...zero wait time. I don't self myself getting luckier than that. It's worth a shot though...

I think my wife and I are going to have a nice meal and head on over. Being a die hard Wilco fan, I'm ashamed to say I have never seen or heard The Autumn Defense play. Is it imperative that I see them? I don't want to bore my wife too much. She's not big into going to concerts. I really want to hang out at the Foelinger and stalk Jeff a bit and ask him to sign a poster I tore down a wall near the Canopy with them on it many years ago. But I don't think my 3 year old daughter would appreciate standing in 45 degree weather. Oh, and tell him I lost my virginity that night after the show!!! I'm sure Jeff would have a great line. I imagine him saying with a little shrug..."Good for you." I'm in row M, right smack in the middle. Looking forward to it.

tonights Champaign show sounded like a copy of last night. Including the bantar. (Made the same comment about punching us if we kissed him.) I felt sorry for Jay initially. He was nervous and without sounding like a jag, Jay could stand to lose a few pounds. I know his back was giving him problems and he mentioned he had some work done on it over the summer...maybe he hsn't been getting around much but his belly was definately pertruding. (Sorry Jay, I know you are reading this) After about 3 or 4 beers, Jay settled down nicely. Did a nice rendition of "My Darling" with Burch. Jay obviously felt more comfortable with a band backing him. Confident, great guitar work (The Fender he borrowed after breaking a string sounded much better than the slightly out of tune Epiphone, that I imagine was from using the whammy bar. He also played a song he co wrote with Stiratt. He mentioned he's still good friends with him.

Jay sounded very appreciative and genuine for the crowd coming out. Both his old manager and new manager were in attendence and standing next to one another.

I had just seen Blue Man Group perform (with the wife) but I'm glad I went out for the show at the Cowboy Monkey.

I agree, Death Ship sounded great. The guys voice reminded me at times of Tweedy. Wish I could hve caught the Tractor Kings. Another good band reminiscent of Tupelo.

Good night of music...

I've been a Wilco fan going on 11 years now and always wanted Tweedy to come to town. I never thought he would and was very thrilled when I hard he was coming. (Champaign) Those of you who have been to a Tweedy show, what should I expect? I imagine it's his time to do his quieter folkier songs such as Radio King and some of the more obscure stuff. I hope I'm right. Can anyone post a sample set list from the past? Thank ya!!!

Being 32 I haven't been to a lot of the college bars for years. I like Legends. Good food and usually has some good drink specials. Here is what you do....

Get to Champaign early and have a late afternoon lunch. 4 or so. Eat at El Torrero (there are 3 of them) In my opinion, it's the best mexican food in town. I always get the grilled chicken and shrimp with garlic. They always look at me funny. Their tacos and enchiladas are great too.

That will get you to Legends or a campus bar around 5 or so. That will give you an hour and a half or so to play some music on the jukebox and throw down a few, play some pool or throw some darts.

Don't get sloshed though. Be able to enjoy and remember the show.

I'm telling you, that sounds like a fun afternoon/evening my friend!

I have to admit, I'm not a huge Everclear fan. I can say they have some damn catchy songs with good hooks. I bought their sparkle and fade years ago and went cause I deserved a night out and was a bit curious. I also thought it would be a nice filler until the Tweedy show later in the month.

The band has none of it's original members except Art of course. He was showing his age a bit but still looked and sounded good.

They took their time getting on after the opener. At least the Canopy was playing the Lips' Yoshimi battles the Pink robots. They eventually made their way on stage and got quite a response. The crowd, a surprisingly young group sang almost every word to many of the songs. The highlite for me was a solo electric version of Strawberry. They also did a Rollingstones cover accopella (sp?)

So after maybe a little over an hour, Art said they were making them get off early tonight due to some dancing. Everybody responded with a chorus of boos. With that they broke into Santa Monica. about 1/4 into it, a young girl jumped onto the stage to give Art a hug. She got down and after a few seconds got up again. Alexakis stopped the song and told the girl she not only got up once but twice and for that would have to help sing the song. The girl obviously would not be able to deliver. By this time there were 5 or 6 girls and a guy on stage dancing and bobbing around. Art stops the songs again and it appeared he was trying to get the girls to drop their shirts. The girls would have none of that and hopped off...except the girl that originally got up there. She was near the edge of the stage and Art gave her a shove and down she went into the crowd for some surfing. Until she got about 3 feet or so away from me and down she went. It sure looked like she hit her head but appeared OK.

me and the rest of the crowd thought for sure there wold be some encores, but he was serious. They were not coming back and they were getting off early. After maybe 1 hour and 15 minutes the show was over. It seemed even shorter than that. They were going to sign autographs in the front but after about 10 minutes I spllit. I walked outside to see hoochy mamas standing in line to get in. My fear is is that he brought out the ol acoustic and played an intimate set by himself in the bar section. But if he did, I didn't see it.

Overall I was dissapointed in the short set but it was nice to get out of the house and see some live music.

Can't wait for the tweedy show. May have to check out Bennet when he comes by in a few weeks too.

MIke

Ordering tickets in the pst you would have thought I would have been a little smarter. I got on line around 11:20 this morning and was "surprised" to see they were already on sale. It was nerve racking. I had the password and thought that would have been all I needed. Eventually I got Row M in sec 2. I guess I can't complain. Never seen Tweedy solo and I'll be right in the middle. Should be a lot of fun.

Let me just say for a guy that 1)absolutly cannot drive in the big city, 2)Having a 2 1/2 yar old it's hard to get out and 3)probably could not afford many...I don't get out to many shows. I really wanted to go see Ryan Adams and John Fogerty both in Indy and Wilco in Laffeyette but it just didn't work out. So this month I plan on going to two...Everclear (don't hassle me. I know he's the only remaining member and I can't say I'm even a big fan, but I think it will still be a good show) and Tweedy later in the month. Both shows are in Champaign. Should be fun...

How much does a Tweedy solo show go for? I'll be getting mine for Champaign on Wednesday!

sigh. portland is so far away.

 

Fri Oct 27 '06

Foellinger Auditorium

Urbana, IL

 

Mon Oct 30 '06

Pabst Theater

Milwaukee, WI

I always bitch and moan that he never does solo stuff in Champaign. well, I'm eating my words now. I am there. October is perect to see him. Should be a great night.

Hope sure has been quiet. I really wish Mazzy Starr would put out some new stuff. Anyone know if she has been doing any side projects of late? Been awhile since her solo disc. She is too good to do nothing.

Death Ship Tour dates (opening for Jay Bennett)

 

10/20/06:Champaign, IL @ Cowboy Monkey w/ Jay Bennett 9pm

 

10/21/06:St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway w/ Jay Bennett 9pm

 

10/22/06:Nashville, TN @ 3rd + Lindsley w/ Jay Bennett 9pm

 

10/23/06:Louisville, Ky @ TBA

 

10/24/06:Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe w/ Jay Bennett

 

10/27/06:Arlington, VA @ IOTA w/ Jay Bennett + These United States

 

10/28/06:Philadelphia, PA @ M-Cafe w/ Jay Bennett

 

10/30/06:Brooklyn, NY @ Union Hall w/ Jay Bennett

 

10/31/06:New York, NY @ Joe’s Pub w/ Jay Bennett

 

11/01/06:Boston, MA @ Middle East w/ Jay Bennett + Decibully

October should be a fun month. A couple of weeks off, Whitesox in the playoffs and going to see Jay on the 20th!!! Well, 2 out of 3 isn't bad.

I saw Todd Snyder the ohter night on Leno and was blown away. That good old country rock. Anyone listen to his latest? Any good? The song he made made me shake my hips and I can't dance. Talking abuot he ewas looking for a job when he found this one...

Yeah Detroit and on a friday. Might conflict with playoff baseball though.

Don't get your hopes up too much, my Whitesox are right on your tail. DOn't get me wrong in a way I'm happy for you guys and your city but this thing might go down too the wire. When we were 10 games back I felt dead, now for some reason 6 1/2 sounds more like 2 1/2. I like our chances.

Good luck, Last year I took the entire month off work for their amazing run. It was awesome.

Menthol is originaly from Champaign but moved to Chicago a few years ago. Not sure how often they've been playing lately but a great band. Kind of Cars influenced. They were on a david Spade movie soundtrak several years ago. I would check them out.

"Sometimes due to hardships in my life, I've been driven, to depend upon the generosity of older alcoholic women, cause it's Strang Liven" Menthol's Strange Livin

I could have sworn saw Joel on the eleptical at the gym a few weeks ago...

Was he cute, at least?

HE?! It better not have been a he!!!

IT must have been one hell of a show.

Sadly, I remember more of the show than the actual, um, you know..

I haven't used the "cherry" metaphor since high school (long, long ago), but isn't it "pop a cherry" or something like that? I'm not sure a virgin gets her cherry "broken", though I could be wrong since, well, as I said, long, long ago....

 

I'll respond to the substance of this thread later this evening, after I down a few (not cherries!!).

 

I lost my virginity after a Wilco show. How cool is that?