tblair

indeed... I get the identity 'problem' too, up to a point. The people who have the biggest problem with it though are journalists (it makes them have to think about what they're actually writing ) and record companies who can't figure out which category to sell them as... thank god they found Nonesuch (and vice-versa). Artists shouldn't be wasting time worrying about how they could or should be categorised. I was also slightly surprised at how mixed the audience was, both in age and gender... what's he on about?

the real problems come with not realising that there are (at least) 2 sides to everything..

I don't really care either. It always comes with mixed feelings when a band you like gets very popular. It's disappointing that it gets harder to get tickets, and the venues (usually) get bigger and less friendly, but I do like to see people who I think deserve it, get the recognition. I think where Wilco is at the moment, in many ways, is pretty good. I'm sure they're making enough money to gey by ( ), yet they still have the freedom (artistically and personally) that acts like U2 probably can't enjoy as much. I imagine a day when people ask me who I really like, and I answer "Wilco", that

I s'pose that's why they never get the 'attention' (?) they deserve in the uk. How a show as good as it was only gets 3 out of 5 stars just baffles me. They do sometimes show their Velvet Underground influences, but Wilco (the song) isn't one of 'em. Either the reviewer doesn't know VU or the song itself, one or the other. Which songs were the country-rock ones that plodded?... I don't recall any 'plodding' at all. what on earth does that mean. There aren't many bands that take the musical risks that Wilco does. I wonder what the reviewer would consider a 5 star show?

maybe... depends what a 'high' percentage is. I'd be surprised if even close to half the audience would have seen them more than a couple of times (especially as it was a show in a part of London that they probably have never played). And it would be a mistake (imo) to simply 'preach to the converted'... still, different strokes, an' all that

I think it's weird the way die-hard fans, who go to multiple shows, expects 'their' band to change the set for them, who are probably in the minority. I'd imagine most punters at the shows, haven't seen every show Wilco have played over the last few years, and might not have seen them play Spiders, which is a major highlight of their show (and has changed a little over the years). It's the same with Springsteen fans who complain about him playing Thunder Road (or whatever) most of the time. I, for one, would be dissapointed if these staples were missed out. My wife came last night, she doesn't

fantastic show last night... the band still seem to be getting better. The venue was nice, but it won't last long as a 'proper' venue unless it sorts a few things out. No bar to speak of upstairs, just a couple of tables selling bottles (and a long queue), the stage isn't much of a stage, the lighting was very basic (Jeff was pretty much in darkness for lots of the set), side monitor speakers blocking some of the view..... and we had reserved seats in the blacony, but when we got there, we were told there was a cock up with the seats, and they showed us a couple of seats but said if someone co

I meant the stage looks small... just called the venue, and Wilco are due on at 8.30, with an 11 o' clock finish... that seems long enough..

Has anyone been before? The place looks great in it's deco glory. The pictures on it's website make it look like the stage isn't exactly permanent, and maybe a bit small though..... ? Seems like years since the Shepherd's Bush gigs and the cancelled Brixton show, so really looking forward to tonight. Should we expect anything special on his birthday? (it'll be special anyway...)

'cept he lifted his foot a couple of times, so he'd have to be ejected ps... says on my ticket for the Troxy tomorrow that I have a VIP table...???.. how am I going to dance?

dance without moving your feet...?? then it's not dancing. So, no dancing at Wilco shows?

Wilco, followed by Bruce... that's about as good as it gets!

Happened to me too (the 'clip' holding the cd is way too strong!!). I wrote to the publishers (or was it the distributor?) and they replaced it. (actually they sent me another book with the cd!!)

I've never been to the Troxy. It looks lovely....

good question... Most festival sets aren't any longer than an hour (unless it's a headliner). But yeah, it seems like a long way to go just for an hour. Maybe the promoter was such a fan, they were willing to pay over the odds just to get a chance to see Wilco.... maybe???

just a little 'bump' in the vague hope that it might make any differece as to whether they come back to the uk, or not... was there ever any official (or unofficial even) reason as to why they cancelled last time?

maybe they could make up for the cancelled UK shows...???

out of all the Wilco shows I've seen, Sunken Treasure was the best opener... for what that's worth....??

That sounds good. I guess I was just a bit slow (with the lyrics), and it took a book to explain them to me.

I'm still struggling with this stuff, that's not fair..

now you've deleted your posts, the thread looks like aload of nonsense.... thanks for your input...

jeez... one thing I hate about forums is all the nit-picking over irrelevant specifics. I never said Tolle was a Buddhist. but anyway...

not sure how that affects my original post/question? I could re-phrase it if you like... Is Jeff into Tolle-like spiritual enlightenment? how's that? (not sure I'm happy with the word 'ripped', makes it sound like he's stolen something. What I've read and heard, he constantly acknowledges where what he's saying has been said before)

I thought alot of what he says is based on Buddhism. On one of his cd's, he says (paraphrasing here), "if I can condense what I'm saying to one word, it's Buddhism" maybe I misunderstood it ps I didn't actually say he was a Buddhist deliberatley because I didn't think he was, but a lot of his 'teachings' are based on it, aren't they?

Just came back from the doctors surgery, reading the Eckhart Tolle book, "The Power Of Now". It's quite heavy (but not, at the same time...?!) The lyrics to War On War, have always slightly puzzled me. I kind of thought I understood, but not quite (if you get my drift). Anyway the whole concept of 'learning to die' was explained in the book. Briefly: "You will know it (the truth) at the latest when you feel death approaching. Death is a stripping away of all that is not you, The secret of life is to "die before you die" - and find that there is no death" If that sounds a bit gobledegook-ish, y