lost highway

I think that album is 1/2 filed with songs just like that. But as a Wilco fan, I appreciate that someone would love it. I like that you're willing to dog on a little bit of the material, it makes it more interesting. I never want to bum people out but I always find making fun of "Can't Stand It" because the idea that a Wilco song would be lame to me is pretty novel.

Yeah I just remember in some interview about the Mermaid Avenue stuff he was kind of trumpeting his (and by extension the band's) refinement of one of Bragg's ditties. He said something about using Burt Bacharach chords, playing 9ths or something. It gave me the impression Bennet was hip to theory. His style on piano specifically, is so distinct I felt like some of it came down to his chord voicings choices. I'm a hack piano player so I kind of wish I knew what was going on there to extend my knowledge, but I can't point out the chord tones blindfolded. Maybe some day I'll just sit down at the ivories with the boom box and see if I can suss some of it out. Now on guitar I know exactly what he's doing, but that's also been covered around here with tabs etc. Also Garth Hudson was a well-schooled shredder. All those other dudes though, you're dead on.

He always was the smarter one. Evil, but smarter.

It looks like Obamacare has survived the Supreme Court once again!!!

Wilco as a guitarist's band has been well analyzed and appreciated. From Bennet's hot dogging, Tweedy's emotional skronk, Cline's unparalleled dexterity to Pat's deft supporting licks we get what this band is up to (and it's amazing). The piano business is less clear to me. Clearly Jorgensen has a recognizable mark, that stretches out even more in live renditions with some inventive, dark, and sometimes jazzy chord voicings (see 'You Are My Face' live). But Mr. Bennet has an almost trademark style on his Being There and Summerteeth piano playing that is brashly unmistakable on some live recordings. I know theory and everything, but as a hack keyboard player his go-to tricks don't immediately explain themselves to my ear. What is the key to the Jay Bennet sound? What are those chords he seems to love on 'What's the World Got in Store' or 'When You Wake Up Feeling Old', or ' Pieholden Suite'?

The solo acoustic demos are so great. I think they're my favorite part of the whole package.

I did not. Thank you!

I think 'comforting' is the correct word for the sound, intention and effect of this record. Nice stuff. Tweedy solo seems to be a lot less 'challenging' to me than what Wilco creates as an ensemble, and that's just fine. I like music that's well crafted and pleasant as much as I like music that's challenging. It's nice to hear his identity as a producer and arranger continue to grow more specific. His lead guitar playing continues to provide the bit of tension these gentle ditties need to keep you guessing. I have to say 'Natural Disaster' conjures a little too much Allman Brothers "Ramblin Man" for me, but otherwise it's a pretty flawless ride.

This is a cool little book. I'm a compulsive songwriter. Not with the same prolificness as Mr. Tweedy, but I'm certainly not wanting for ideas. That said this book gave me a few new ideas to mix up the process, and overall it eloquently affirmed what I like about doing it. I might be putting my copy in my buddy's mailbox when I'm done with it. He's going through a dry spell.

Yeah, I think Jeff's publishing keeps him going okay, but for the band as a whole, and their crew (my buddy just joined as guitar tech) I think months without touring is pretty hard.

So far I like "Guess Again" quite a bit. The title track is probably a grower. What is one listen anyway? This sounds like it will sit nicely, unsurprisingly, to the Warms. A welcome addition in my ears.

Thanks!

Wha wha whaaaaat?!

If this is true my genius is terribly accidental and beautifully idiotic, but Wilco's genius is more extensive than we knew.

I'd bet on something soon, but don't know when.