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Jimmy Coulas

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    Wilco @ State Theatre, Minneapolis, MN 12/7/11

    in After The Show

    Posted

    Here is my review of Wednesday nights show that I posted on my blog.

     

    Website: www.scentsandsubtlesounds.com

    Twitter: @Subtle_Sounds

     

    Before Wilco took the stage on Wednesday night at the State Theatre you could feel the energy in the chatty crowd. We were all ready for one more night of Wilco. As it turns out, the band was ready for us as well, but then again, when aren't they? Wilco delivered a career spanning set that carried a littler more variety and energy than the night before.

     

    As Tweedy quietly strummed the opening chords to "Less Than You Think," I thought to myself, wow, this is going to be a good night. It was only the fourth time the song had been played since 2008. That's about as big of a Wilco bustout as you will get these days. Around the three minute mark, Tweedy abandoned his acoustic and took to his pedal board and the band entered an all out feedback jam that lasted roughly four minutes and eventually faded into "Art of Almost."

     

    After resurrecting "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart" from it's setlist hiatus, the band continued the no repeat theme with versions of "One Wing" and the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot favorite Kamera."

     

    It's been very evident over the last three shows that Wilco is playing on another planet and maybe even in a different universe. This incarnation of Wilco has a special chemistry that few bands achieve and it was on full display during "At Least That's What You Said." After a ferocious guitar solo from Jeff Tweedy and a Nels Cline freakout solo, the band came together without any communication to bring the song to a close.

     

    For me, the two-night run was complete when "Via Chicago" was performed. It is by far my favorite Wilco tune and to me is the quintessential Wilco song. Before closing the set with "Hummingbird," the always raucous " A Shot in the Arm" saw Mikael Jorgensen pounding his keyboard with a towel while Nels threw himself like around like rag doll all the while Jeff Tweedy smiled strummed his guitar ever so softly.

     

    "We really love Minneapolis" exclaimed Tweedy one song into the bands seven song encore before the drum machine started up "Heavy Metal Drummer." The bluesy "Walken" saw Nels Cline dwarf his mini lap-steel guitar, but still play it with the same gusto as his battered Fender Jazzmaster.

     

    The Twin Cities are rich with Wilco history. The bands second ever show took place at 7th Street Entry on November 21, 1994 in Minneapolis and the band has performed here countless times over the years. Over the course of the two nights, Jeff Tweedy and company added another chapter to their storied history in their home away from home.

    Wilco @ State Theatre, Minneapolis, MN 12/7/11

    in After The Show

    Posted

    Wow! Night two definitely took the cake for best show of the two night run. Lots of great songs tonight including Via Chicago, One Wing, Less Than You Think and Can't Stand It. Let's take a look at the setlist.

     

    Wilco

    Wednesday, December 7, 2011

    State Theatre

    Minneapolis, MN

     

    Set:

    Less Than you Think >

    Art of Almost

    I Might

    Radio Cure

    I Am Trying to Break Your Heart >

    One Wing

    Kamera

    Born Alone

    At Least That's What You Said

    Rising Red Lung

    Impossible Germany

    Should've Been Ashamed

    Forget The Flowers

    Capitol City

    Via Chicago

    Can't Stand It

    Dawned On Me

    A Shot in the Arm

    Hummingbird

    Encore:

    Whole Love

    Heavy Metal Drummer

    Walken

    The Late Greats

    Standing O

    I'm A Wheel

    Encore 2: Cruel to Be Kind^

     

    Notes: ^ - w/ NIck Lowe

    Wilco - Minneapolis State Theatre, 12/6/11

    in After The Show

    Posted

    Here is my recap that I posted on my blog.

    Twitter: @Subtle_Sounds

    Website: www.scentsandsubtlesounds.com

     

    After my first Wilco show in over two years in Des Moines, I made the four hour trek up to Minneapolis on Monday afternoon. I was not only excited for both shows in the Minneapolis, but I also had the opportunity to visit some college friends who I haven't seen in quite sometime.

     

    Wilco kicked off the show in the same fashion as they did two nights earlier in Des Moines with the three song combo of "One Sunday Morning (Song For Jane Smiley’s Boyfriend), Poor Places > Art of Almost."

     

    You could tell that the band was very relaxed and at home by the very delicate vibe that "One Sunday Morning" took on. During the intro to "Poor Places," Nels Cline took to his table full gizmos and created some nature like sounds, while "Art of Almost" was very dancelike led by John Sitratt's pulsating basslines.

     

    The highlight of the night for me came very early in the set with a beautiful rendition of "Muzzle of Bees." Mikael Jorgensen's crescendo filled keyboard work along with Nels Cline's fierce playing definitely got the audience buzzing.

     

    After running through, Misunderstood", "Bull Black Nova" and "Black Moon," Jeff Tweedy and company took it down a few notches by dusting off "Sky Blue Sky." At this point, the set had a real nice to flow it and I thought the placement was great as did the audience.

     

    Jeff Tweedy could write a book on all of his on stage bantering and last night featured some great lines. "Hey look, it's Prince's guitar," exclaimed Tweedy referring to Nels Cline's white Jerry Jones double neck guitar.

     

    After Tweedy's Prince reference, Cline kicked up some feedback and the band launched into "Dawned on Me." This is my favorite song on The Whole Love and really enjoyed this version. This was followed up by "I'm Always in Love," which featured Tweedy and John Stirratt harmonizing in classic Wilco fashion.

     

    Towards the end of the show, Jeff Tweedy referred to Minneapolis as the bands "home away from home." As the band departed the stage after the show closing "Cruel to Be Kind," I felt quite at home myself considering home is over 400 miles away. Thanks, Wilco!

    Wilco - Minneapolis State Theatre, 12/6/11

    in After The Show

    Posted

    Another solid show. Very similar to Des Moines in a lot of ways, but I loved the Muzzle of Bees, Magazine Called Sunset and Sky Blue Sky. I'm pumped for tomorrow. I'm hoping for a setlist like the folks got in Basel, CH earlier this year. See everyone tomorrow night!

     

    Wilco

    Tuesday, December 6, 2011

    The State Theatre

    Minneapolis, MN

     

    Set:

    One Sunday Morning (Song For Jane Smiley’s Boyfriend)

    Poor Places >

    Art of Almost

    I Might

    Muzzle of Bees

    Misunderstood$

    Bull Black Nova

    Black Moon

    Impossible Germany

    Sky Blue Sky

    Box Full of Letters

    Born Alone

    She's a Jar

    Pot Kettle Black

    Handshake Drugs

    Dawned on Me

    I'm Always in Love

    War on War

    Encore:

    Whole Love

    Magazine Called Sunset

    Heavy Metal Drummer

    I'm the Man Who Loves You

    Passenger Side

    Red-Eyed and Blue

    I Got You (At the End of the Century)

    Outtasite (Outta Mind)

    Encore 2:

    Cruel to Be Kind^

     

    Notes: $ - w/ 32 "Nothings", ^ w/ Nick Lowe

    Wilco @ Val Air Ballroom, West Des Moines, IA 12/4/11

    in After The Show

    Posted

    Here is a recap from last nights show that I posted on my blog. I'm heading up to Minneapolis for both shows.

    My blog: www.scentsandsubtlesounds.com

    Twitter: @Subtle_Sounds

     

    Last night, Wilco returned to the Val Air Ballroom for the first time since 2008. The five hour drive from Chicago was pretty boring, but knowing that I would be seeing Wilco the same night made the drive a little more bearable. After grabbing some beers and a burger at the Court Avenue Brewing Company, I made my way to the 72 year old "open air" ballroom.

     

    After a very charming set by Nick Lowe, the band took the stage around 8:45 to a thunderous ovation. The show began with an incredible three song sequence of "One Sunday Morning (Song For Jane Smiley’s Boyfriend), Poor Places > Art of Almost." The jam out of "Poor Places" was blissful and chaotic, but flowed smoothly into "Art of Almost."

     

    The band delivered standout versions of several classics including "Misunderstood," which featured 24 "nothings" and some earth shaking drumming from Glenn Kotche. Nels Cline delivered some elegant riffs on "Company in My Back," while Tweedy delivered a "Nels Cline" like solo during "At Least Thats What you Said."

     

    The highlight of the night for me came in the form of a reworked "California Stars". I'm not sure if "reworked" is the word to use, but the band has definitely spruced it up a bit. I did see a few tapers in the audience, so hopefully this show will pop up online soon because this version definitely warrants another listen.

     

    After the set closing "Hummingbird," Wilco returned to the stage for their usual extended and sometimes never ending encores. After running through some high octane numbers, Wilco circa 1996 showed up in the form of "Red-Eyed and Blue, I Got You (At the End of the Century), Outtasite (Outta Mind)." The energy was off the charts with many fans dancing and smiling including yours truly.

     

    Before closing the show, "Wilclowe" took the stage for one last song. Jeff Tweedy introduced Nick Lowe as a "hero" of Wilco's before the singer/songwriter joined the band for a take on his own "Cruel to Be Kind."

     

    Last night was my first Wilco show in over two years and it was well worth the wait. The band delivered a stellar performance and made this cold Sunday night in central Iowa one to remember.

    Wilco @ Val Air Ballroom, West Des Moines, IA 12/4/11

    in After The Show

    Posted

    It was my first time seeing Wilco since their two night run at UIC in 2009. Jeff Tweedy was in great spirits and the band was tight as usual. I'm working on my recap, but here is the setlist.

     

    Wilco

    Sunday, December 4, 2011

    Val Air Ballroom

    West Des Moines, IA

     

    Set: One Sunday Morning (Song For Jane Smiley’s Boyfriend)

    Poor Places >

    Art of Almost

    I Might

    Misunderstood#

    Capitol City

    Company in My Back

    Born Alone

    At Least That's What You Said

    Black Moon

    Impossible Germany

    California Stars

    I'll Fight

    Handshake Drugs

    Box Full of Letters

    Dawned on Me

    I'm Always in Love

    Hummingbird

    Encore:

    Whole Love

    War on War

    A Shot in the Arm

    Heavy Metal Drummer

    I'm the Man Who Loves You

    Red-Eyed and Blue

    I Got You (At the End of the Century)

    Outtasite (Outta Mind)

    Cruel to Be Kind^

     

    Notes: # - 24 "Nothings", ^- w/ Nick Lowe

    Madison Review

    in After The Show

    Posted

    You can check out my blog - Scents & Subtle Sounds & you can follow me on Twitter @subtle_sounds

     

    With the exception of two arena shows at the U.I.C. Pavilion back in October to support Wilco (The Album), Wilco (The Band) hasn’t played a full show in the Chicagoland Area since the Riviera Residency in February of 2008. When this show at the Overture Center in Madison, WI was added to their seemingly never-ending touring schedule, I knew that I had to go because I wasn’t sure when they would return to their hometown of Chicago.

     

    My favorite venue in Chicago to see Wilco is the stunning Auditorium Theatre. For a few years, Wilco called the Auditorium home, playing most of their hometown shows at the iconic venue. While the Overture Center is only a few years old and lacks the charm of the Auditorium, it is truly a beautiful venue and the acoustics are marvelous.

     

    As the lights dimmed the band walked on stage to the Olympic March, which is fitting considering most of the shows on this tour are north of the border, and the band recently played an outdoor show in Vancouver for the Olympic’s. Wilco (The Song) kicked off the festivities with the band sounding very fresh and dialed in.

     

    After the chaotic Bull Black Nova, the opening chords to You Are My Face resonated through the venue. The song explodes with a heavily distorted guitar riff by Jeff Tweedy and then once again calms down towards the end. As the song faded out, keyboardist Mikael Jorgensen and guitarist Pat Sansone added some lullaby like textures as if they were putting the song to sleep. READ ON for more from Jimmy on Wilco in Madison.

     

    Nels Cline gets a lot of attention for being an extraordinary guitar player, but during At Least That’s What you Said, Cline took a back seat as Tweedy tore it up with an incredible guitar solo proving that not only is he a gifted songwriter, but he’s got some chops on the guitar as well. With the Winter Olympics in full swing, Tweedy took the opportunity to bring up everyone’s favorite sport, Curling. Tweedy and guitarist Pan Sansone mimicked the sport by shuffling their feet and using the head stock of their guitars as brushes pretending to scrape the floor before launching into Sonny Feeling.

     

    When the opening riff for Impossible Germany began, fans knew that a dizzying guitar solo was on the way. Nels Cline dazzled the crowd once again with his wizardry on the guitar. Cline’s hand traversed the fret board of his Fender Jazzmaster at break neck speeds to the delight of the crowd.

     

    Wilco has always been a band that is accessible to their fans. They allow fans to tape and trade their shows and they also take requests via their website for each show. Fans were definitely in for a treat as the band busted out When the Roses Bloom Again. Tweedy announced that it was the most requested song for the show.

     

    As the show was reaching the end, the band used an eight-song encore to send fans home that packed quite the punch. The band started out with a cover of Buffalo Springfield’s Broken Arrow, which Wilco debuted in January at the MusiCares tribune to Neil Young.

     

    California Stars has always been a live fan favorite and tonight the version wouldn’t disappoint. Jeff Tweedy brought out Califone guitarist Tim Rutili and percussionist Ben Massarella to accompany them. Rutili took a guitar solo that added a little country flare to it as Jeff Tweedy and company watched.

     

    After some brief banter Tweedy started the intro to Kingpin from Wilco’s breakthrough double album Being There. With its monstrous riffs, the song had people grinning from ear to ear. As a whole, Wilco is not a very predictable band. They change up their setlists on a nightly basis, but during Kingpin Tweedy changed the lyrics from “Living in Pekin” to the very predictable “Living in Madison”, a nod to the locals.

     

    What would a rock show be without a big rock show ending? Wilco let it all hang out with Hoodoo Voodoo. As the song climaxed both Sansone and Cline found themselves trading guitar licks. As Cline would buzz through a quick riff Sansone was equal to the task. As the house lights came on some two and a half hours later, I thought to myself, what an amazing show.

     

    Wilco continues to consistently perform at a level some bands only dream of. While the three-hour drive to Madison wasn’t bad, I would much rather see the band in the comfort of my own backyard. Chicago fans may have to wait a while for the beloved band to return, but when they do the Wilco will be welcomed with open arms.

    Wilco Tango Foxtrot Ale

    in Just A Fan

    Posted

    Update:

     

    This is for all the beer drinking Wilco fans. Lagunitas Brewing Company is naming their spring seasonal beer Wilco Tango Foxtrot Ale! I received an email from Lagunitas today and the beer will be bottled and kegged around March 1. It will be sold in both 22oz bottles and kegs throughout the US!!!!

     

    @subtle_sounds

    Great Lake Swimmers @ Lincoln Hall

    in Someone Else's Song

    Posted

    Awesome show last night!

     

     

    I Could Be Nothing

    Everything Is Moving So Fast >

    Bodies And Minds

    Palmistry

    Put There By Land

    The Chorus In The Underground

    There Is A Light

    Concrete Heart%

    Stealing Tomorrow%

    Unison Falling Into Harmony

    Your Rocky Spine

    She Comes To Me In Dreams

    Pulling On A Line

    Moving Pictures, Silent Films

    Still

    I Am Part Of A Large Family

    Encore:

    Changing Colours

    Taillights Fade^

     

    Notes:

    % Tony Solo

    ^ Bufalo Tom cover

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