Magnetized

Ahh, I LIVE for those moments. I was just messing around at home over the weekend, trying to do some cleaning, and I played the recent Austin City Limits that I had DVR'd. I was just thinking it would be background music, but damned if I didn't sit down in the middle of Art of Almost (the first song, of course) and found myself absolutely entranced. When they kicked it into high gear I literally was bouncing up and down on the sofa, air drumming along with Glenn. That song just gets me going every time! So much for cleaning.

I love a good John Lennon reference!

There's a relevant quote here: "A circle can only have one center." Hope Jeff had his raingear on. Just kidding!!! I'm just jealous!

Crow, be sure to listen to Jack Black's interview on Fresh Air, if you haven't already. Interesting to hear his take on the real story, as well as how he approached the role. I hadn't realized it was a Linklater film, which makes me want to see it even more.

Why wouldn't you just want to listen and decide for yourself? I don't get it.

But how could you forget . . . Jon fans Wilco's huge ham?

Wow, this is a surprising--and heartbreaking--bunch of stories. I'm barely aware of this in my area (Norfolk, VA), so either I've had my head in the sand or it's not that big a problem locally. Considering how easy it is to get a legal prescription for "soft" stimulants like amphetamine salts (adderall, etc.) and the fact that they can give you that jolt of energy with few negative effects, it's honestly puzzling to me how prevalent it sounds like this drug is. It must be a whole other experience.

What a cool article. I've been following Spencer's blog, etc. for a few years now and am pretty awed by his natural gifts. I'm honestly expecting big things from him. And the band has already had one rite of passage--they fired one of the founding members!

I'm in!! (I'm with Smells Like Flowers for Tampa and St. Augustine--whee!!)

You guys who haven't seen Mad Men are missing out. Especially you, Lou. We're old enough to have actual personal memories of this shit! Seriously, I highly recommend watching it on DVD. Every season is amazing, and there's a lot more to the show than you might think at first. It's probably the best show on TV. And Jon Hamm is pretty easy on the eyes (just a little added bonus).

Hey Jeremy, remember me (Diane) from the Raleigh show? I'm going for sure! Will be coming from the 2 Wolf Trap shows. I lived in C'ville from '78-'96 but haven't seen Wilco there since a show at Traxx back in the 90's. (Though I saw Jeff solo on Dec. 8, 2010 at the Paramount, an awesome show --he did a gorgeous "God" as a tribute to John Lennon.) No idea what my plans will be but I still have your phone number (if it hasn't changed since Raleigh) so we'll stay in touch. If you don't still have my number let me know and I'll PM you.

I just noticed that Lee Ranaldo was #33 on the Rolling Stone list of greatest guitar players. What do you bet there'll be a guitar duel between Nels and Lee at some of the upcoming shows? Should be a hoot!

Me too. I thought I had read or thought of everything there was to say about those lyrics, but this was incredibly well written and insightful. One of the best pieces I've ever read about any album.

Fun with emoticons. . . Punch in the nose, don't overreact OK, enough midday mood lightener.

Sarah, I think if you're in line at 7am you'll get front row and a divorce! But seriously. . . I don't know the venue, of course, but I would think 3-4 hours prior to the gates opening should be plenty enough time. (And this is coming from someone who wants to be on the rail for everything.) If it were something like Solid Sound, where the entire crowd is diehards, maybe 7am wouldn't be a bad idea, but I would be shocked if that were necessary in Birmingham, AL.

I guess they weren't selling pit tickets for Wolf Trap. I got tickets but am not thrilled with what I got. O9 first night and K63 second night. Sucks, but at least I'll be there. Charlottesville is all GA, so for that one I'll just need to line up early.

I wouldn't be able to pick the better show--to me they were both unique and great. If you want to give them both a listen before downloading you can do so at that great new Wilco streaming site. This is my new addiction, at least until the live show marathon starts in a couple of weeks.

I listened to the stream last night while working late, not expecting much, but I enjoyed it so much I played it again. Very surprising, because I usually find her stuff a real snoozefest. I highly recommend giving it a try, even if you don't think you'll like it.

I would probably opt for the second night too. Sort of on the same theory as if there are two shows a night (like a comedy club) the late show will be better. But if it were a choice between a Thursday and Friday, I'd go to the Thursday because there would probably be more hardcore fans on a weeknight and more "civilians" on a weekend night. As to whether they're likely to mix up the setlist on the two nights, I would think it's going to depend on how large they think the overlap between the two audiences will be. At Red Rocks, for instance, it's a destination event, and I would bet that mos

Wonderful! I know he had some health problems not too long ago, so this birthday must be an especially sweet one!

OK, now this is just getting silly,. I see how addiction can creep up on you, and I wonder if this slow trickling out of dates is designed to turn us into addicts? This year alone, I've been to the Tweedy solo shows in Chicago (my first time, a must-see), and I've got lined up Tampa and St. Augustine (since they were early announcements and followed up on my enthusiasm from the Tweedy solo shows), then they announced Red Rocks, and how could I not? Never been there, dream concerts in a legendary venue, so. . . sold! Then the Mass MoCA benefit (just HAD to do that) and you can't go all that w

I am. The only thing I'm sure of is a Helm tribute. Other than that, I remain an open vessel waiting to see what they want to fill me up with.Hooooo heeeee.

Sorry if I'm being intrusive, but this doesn't sound good. Are you OK?

I really like this album. I've listened to it about 3 times so far and I'm finding new things to appreciate with each listen. I can understand why his persona could be off-putting to some, because he can come off as a pretentious twat. But I've always liked him and he seems to be a true music fan and aficionado, even if he does kind of work it. I loved him in "It Might Get Loud" and one of my favorite moments in Scorsese's Rolling Stones documentary "Shine a Light" is when he joined them on "Loving Cup." He just looked ecstatic to be up there playing with Keith and Mick.

Distracted