H.Stone
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Posts posted by H.Stone
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There was a nice segue from Jeff's banter about being there for each other (Being There!) to One by One--Woodie knew how to put it to words or somesuch.
Hmmm, I was also right up front and feel confident that was a big ol' moth (yes, huge!) that dive-bombed Jeff's chest. It was drawn to the fabulous lighting, poor thing. It didn't have the swoop and dive of a bat, but it did hang around for a bit after before abandoning the stage. Maybe in the end we'll agree it WAS a falcon.
Jeff went so far as to say he put HANDFULS of hair in his mouth at home. I was waiting for him to add, "...sometimes other people's" I believe John also called Jeff "heroic" for singing an entire song with a hair in his mouth.
I dug the new take (to me) on I'm Always In Love, and love love love I'm A Wheel.
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I enjoyed this show from waaay back, near the silo, and it sounded so good. There were things I missed about being up close, but I was so impressed with the sound all over. Go, Stan!
Banter: Jeff said four words on Friday night, after the BT set: "Thank you very much."
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Vibes, T.*cries melodramatically*
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I've been asked this more than a few times and the honest-to-goodness answer is I stopped keeping count years ago because A. whatever number it is wouldn't be all that impressive. I mean, like age, it's all just a number — 100, 200, 500, 1,000...what's the difference? — and anyway, you'd need to know how many shows the band and/or Jeff has played in total to even put that number into context; and B. I think some people get too caught up in their "personal statistics." I mean, I get it to a certain extent. We're hardwired as humans to try to organize and tabulate things, but I just try to remember that I've been lucky and that none of this is guaranteed to last forever, so we should try to experience as much as we can while we can, IMHO.
So you're saying *cue Dr. Evil's voice* ONE MILLION SHOWS????
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OK, sure! If only I had some advance knowledge about their future touring plans, it would certainly make my life much easier (hint, hint)...
I feel like King Wilco should know ALL THE THINGS.
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He mentioned forgetting to take his medication, so perhaps that had something to do with it. But I can't remember him having such a hard time on so many songs, at least not for that sustained a period. "I don't know what I'm doing anymore," he said almost bewilderedly at one point. "I used to be pretty good at this."
I'm not sure I'd use "bewildered" to describe him when he said this. That makes me think of someone saucer-eyed, surprised to find himself where he is or doing what he's doing (like Brian Wilson when I saw him in 2008 in Jackson Hole). All of Jeff's comments seemed more like attempts to "explain away" his forgetfulness in a way that might be more palatable than simply saying he was tired or worn out or not really "feeling" learning/practicing/performing almost 30 more songs (added to the ones from Friday night). The mention of the meds, the "I don't know what I'm doing anymore"--they all felt like typical Jeff, self-deprecating quips. It seemed to me like he was just out of his groove at the beginning, and eventually he found it. After the first few flubs, he said something about the audience being "really great" about it or whatnot. I think the show could've gone a lot of ways at that point, but it was a warm, affectionate crowd (with the exception of the guy in the balcony--and even he wasn't so bad). In the end I thought Jeff seemed mellow but not angry or confused or anything negative.
I wasn't at Friday's show so can't compare, but I enjoyed myself a lot last night! Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down was a treat (thanks, Brianne!). I have no idea what the "stats" are on that song, but I know I've never heard it live before. Or if I did hear it live, it was during the Mermaid Ave. era and have no memory of it thanks to children stealing my brain cells since then. And apologies to Brent: I definitely sang happy birthday to "Brett." Some other highlights were RNG, Reservations, and my request (You Are My Face). There are typically some nice surprises in terms of requests, but in the end I simply like being at these shows to watch one of my favorite musicians make music in front of me while I'm hanging with my friends. Add a decent IPA and some sing-alongs, and it doesn't seem like life gets much better.
I'm not sure I remember a lot of the banter, but there was the requisite PAUL banter. Many of us have probably heard the "Paul has been at more Wilco shows than we have" bit, but Jeff extended it last night by saying Paul once contacted them to let them know their show in New Zealand was great....and they hadn't been in New Zealand. Jeff didn't seem sure about the delivery on that one, but it was funny. He also said they'd tried to get Paul on staff, to work security, since he was clearly available and it could help him with his travel expenses. I think I saw Paul updating his resume after the show, so.... maybe make that offer again?
He also aped Paul quite well when hassling him about his request for the This Is 40 version of "I Got You." I'd call the delivery music-snob-chic. There was more to this, but I can't remember the details. (I'm not that far from 50 myself...I could hurt myself trying to remember.)He told a story related to the song "Quarters"--that it is about his maternal grandfather who owned a tavern. He shared that the tavern was a terrible place, and he joked that he'd trepidatiously ask his grandfather, "When is mom coming back? She IS coming back, right?" He also remembered drinking chocolate milk out of a beer mug there.
At one point he checked his phone for texts from Susan, but there weren't any -- unlike the night before. Near the end of the show, someone in the audience reminded him to check his phone at which point there were several. The best one was the first: "I didn't think you were receiving texts due to your crabbiness."
She is the best.He also offered me a choice on my request since I had requested someone else's song (not the Wilco song Someone Else's Song but a song by someone else) and a song "I don't play acoustic very often." He said the choice was mine... but "it better not be that fucking Brian Wilson song."
It wasn't.Thanks again to the Tweedys for doing these shows for so many years. Last night Jeff said Chance the Rapper presented a one million dollar check to Chicago schools, which is awesome, but he's been doing this for 10 years for half the money.
He was trying to poke fun at himself, it was a nice reminder of how much they do for people in the city (Letters to Santa as well as other things) with their time and talents. I'm so happy to be able to share in this year after year!Edited to add that Gun is such a goddamn great song. I wonder how old Jeff was when he wrote that 21? 22? That song holds up.
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It was a wonderful night! I think you're right, Paul, that the roaming and ottoman-sitting contributed to an especially intimate feel. Thanks to the Tweedys and the hosts for their incredible generosity. And a special thanks to whoever brought those LEMON BARS. I've been dreaming of them since.
There were so many great requests, and You Are My Face was an especially nice surprise. Country Disappeared, Reservations... *sigh* I wish I could bottle all the things a night like that makes me feel. So thankful!
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Awwww...P! There's the big ol' softy I love!
Sounds like a great run. I've only experienced a few Wilco Residencies, but they remain some of my favorite memories. The "real world" gets put on hold for a bit, and each day is all about one of your favorite things in the world: Wilco. What an escape! Thanks for the vicarious experience. -
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*insert clamoring*
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Also, only one missed song from the Hootenanny part of the setlist: CA Stars
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Per the band setlist, Jesus did in fact come between the two new tunes. There's your spice, Paul!
(Yes on Outtasite.) -
Edited to add a setlist (from setlist fm). Typical it would take a Midwestern work ethic to Google this for you Coasters...
More...
Random Name Generator
The Joke Explained
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
Art of Almost
Pickled Ginger
Hummingbird
Handshake Drugs
Cold Slope
King of You
Via Chicago
Spiders (Kidsmoke)
If I Ever Was a Child
Jesus, Etc.
Locator
Box Full of Letters
Heavy Metal Drummer
I'm the Man Who Loves You
Red-Eyed and Blue
I Got You (At the End of the Century)
Outta Mind (Outta Sight)
Encore:
Impossible Germany
The Late Greats
Encore 2:
Misunderstood
(acoustic)
War on War
(acoustic)
I'm Always in Love
(acoustic)
A Shot in the Arm
(acoustic)
I'll tell you now: I don't have a setlist.
This was only my second time hearing Star Wars material live, and the other was during a festival set in Croatia in June. Otherwise I haven't seen the band since SS '15. So obviously I don't see the band often enough (my kids would diagree...) to offer a lot of insight. I just walk away from a show thinking, did I enjoy myself? Did they still sound f****** tight as hell? Do Jeff's lyrics seem to resonate, regardless of what's happening in my life? Are John's harmonies still sweet as goddamn honey? Does Jesus, Etc. still make my heart swell? Yes! All this plus a night with great friends. I'm grateful! (I'm also grateful a.) the rain held off, and b.) we didn't get struck by lightning on the metal rail. Big wins!)
Two (I think?) new songs were played, but I'm not 100% certain on the titles so will let someone else fill those in. On one, Jeff seemed to be purposely backing away from the mic. Not sure if that was for effect or because of a "lyrical malfunction"? Afterward he said, "That was pretty close." Ha! The hootenanny was cut short by impending rain, but the songs they managed to squeeze in were in lightning. Yikes! Thanks, Wilco!
I'm sure I'm missing other details that will come to me later. Gotta hit the Farmer's Market.
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Email tsszyman@gmail.com
Show's at 6:00
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This was my first--maybe only?--non-U.S. Wilco show. So grateful for this luck! It was also my first time hearing Star Wars material live. The band sounded great, and it was nice to have several songs on the list that featured Jeff's guitar work. (Dear Rainbow SG: Where are you? Love, Me) Wish I had gotten a picture of the security guards' expressions during Via. They had no idea what to make of the cacophony on stage that exited into only acoustic guitar.
The extended Croatian version of Spiders was quite the experience--I felt for Nels's tech. Give that guy an extra Ozujsko!
Jeff didn't attempt to use any Croatian; he spoke the universal language of music and clapping.
Great show, great experience, great city. Thanks, Wilco!
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I officially give you permission to take a night off! (You're welcome...Personally speaking, it's kind of the only way it's tolerable night after night.
)
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I had a great weekend and came to appreciate some new things this time around:
Free parking nearby (if you're early enough)
The ease of going in and out of the grounds all day
Being allowed to bring food in
I also liked the addition of post-headlining events on Friday and Saturday. Great idea! And all the screens around Ctyd D during Real Estate's late set? Duuuuuuude. Loved it. Forgot my 'shrooms! (Just kidding. Too old.)
I was pleasantly surprised with the rain on Saturday --I expected worse and at no point was everything unplugged or people held in buildings like at SS2. I only had to wear rain gear for a few hours total!
Glenn's event with fan participants was great, based on premise alone. What a generous and unique idea. It sounded great, too.
I can't think of any significant complaints. Sure, I'd prefer it was limited to 2,000 people and was a 10 minute drive from my house (along with other completely unrealistic requests), but for $100 and 3 days, it's a fun pilgrimage where I get spend time with people I love to hear music I love. I can't imagine missing it. #teamtarpforlife
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There had been some people in the crowd, yelling "Don't do it," and things like that so Jeff jokingly took them to task after the song, saying that they were all "cold, heartless animals."
I do believe his first comment was that they were assholes.
He then downgraded them to cold, heartless animals.— Strumming the opening chords to The Ruling Class, Jeff took note of the "smattering of applause." When the crowd began to cheer louder, Jeff said, "No no, I don't need your pity. It might look like I do; needy Tweedy." He stopped short of hashtagging it, though.
Ha! I had forgotten about this. Hashtag worthy, no doubt.
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Great details as always, P--and a more accurate account! I should just refer to everyone as "Ol' boy" from now on. "Then Ol' Boy shouted something from the crowd, and Jeff said..." "Later, Ol' Boy proposed to his girlfriend."
As for the opener, he was definitely unique. I didn't have any strong negative feelings about him or anything, I just didn't know how to take him. He reminded me of Fred Armisen's character Fericito in I Am Trying To Break Your Heart, but I know (I think I know?) he wasn't being satirical. So I was mostly trying to figure out what was "happening" with him, and then suddenly his set was over--kind of like Fred Armisen's opening set at Lincoln Hall a couple of years ago, actually! The crowd was generally warm and didn't openly display any negative or rude behaviors that I recall. P, maybe you have a better summary?
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Sounds daring
Not the way I do it!
I'm guessing I have the title wrong? Has to be close...
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Creating the topic title in the right format involved a lot of pressure, and I have no set list. Perfect person to start this thread! (P, please edit this post to include the setlist at the top.
) This was only my second TWEEDY show, and I'm really glad I booked the trip. As I said, I don't have a set list for any of the show, so I'll share some random things that stood out:
* Sokol is a weird old venue! Wide, relatively shallow, hardwood floors, panel doors that can be drawn. I was warned that acoustically it would be a little like Eagle's Ballroom, but a great mix up front prevented that from happening.
* The crowd was very "singy." Jeff even commented on how nice it was to have a crowd who sings along since their most recent crowds haven't. His theory was that they were too comfortable in their cushy seats. Well, Sokol is pretty much a middle school gym, and who's ever felt comfortable in one of those? There was a lot of singing.
* There was an engagement right before You and I.
* At some point early in the acoustic portion of the show one ostentatious fan shouted that he had gotten his money's worth. Jeff suggested that then he perhaps should move back and let someone else up front. This led to commentary on how it should work like volleyball, with Jeff yelling "Rotate!"and everyone moving positions in the audience. Later in the show there was another somewhat awkward exchange with this audience member, and during a beat where Jeff was figuring out how he might exit that moment, someone in the back shouted, "Rotate!" Hilariously perfect timing to which Jeff tipped his hat.
* I haven't been watching setlists, so I have no idea what's typical and what isn't. For me, these were special treats of the night because they made me feel extra "good stuff":
God, Misunderstood (partially with no PA and on the edge of the stage), Love on a Wire, Nobody Dies Anymore, World Away. * There was quite a bit of talk about Jeff's oxygenation now that he was back at sea level and among "his people."
* He was wearing a small black button last night, and I wanted to ask what it said but didn't want to get rotated out. Or generally be a dick. Inquiring minds...
It was a fun night with people I like a whole lot. Great introduction to Omaha!
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My first TWEEDY show--finally! I really enjoyed it, even though I was momentarily derailed by the "I'll Sing It" news. (There has to be a way, people!)
P, you had a great recap of the show and the banter, and I was thinking more about the Trib headline after the Taste cancellation. How many benefit gigs has Jeff done in the city? Not only the Letters to Santa events themselves but also the LRSs that used to be auctioned off there, the school benefit shows, the synagogue benefit shows--I'm sure plenty of other donations and auctions and charity events we aren't even aware of. Meanwhile, Mayor Emanuel doubles the price of concert tickets, starts charging for 3,000 previously free GA lawn seats, and raises the cost of food and beverages at Taste. But Jeff Tweedy is screwing Chicago? HA. Also, my better half pointed out that Greg Kot LITERALLY WROTE THE BOOK on Wilco. Based on what he learned and saw during that time, how could he call the headache thing a gag? Weird.
But back to TWEEDY--fun show, great seeing these songs live for the first time. I'm glad I get to see them again on this tour!
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Well, P, you referring to Sima as a "gal" surely makes up for Jeff's "sweatheart" bit.
Sounds like a great show. I haven't been to First Ave in a couple of years and haven't seen a band I LOVE there in an even longer time. Your post made me wistful! How did Louris look and sound? Man...so many great memories involving Jeff and Gary on stage together! A1998 Golden Smog show there is one of my favorite concert memories (Dan Murphy was dressed in all white--STUD)--I wish I could've been there last night, but thanks for the detailed report.
P.S. If they play "I'll Sing It," DO NOT REPORT. -
Thanks for the report, P. I always have crazy make-the-weeknight-drive thoughts about these shows, but given the weather, I clearly made the right choice. Jeff and Susan have both given a lot of time and resources to this Second City event for a long time--it has to be a weird gig given its transformation over the years.
Generic or not, I would have loved to have heard a lot of those songs solo/acoustic on a cold, melancholy January night. Thanks for the details.
Tweedy and Friends — 25 June 2017, North Adams, MA (Joe's Field [Solid Sound Festival; Day 3 of 3])
in After The Show
Posted
A beautiful, emotional conclusion to the weekend.
First, Sima Cunningham -- whoa! She really nailed that Pops Staples song. I didn't know she had that voice in her. Beautiful! That's also when the set took a very emotional turn for me followed by Sammy Tweedy making his SS debut with Military Madness. I've only seen Sammy sing a couple of times, but they've been so good and earnest and focused. He's clearly reluctant to be center stage, but he was great. I vote for more Sammy (in literary shirts). And watching him share a mic with Jeff? Too much. I really really wish he had taken a verse on I Shall Be Released.
Spencer wearing the Raised on Wilco shirt cracked me up. At one point someone in the crowd said he "only loves Spencer" to which Jeff repled, "That was hurtful." And then, "Fuck, man."