choo-choo-charlie

I should say that I like about 7-8 songs from the first two records; they're just in the unfortunate position of being followed by material that's leagues beyond. Decoration Day/Dirty South is just an incredible one-two punch.

I've been waiting for you to chime in.

I agree 100%. I should have clarified.I suppose BTCD just went way overboard, more so than the others. I keep a CD in my car that whittles Decoration Day and Dirty South to one kick-ass disc, which was a very tough exercise. With the exception of their first two records, it falls toward the bottom of the pile for me. I do like a handful of songs from it, but they were really struggling at that point, right on the verge of Isbell's departure. You can just hear it in the songs, most of which were written in the studio. I disagree re: Cooley though. I think Pulaski is a damn brilliant piec

So has anyone purchased and listened to the Largo shows? How do they sound? I went back and read the "After the Show" threads for those shows, and recalled that Jeff was battling a cold while he was playing there...didn't know if it had an impact on his vocals. I'm tempted to grab them all via the buy-3-get-1 deal in the Wilco store, but I'm also wondering if I really need more versions of all these songs, considering all the "unofficial" bootlegs I have.

I'm just going with keys in its many definitions -- piano, keyboard, organ, Rhodes, Wurlitzer, etc., etc. Ray Manzarek Garth Hudson Al Kooper Leroy Bach Mikael Jorgensen Stevie Wonder Booker T JPJ Vince Guaraldi McCoy Tyner Thelonious Monk

I'll second the recommendations and suggest you check out The Dirty South and Decoration Day for the best of the Isbell years. Brighter Than Creation's Dark was a terrific "comeback record," so to speak, after Isbell's departure, although it's primary fault is its length. They could have cut a handful of songs from that one. There are quite a few folks around these parts who don't like their most recent records (The Big To-Do and Go Go Boots), but I dig 'em. Those albums definitely mine a different musical territory than the stuff from their middle period. They're less hard rock and more sub

Craigslist

The whole Neil Young thing is tough. Yes, it was the first with Crazy Horse, but then he didn't make another one under that billing again until Zuma. Everything else in between was just "Neil Young."

Great line. Definitely not about Phil Spector -- he wasn't brought in until after the recordings were finished. I love the barking and shouting and general goofing off happening at the end of "Hey Bulldog."

Seven questions for Bob Dylan, Esquire -- featuring quotes from Mr. Tweedy. http://www.esquire.com/features/who-is-this-bob-dylan-interview-0214?click=promo

Seven questions for Bob Dylan You can't look at him. If you work at one of the arenas where he plays, you're not allowed to look at him when he makes his way from the bus to the stage. If you play at one of the arenas where he plays—if, like Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, you're a fellow musician, sharing a bill—then you have a decision to make, occasioned by the privilege and problem of proximity. You'll be standing around and suddenly there he'll be, and you have to figure out if you're allowed—if you allow yourself—to behold Bob Dylan. Tweedy didn't think he was when he was traveling last summer

Bands that require the amount of guitar changes, tunings, etc., like Wilco? Seems like it would be tough to manage that many instruments during a show without some help.

I had the same thought. "Just" a guitar tech. Those guys aren't that important.

Which is what I said -- it works for that song. On paper, that lyric is really dumb. Never thought of this song as "sexy," though. It's mean and nasty and tough and ballsy.

I love the song and agree the lyrics fit well in that context. On "paper" or "screen," they're awful. Some of the best rock 'n roll songs in this style have really trite lyrics, but when married with the music, pack a punch.

EAR CANDY

I don't know! You can get a look at the front of his face for a few seconds, starting at 1:22.

Maybe I need to give Rich another try. I've only heard Through a Crooked Sun. I thought the music was great, but his voice didn't do it for me. Chris' voice is so distinct.

Sounds mostly unintelligible to me. Those in the "Paul is dead" camp think someone is shouting "Paul is dead, he's really dead." If it were Paul shouting it that wouldn't make much sense...unless they're poking fun at the whole "Paul is dead" thing. Another favorite moment from that album are the "ooh-ooh / ooh-ooh" and "deet-deet / deet-deet" backing vocals in "Fixing a Hole," which are omitted in the mono mix. Right after the guitar solo in the middle.

It used to.

John says "bye-bye" or "good-bye." I can't tell which. Also, at the end of the reprise, in the mono version, someone also is going totally bananas off the mic at the end. Can't tell if it's Paul or John. Comes in around 1:08. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSkbRtYmzxg

Also could be in "favorite off-the-cuff vocal exclamations" thread. Good one!