choo-choo-charlie

Well, I'm not sure we've established that. I think Mikael was using a laptop quite a bit when he joined the tour in 2002. Whether Jeff was using one at that time, I don't know. I never saw those shows. But *someone* in Wilco certainly was using one.

Not sure what other shows he might have guested on. Tweedy introduces him a few times on that recording. I think Scott McCaughey made guest appearances on quite a few of the late-2001 shows. I've heard him introduced on those recordings as well...usually on "California Stars" and whatever the last song was, e.g. "Outtamind Outtasite" or "I Got You."

Still on a live recording kick from this era. Listened to 10-29-2002 last night -- a phenomenal show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Opens with a beautiful version of "Less Than You Think." Jim O'Rourke also guests on this show. Highly recommended listening.

I also enjoy the minimalist approach to recording it. It seems to be heavy on reverb when it starts, maybe just for a few seconds, with some faint noise in the background, then it drops out to just Jeff and guitar. A few subtle electronic flourishes, the main theme is repeated and a nice fade-out. Musically, it's pleasing to the ears.

...in terms of the fingerpicking. I absolutely love the style of guitar playing on that song. Lyrically, it's ok.

I think Candyfloss is catchier than Can't Stand It, but I think I'm Always in Love might still be the most catchiest track on the record. How any record execs failed to hear a memorable melody or a strong pop hook on the record is fascinating.

Wilco gets the #2 spot on the same blog's "Top 20 Whitest Musicians of All Time" list! http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2012/05/top_20_whitest_of_all-time_com.php?page=7

I'm a *bomb* regardless...a ticking time bomb, for that matter, as in "a watch that ticks is wrapped around my wrist..."

"plot device" is what I've heard from the first time this glorious noise filled my ears.

One of the finer compositions.

Eric Clapton.

Jay sure was a great player. Listen to the 5-23-95 show from the Fox Theatre in Boulder, Colo. Probably one of my top-five shows from his tenure in the group. His guitar playing was absolutely spot-on at this show.

I used to have a Strat in that color configuration. Beautiful choice!

Tweedy guests on "This World" from the same record: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/14062-this-world-ft-jeff-tweedy-jesus-etc-wilco-cover/

I don't see it as anti-Nels. It's more of a reminder to me of the uniqueness of the four-piece, a short-lived lineup itching to get out and play new material to enthusiastic, hungry audiences. I've got 10/5/01 playing in the car now. It's great.

That came out wrong in my fatigued state. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the Dixie Chicks. That is, some of their material. I didn't care for the heavy pop-leaning "country" material, but definitely enjoyed it when they were in folk-bluegrass mode. I also liked what I heard from the sisters' side project, Court Yard Hounds.

I believe he appears on Uncle Tupelo's Anodyne as well. Beautiful playing. If only his daughter's music had been as good...

As stated above, 10-5-2001 is great. Also 11-28 (I believe in Seattle) as well as the show at the 930 in DC that year. Most of the stuff on Owl & Bear from that tour is great quality, although the set lists from those shows are nearly identical. Only so many tunes the four-piece could work up for a tour.

Dash 7 is one of the tunes that sold me on Wilco in the early days of my fandom.

Sunloathe is a much better song!

I do think his production work could be heavy-handed in some areas, including his take on "Cars Can't Escape," but his *guitar playing* in Wilco, for the most part, was outstanding. His style served the songs well. Would it have worked on AGIB material? Who knows...either way, he left a tremendous legacy, arguments over how many guitars to use in a song aside.

Yeah, Carl Broemel is the man. His solo record is great too. I dig the older lineup too.

I think you can find a way to keep on living, despite how you feel about this song. Keep in mind, this record came out in 2001. MMJ wasn't exactly a "big name band" then -- this is still very much an indie recording. MMJ were a lot more loose in their playing in those days; everything had a raw, unpolished quality to it. They're much tighter now, but I do love the old records. Try listening to the version from the Okonokos live record: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1-MU2CSVPk

A perfect illustration of how beneath layers of sound, there are incredible songs.