choo-choo-charlie

And dogs laugh, some say they're barking

Sure. This one just never seems to die. In fact, as long as there are rock concerts, it probably never well, so I suppose I should just get used to it. Thank God the venue where I'm seeing Wilco on Saturday is standing-only on the floor.

"Under the Bridge"

Why must we keep beating the shit out of this subject?

I suppose it makes sense that critics/publications already have their hands on it...just weird to see something being discussed that I haven't heard yet. Kind of like the wild, rampant speculation that began here when Wilco posted photos of the band recording TWL. People making judgments on the album based on what instruments the guys are playing in photos.

"Art of Almost" made #8 on their list of the 50 Best Songs of 2011: http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2011/11/the-50-best-songs-of-2011.html?p=5. They also put on the list a new tune by The Black Keys from El Camino, which isn't even out yet...but it does come out next week.

100% true

It's really not that great. Some photos, lyrics, instrument/production credits and additional artwork that looks a lot like the cover art. To some, I suppose, that seems like a great thing to have, but I was hoping to have something like a narrative offering insights into the writing and recording process. That's the stuff that interests me.

Circuital is by no means my favorite. That award, like selecting my favorite Wilco record, usually changes between At Dawn, It Still Moves and Z. The Tennessee Fire, like Wilco's A.M., to me, is terrific, but unfortunately buried by the brilliant work that followed it. But I do enjoy Circuital more than Evil Urges.

I do not think the MMJ album was horrible.

Where can one hear this now?

I'm in a big Neil phase right now. And I'm seeing Wilco on Saturday. It's gonna be a good week, musically.

Goodbye, Turner Gill. Congrats on making millions despite sucking horribly at your job.

Just saw this. Yes -- it's good. I really dig it. The tracks on this CD are culled from the vinyl box. Road Atlas 1998-2011 Vinyl Box Set Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 Calexico is proud to announce, Road Atlas 1998-2011, which collects the band’s 8 self-released tour albums in vinyl format for the first time ever (previously only available as CDs at Calexico’s live concerts). As described by journalist Fred Mills, “you hold what the members of Calexico describe as their Road Atlas, and as a kind of alternate musical history of the band, it makes for quite a trip.” CALEXICO . ROAD ATLAS 199

Somewhere, sometime, someone equated speed with brilliance. But a lightning-fast shredder does not necessarily a great guitarist make.

Me neither. I hear something new every time I attend a Wilco performance and appreciate their ability to make changes in the song arrangements, setlists, etc. Only seeing them once every few years is a privilege. I never leave thinking, "I wish they would have covered this song or that song." I've never been to any show, including a Wilco show, where I felt I've heard note-for-note, sound-for-sound recreations of studio albums.

Perhaps not. But I wouldn't say he can't play. I see what you're saying.

Listen to either of these and tell me Paul Simon can't play.

Are they?

I Might on XM Radio.

You can learn this and more about those sessions in Greg Kot's book. Many of the UT/Wilco Wikipedia entries are just lifted from those pages anyway... I also think it's a slim to none chance that Wilco will play an R.E.M. track in their upcoming shows.

Maybe all you need is a shot in the face.

You should. It's good.