Livin' in New Orleans

To continue after the YHF thread... what are your thoughts on AGIB as far as studio vs live.. I know many reviewers praised KT because the AGIB tracks sound better live, but I don't know if I agree. The mood and sound of the studio tracks is just so cool to me

I agree. I'm not sure it's in Jeffy Tweedy's DNA to make music that is not enjoyable. If you really, really cannot stand SBS or W(TA)...then, sure, it's time to move on. If you just believe, hmmm, don't like it quite as much as the masterpiece -- hang in there, maybe he'll hit it out of the park for you personally next time. Because I don't know how anyone can listen to either of these albums and believe that the guy has literally lost a step. He can still write melodies, hooks, wordplay that are as delicious as anyone has ever done it. The differences with these albums -- and pretty much each Wilco album -- lie in the arrangements. At least for me. And that's as much a matter of inclination as anything. Could the band have chosen to make (TA) sound more like YHF or AGIB? Why not? (But how sad would it have been if they'd made a conscious decision to do so?) To my ear, Summerteeth went further down the wrong road than (TA) did...and they rebounded with "the masterpiece."

 

To me, listening to these albums (where SBS works on all levels for me, The Album not so much), the man's talent is clearly intact. So he might well make "your album" next time. If he feels like it.

I do not deny it, I refer to YHF as the masterpiece, but who says that a band can't make great music besides their "magnum opus." Besides, who knows what could be in the works... this band has six ridiculously talented and imaginative musicians, with the best equipment available... we can expect more to come, and it could be truly awesome

Exactly.. I mean there isn't a song on W(TA) that I don't enjoy...some more than others, but I enjoy them all. YHF is definitely what hits my target, though

I am sorry if I came off as harsh, but those were my views. I just do not see how one could not enjoy Wilco (the Album) as a stand-alone work. I think that people say they don't enjoy it when they look at the other records by the band that they enjoy more, and they tend to get into a pattern of actually not liking it because it isn't YHF, AGIB, or ST... I mean some people may simply not enjoy it musically... but as a stand-alone work, it is pretty darn good music.

Fwiw, I pre-ordered one of the reissues from Insound and got this message from them today:

 

Hey there,

 

The release date for both Wilco Reissues has been postponed unfortunately. As it stands there is no confirmed date for these releases. When I hear any further information I will update you immediately.

 

I'm sorry for the delay and thank you for your patience. You have not been charged for your preorder, you will only be charged when it is shipped.

 

Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Figured this would happen... I wonder if any re-issues have even been created. Have no fear though, there is definitely a demand for these, and you will get them. It is something to look forward to in the post-record release period!

I really like (The Album). I haven't checked out American Central Dust, but I cannot imagine it will be better than (The Album) for me... the only thing that W(TA) has fallen under recently is YHF and Spoon's Gimme Fiction...

I thought so. I love it and wished that the full length would have made it to the extras for download. The same with the horn in the scene on the bus, going over the bridge on the cover of the DVD package.

Yeah, the scene with the bridge from the front in in Alabama, and the song that is playing is a section of Pieholden Suite

It had been hard for me to come to terms with the fact that Wilco is simply a band on the creattive decline.

 

Is a bounce back possible? I am doubtful unless Tweedy starts smoking weed again.

Wow. I don't really know which to start with. First of all, to even say that a "bounce back" needs to happen through drug use in order to meet your own desire for a certain musical aesthetic is incredibly low, especially considering what this great songwriter has been through. Not to mention extremely selfish, as you are basically hoping that Tweedy smokes marijuana in order to make music that you want to hear. Also, the fact that you think that smoking weed is needed for your desired aesthetic to be made is simply ludicrous. Records like YHF and Summerteeth were crafted through musical ingenuity and talent, and the desire to create what was made AT THAT TIME.

In addition, who says that a "bounce back" is even required? I think it is stupid to say that Wilco are in a musical place that they need to bounce out of... Your argument is based on the fact that the past two records haven't been YHF or AGIB, or the other earlier works... This is obvious. Just like those records, the band created SBS and W(TA) based on what they wanted to make at the time, and what they knew to be their best musical statement. I believe this in itself is extremely mature and musically innovative. Besides, THEY are the ones with the artistic vision. We as listeners cannot decide what they want to make, nor is it fair to expect them to meet a certain musical aesthetic. I think that SBS and W(TA) are prime examples of an innovative band for these reasons.. they are putting forth what they feel the best creating. What more can be asked of artists?

By the way, If you want your "non-declining" wilco, then a record called Yankee Hotel Foxtrot exists, for you to listen to! Imagine that!

If "Please Tell My Brothers" isn't on there (and it isn't) the entire list is invalid.

 

And while I love "Misunderstood", I don't think it's in the top 10. "I'll Fight" isn't even in the top 10 of the album!

Where did that song come from? I have always wondered

that really doesn't sound anything like Wilco....

just post which show u liked best.. this is very cool

This is pretty awesome. Spoon have released professionally mixed recordings of each of the shows from their three night stand at Stubb's earlier in July. I got all of them, but I was wondering which show you guys like best?

I assumed that's just the isolated piano track from a full band performance?

It does have the horns too, so it was with the Total Pros

Who plays the piano? THAT is almost the best part of the DVD (to me)

As a New Orleans resident.... I love this part... one of my favorite tunes as well.. with the horns it is just so much more meaningful. As for piano, I would imagine that it was recorded as an instrumental, so probably Jorgenson or Pat

Most of those are Wilco tunes, and to my knowledge they are all performed by the Total Pros - the horns appearing at shows on the DVD.

The New Orleans interlude is a Total Pros rendition of (Was I) In Your Dreams

this is a strange thread....why four?

I was standing to the right of this woman...she was obnoxious. Good for Jeff, I remember being relieved when he did that.

 

I caught both shows in Milwaukee in April. A guy in front of me was literally yelling over the music. I tapped him on the shoulder lightly and motioned with my hand for him to lower his voice. He had the nerve to ask "am I talking too loudly for you?" to which I replied "considering there's a band on stage and they're performing? yes, you are talking too loudly for me." Jerk.

 

Sadly, basic, common courtesy seems to have gone the way of the wagon wheel...at concerts and everywhere else.

It never ceases to amaze me how selfish people can be, and how oblivious this makes them... they come to a concert to enjoy music (I think) with a group of people. Not only should they want to shut the fuck up or stay still for once in their lives for their sake, but for the sake of others who are trying to enjoy..

Agree 100%. I never understood the faster pace. The album version almost swings. Love it.

Probably just to speed it along in a big set.. And yeah.. it swings to the knees

I don't know anything about the official D4 solution, but the vinyl expert at my local shop that still sells phono cartridges says to make a homemade version, just buy a gallon of distilled water and add a little bit of isopropyl alcohol. I forget the exact mixture. I think I used 1/4 cup, or something. I've never had any trouble with that mixture. I mixed it up eight years ago and still have 90% of it.

 

There's another thread around here somewhere where this was discussed a bit.

Apparently the new D4 is crap. That is very interesting though, what your local vinyl expert said. Thank you very much, but I actually bought the Audio-Technica kit, because it is the safest bet as far as market record cleaners go. Just out of curiousity, would this be 91% isopropyl alcohol? i know there is also 70% that is sold. Also, when you made your mixture, did you take out the 1/4 cup of distilled water and then add the alcohol, or simply add it to the gallon?

Country Disappeared has eluded us... darn...haha

I purchased this a few months ago, when I started buying vinyl, and I have used it a few times on my records for cleaning. However, I have read a huge amount of negative response to this product because it seems to be a cheap knock off of the reliable original.

- I have no problem getting a new brush, but it is the solution that worries me. It seems to be very alcohol based (smell is also very strong) and I have heard that the solution damages the vinyl over time. Some of my records have what appears to be splotches (not scuffs or scratches)...even ones that I have rarely handled or played, but have cleaned.

So, now that you have some background, here are the questions:

1. Is this product really that bad? Does the solution damage the vinyl? I know isopropyl alcohol is often used in solutions, but I have heard this is way too much.

2. What are these splotches, could this be effects of the solution already, or are they just there?

3. What do you guys use, and what is the best way to make home-made solution

Thank you all so much... I'm sure I look like just another person freaking out, but I am going away to college this fall, and I just want to know the facts

man, see I feel the opposite. I love the studio version, but I think that song is a live highlight (I know they play it every show, but it never gets old to me). So much energy and its fun to see Jeff romping around on stage ripping apart the solos and Glenn is just killing the drums on that song.

I agree with you.. I think the studio and live versions complement eachother nicely. There is nothing like seeing the band live, and watching the song unfold in front of you, plus the added energy of the live show. However, there are moments and details on the record that just can't be replicated.

I know exactly what you mean. That part and the piano break that comes right after it is my favorite few seconds of the entire album.

 

--Mike

It is truly awesome...that sound effect really drives home the desolate, shattered feeling that the song is trying to convey

Studio, and for me it's not even close. My favorite live versions of the YHF songs are either from the short-lived Bennett/Kotche tour or the Jorgensten/Bach lineup in 2002-2003. The six-piece's arrangements of the material are kind of hit (Ashes of American Flags) or miss (I'm The Man Who Loves You-- I think they play it too fast now and Pat's awful funk keyboards almost ruin the song) for me. The demos are great to listen to, but I really feel the definitive versions of all those songs are the versions on Yankee.

 

--Mike

I do love Ashes live.... I mean Nels' solo is pretty beautiful... however, I do love the sound effects of the Studio version (where the solo is now) Also, I don't know how to describe it, but the reoccurring sound effect right before "I'm down on my hands and knees"

I think Summerteeth sounds wonderful. The multiple layers put into each song always seemed to be the point to me, Tweedy wanted the layers of ornate arrangements to contrast the lyrics, which can be quite unsettling. To me it's supposed to sound a little overcooked, that was the idea, and in the same way that Woody Allen's constant third wall breaking in Annie Hall almost enhances the reality of the film for me, Bennett's layering enhances the power of the songs on the album. Sometimes it borders on going a little too far (in Annie Hall it's the Snow White scene, in Summerteeth it's that synth on ELT), but both are masterpieces.

 

--Mike

I couldn't agree more, and the overcooked nature of the sound is completely on purpose, in my opinion. It further emphasizes the juxtaposition of the sound and lyrics, and the dark nature of the lyrics is what cements the overcooked sound as a sort of facade of pop giddiness and glee..