smells like flowers

Not that long ago, didn't someone on here post an interview or a snippet of one with Jay where he said he wrote "My Darling" for his brother and family, because he couldn't afford to buy his niece a birthday present?

To answer your first question, there are a couple of regulars on this board whose faves are SBS and WTA (linclink, that's you, right?) Lots (dare I say the majority) of folks on here, though, seem to prefer old/middle Wilco to new, with some exceptions for TWL. Second question, you'll find lots of people backing you on AGIB being the best work. I'm definitely one of them. (For me, the first half of SBS is gorgeous, but the second half disappoints.) But that's the beauty of Wilco's contribution to rock and roll. A span of fifteen or so years and eight studio albums, and there's somethin

To borrow a phrase, that was one helluva "winsome hootenany!"

The widespread enthusiasm on this board for John Irving's work inspired me to read Until I Find You. It's been years since I read any of his stuff but this one grabbed me right away. Only a couple chapters in and loving it already!

Track 5 on Summerteeth used to be my favorite ever Wilco song.

North American, he must mean.

"winsome hootenany." That's a good phrase and perfect for when Wilco brings out the twang.

Just finished this: It took me a while to get into it but in the end I enjoyed it. For me, it didn't hold a candle to Virgin Suidicides, and I hate to admit I started Middlesex but put it down. Anyway, interesting stuff here for people interested in mental illness and religion.

I don't really see myself buying a bunch of these downloads from the same tour -- I bought Red Rocks and now I'm holding out for one that has a bunch of my faves. At $9 a pop with so many repeated songs, I'm willing to wait.

Interesting timing on reviving this, Diane! It just hit me that the other conversation about Wilco's (perceived) creative slide since AGIB, dovetails exactly with the improvement of Jeff's mental and physical health. I know he rejects the idea that his suffering helped create great art, but it's hard to deny that when he was sick, the music was sick! Others have made this conjecture too, but the timing of the two threads was just too juicy not to grab onto. From the thread about the Fox and Hedgehog theory, Spirit Dove said "One of the main reasons I fell in love with Wilco's music was b

As soon as they post a show where Muzzle of Bees and Spiders (acoustic) was played, I'm buyin'!!!

I really loved the hanging ghosts! I'm ready to see them go in lieu of something different, but they were great. First enjoyed them at Solid Sound (can't remember --was it the first or second year?) and at the summer shows this year. Cool with the lights on them and the different videos running across them (although mostly I was too close to get the full effect of that). Wonder what they'll come up with for next time around?

It pains me to say this but I'm also of the opinion that Wilco was at the height of its musical power, as far as songwriting goes, between Being There and Ghost. The live experience remains incredible, but the songs I really want to hear are on BT, ST, YHF and AGIB. Although I have been waiting in vain for Country Disappeared for a couple of years now! I'm glad that SBS and WTA have some staunch supporters. And I do love TWL, but I don't think it's quite on a par with the earlier stuff. For me, anyway, it doesn't have the impact of those other records. But as long as Wilco continues to

Fair enough. The freakout part on the album, though, is far more subdued than it is when they play it live in its current iteration. On the record, there's lots of feedback and drums but the melodic part carries more weight. Regardless, it would be nice to have them play a kinder gentler Via Chicago live once in a while.

I agree with you. The shock factor is gone from the freakout version, and it's even a little too much for me at times. I'd be happy to hear something closer to the studio version in all its prettiness.

Was looking for something a little different from live Wilco or Tweedy so I checked out the Minus 5 & Wilco performance from 9/15/2001. After a few Minus 5 songs I couldn't resist checking out the early Wilco. That night's version of Ashes of American Flags, perfomed just days after 9/11, is mind-blowingly amazing. It's always been one of my faves off YHF, but this pre-album version is fully formed and hits you like a ton of bricks. Highly recommend.

I can't play in this one, either. Not a Facebooker! And no plans to change into one... c'mon Wilco. Let us non-social-networkers in the game too.

These are fabulous photos. I can see Nels' eyelashes in one. Best picture of Glenn ever! Love that expression!

I'm intrigued by that word: snoozy. I feel quite sure it's not a synonym for sleepy! Splain, please. Funny, I found myself (my arm and part of my head) in the picture on the Wilcoworld site! Tried to set it as my backdrop but it won't let me. I'll be sad when that photo changes. What a phenomenal show! Some people standing close to me at the show got in trouble for taking pictures on their phones! Definitely amped up enforcement of that policy at C'ville.

I am going on record to say that John cuts quite the dashing figure in those gray trousers.

Diane, you really are on the non-stop Wilco train! At this rate you'll be able to slide into next year's Solid Sound with nary a hiatus.

My audio and video were both very hiccup-y, but did he say that when he and his teenage friends were trying to look punk rock, they tied two bandanas together and used them for belts? That's just precious. More John Cougar Mellancamp than Johnny Rotten!

Broken Bells (James Mercer from the Shins with Danger Mouse)

I really enjoyed the Lee Randaldo Band, too. They reminded me a lot of REM circa Fables of the Reconstruction - especially Lee's voice. The songs had a lot of darkness and melancholia mixed in with the rock. I went as far as buying the CD and it's holding up okay. Bonus that it reminds me of Wilco in all last week's glory.

Just bought the Red Rocks show. Got a little chill during the first few seconds of Misunderstood -- it took me right back to last week's fabulous shows. This is just the medicine I need to cure me of my post-Wilco-trifecta blues! (Agree with previous posters that the audience could be louder, but oh well.) Otherwise, it's perfection.