smells like flowers

Congrats to you and the happy newlyweds! I'm guessing there was some Wilco played at the reception??

You got that right! Of all the guys, John has such an easy appeal. He looks like he'd be easy to talk to, from the perspective of a rabid fan. But back to Jeff's hair. I kind of wish he'd play around with the vintage 50's look he was working, maybe in the late 90's. How 'bout this?

The library where I work was closed for maintenance yesterday but staff had to show up and work. A co-worker set up a Pandora station featuring Wilco (just for me!) so we heard Pot Kettle Black, Kingpin, and Dawned on Me all while taking apart book shelves!

I love your story! There are so many sparkly Wilco-related bits floating out in the universe, and some landed right on you and brought you back into the fold!

We share the setlist gripe. I'm so amped up about the 2 shows I have tickets for in May (Tampa & St. Augustine) but at the same time I live in fear that the setlist will be the same one that's been circulating of late. They did start varying it a bit at the end of the European tour, but played mostly the same songs each night. Fingers crossed!!!.

The ebb and flow is only natural. Except for bbop -- he's all flow

It seems so brave to perform a heart-baring song like that to a huge stadium of people, many of whom don't even seem to be paying attention. Damn.

It's bike week here in Florida and it reminded me of this one I see every now and then: "Hell was full so I came back."

Perfect comparison. I was so incredulous at the people's resiliancy -- especially the ones who stayed. Unimaginable. Hope never to experience the really dramatic natural disasters -- tornadoes, tsunamis, earthquakes, etc. But somehow the daily hopelessness of drought seems the worst of all. Hope Texas finds some relief soon!

Especially heartbreaking! Opening track enough to bring me to my knees. That sad-ass fiddle gets me every time!

I find this very intruiging. I'm guessing the phenomenon was at its height during the solo in Impossible Germany!?!

My vote is for Anodyne, if you're still debating! The UT album whose songs really got under my skin.

I always enjoy reading your post-show nuggets, Paul! Sounds like a stand-out show to me (Born Alone w/out Jeff!) And Monday/I'm a Wheel back to back in the encore-- I would have spontaneously combusted if I'd been there. Hope to see you in the Southeast if you're headed this way in May!

The fine print says don't be alarmed if the jewel case isn't in perfect condition, e.g., is scratched or has scuff marks. Wouldn't it be cool if they rounded up a bunch of existing cassette cases and re-used them for The Whole Love? There must be a gazillion of those things still around...

Why all the hostility towards dads? Does having children render one unable to appreciate the subtleties of Wilco's non-rocking songs? Personally, I'm glad Wilco has its share of dads who know how to rock the f**k out! Without Jeff or Glenn, this board wouldn't be here.

Ummm, isn't Wilco first and foremost a rock band? And while Jesus, etc. is a great song, and not the usual rock fare, it has been done enough, for now anyway. There are too many other great songs (rockers and non) to narrow it down to the same 15 or so songs over and over. IMO, of course.

Definitely a more exciting setlist! Hoping to hear I'm A Wheel when they come to Florida in May!

Monday, with horns! Any song, with horns! Re-watched Ashes dvd last night and absolutely love the horn section with Wilco songs. They had a horn section when I saw them in 2006, but I'd love for it to return. I know not that many songs even have a horn part, but when they do it's just so good! Minor fantasy last summer at Solid Sound -- Wilco would come back out on Sunday to play some songs with Levon Helms's horn section. They also could have recruited from Dave Douglas's Brass Ecstasy. Maybe next summer at SSF 3! Anyhow, doesn't hurt to dream...

Yes, that's definitely a great percentage! At one show I attended (2006, I think) I felt like there was no connection between the band and the audience. And then there's my setlist issue, which has really only been a problem once. For me, the problem is overly high expectations based on the couple of really stand-out shows which were some of the best concert experiences of my life! So if I go in with a level head, I'll be more likely to be blown away than disappointed. I'll be the first to admit this band has a disproportional significance to me -- but I know others here have the same s

I like any and all versions. Quintessential Wilco Tweedy.

Just curious what disappoints either of you in a show (or did in the past), if not the setlist. The energy? The crowd?

I know this is blasphemy, but I'll say it anyway -- Impossible Germany! Also Bull Black Nova, One Wing, Jesus etc., ITMWLY, Heavy Metal Drummer. Pretty much half the set list of the show I saw in September. I'm such a brat!

Not really complaining... but with such an extensive catalog, I get discouraged hearing many of the same tunes show after show. If they did as you said, played the same 25 songs each night in the same order, it's my guess that those auditoriums, theatres, etc. would be a lot less full. Especially with many fans attending multiple shows when possible -- they gotta mix it up! Pretty sure Solid Sound 2011 ruined me -- having back to back Wilco headline shows, only 1 or 2 repeats... so many good songs! So glad we have it to look forward to next year!

Yes!! That one! Actually, after I saw the setlist for the European tour opening show, my heart sank. It was almost exactly the setlist they were playing at the beginning of the Whole Love tour. Then things got pretty crazy towards the end of 2011, especially in California and then the five Chicago shows. I want that kind of Wilco show! (Have tix for Tampa and St. Augustine.) So back on track with the thread... Muzzle of Bees Country Disappeared ELT Company in My Back Candyfloss etc., etc. etc!

Okay, so the best thing in the world happened to me today! Wilco added a Florida date in St. Augustine on May 16. It happens to be my hometown, with a beautiful amphitheatre that is just perfect for Wilco. Any of you out there within driving distance, I highly recommend this venue! Someone pinch me please, this really is a dream come true! Can't stop smiling!