So I’m not sure if newbie applies to me since I have been listening to Wilco since summerteeth. However if a concert attendance is required for the clock to start ticking then I’m green. Last night was my first show. So I’m newbie-ing myself. As mentioned by OP Wilco has only played a handful of shows in RVA. Wilco has always been on my must see list. Same with my buddy. We have seen so many shows together going back to the 90s in high school. I have no idea why we never travelled to see a Wilco show. That will change. I have seen everyone from Del McCoury, Phish, Herbie Hancock, Paul McCartney, Mos Def (a bunch of indie hip hop), Sharon Jones, My Morning Jacket, etc. Wilco impressed the hell out of me. They can turn on a dime. Take the encore for example. To my ear spiders 🕷(kid smoke) could easily find its way on a krautrock/progressive rock type of playlist. Then bookended by California Stars which is just a gem of an alt country/folk song. Who can pull of that range and not sound “gimmicky.” Very very few bands. I tend to love songs that stretch a little and if it’s down right; improv. I felt as if at any moment Nels could rip off a ten minute Zappa/Jeff Beck or whoever you throw out there solo. During If Ever You were a Child you could really here the juxtaposition and synchronization of the song and that train. It was magic and it was definitely shared with the crowd. I was back in the 3rd GA section but I could feel the goosebumps and knew Jeff was getting emotional. It was definitely a shared experience. I think the interaction between the environment, crowd, and band is what separates a great live band from a good live band. With all that in mind I could tell that it was a special night.
I could tell that in the scheme of things this probably goes down as a decent show. You could tell the band had another level they could reach but last night was the perfect level for the cards dealt. I have some live Wilco from different eras so I get the context of the show. It left me wanting to listen to Wilco more. I will definitely travel to see Wilco soon. Here’s to many more shows!
Wilco — 18 August 2021, Richmond, VA (Brown's Island)
in After The Show
Posted
So I’m not sure if newbie applies to me since I have been listening to Wilco since summerteeth. However if a concert attendance is required for the clock to start ticking then I’m green. Last night was my first show. So I’m newbie-ing myself. As mentioned by OP Wilco has only played a handful of shows in RVA. Wilco has always been on my must see list. Same with my buddy. We have seen so many shows together going back to the 90s in high school. I have no idea why we never travelled to see a Wilco show. That will change. I have seen everyone from Del McCoury, Phish, Herbie Hancock, Paul McCartney, Mos Def (a bunch of indie hip hop), Sharon Jones, My Morning Jacket, etc. Wilco impressed the hell out of me. They can turn on a dime. Take the encore for example. To my ear spiders 🕷(kid smoke) could easily find its way on a krautrock/progressive rock type of playlist. Then bookended by California Stars which is just a gem of an alt country/folk song. Who can pull of that range and not sound “gimmicky.” Very very few bands. I tend to love songs that stretch a little and if it’s down right; improv. I felt as if at any moment Nels could rip off a ten minute Zappa/Jeff Beck or whoever you throw out there solo. During If Ever You were a Child you could really here the juxtaposition and synchronization of the song and that train. It was magic and it was definitely shared with the crowd. I was back in the 3rd GA section but I could feel the goosebumps and knew Jeff was getting emotional. It was definitely a shared experience. I think the interaction between the environment, crowd, and band is what separates a great live band from a good live band. With all that in mind I could tell that it was a special night.
I could tell that in the scheme of things this probably goes down as a decent show. You could tell the band had another level they could reach but last night was the perfect level for the cards dealt. I have some live Wilco from different eras so I get the context of the show. It left me wanting to listen to Wilco more. I will definitely travel to see Wilco soon. Here’s to many more shows!