Adam2

I'm guessing that you don't understand how pointless it would be to criticize Jay's playing without ever mentioning his studio work. Obviously since Nels only recorded 1 track with Wilco in the studio, his playing is judged by his live work. How do you know Nels outplays Jay in basically everything? The only way you would know that is if you went up to Jay and asked him to play something in a certain style. You have no evidence to support your claim that Jay can't play jazz, "experimental," etc.

Plus, you haven't even responded to my arguments about Jay's studio work, because they are right. I know Jay played a bit too much live sometimes. You really just can't admit that Jay is a very talented guitarist, who can totally outplay Nels in a certain genre.

If you listen back to the studio recordings Jay did with Wilco, you will not find overplaying or "playing some 'rock' lick" that doesn't fit the song. For example, his guitar on I Got You. That lick that comes in at the first chorus is a perfect example of how subtle his playing can be, how perfectly placed it is. The only way anyone can accuse him of not fitting into the song perfectly is if you only listen to the live shows. He did tend to let loose a bit too often live sometimes.

and once again, I love Nels. He is perfect for the current Wilco. But there is no way he can play like Jay (refer to the Roger McGuinn & Wilco version of "Mr. Spaceman"... damn!)

I have seen this thing go back and forth on this board for a year, and I can't help but get involved everytime. To be really impartial (as if thats possible, you may already know who I favor) stack up the Geraldine Fibbers, or the Nels Cline Singers against ANY Jay Bennett solo release. I will tell you what I think about that contest, but I want to hear your opinions first.

I really don't get why you would compare these. Jay's solo albums focus on his songwriting, not the guitar playing. However, since you did bring it up, take a listen to Jay's solo in "It's Hard".

I never said Nels was better in all genres. I said overall he's a better guitar player. You misinterpret with malicious intent.

What are you talking about? That's basically exactly what you said. I keep arguing that Jay is better at the country/rock style. I like Nels, and he is a lot better than Jay at some styles. But there is no argument that he plays his style better than Nels.

you can't accept the fact that there are areas where Jay is better than Nels. i assume you have ears, since you are "one with extensive orchestral experience".

Nels can play the older stuff just as well as Jay could. It's just different. Different people. Nels is a better guitarist either way, but Jay could make quite a sonic landscape. But I thought you wanted the monkey in there going "OOO AHAHH!"

Honestly, listen to Jay's playing on Forget The Flowers. His Keith Richards-esque guitar on Monday. His Someday Soon. His Kingpin. Summerteeth. Most of the time Nels just does some ill-fated lap steel. He can't play the old stuff anywhere near as good as Jay.

I agree that Nels plays his style better than Jay (obviously) and he sounds good in Wilco. It just bothers me that fans of Nels won't admit that he can't play the old stuff anywhere near as good as Jay.

That's what I'm saying. Whenever Jay is mentioned, the main argument against him is that Nels can play the newer stuff better. Obviously. What they never mention is that Nels can not compare to Jay's guitar parts/style.

Bennett can only play country/rock. Cline can do all and more. Thus a clear winner.

 

Besides being the greatest guitarist to walk this earth, Cline is most possibly one of the coolest dudes ever, especially when you talk to him.

Just because you haven't heard him play anything else doesn't mean he can't. And Nels' country/rock playing leaves a lot to be desired. Let's listen to Jay's "Someday Soon" vs. Nels'.

Name me another guitarist out there who could affect a band and their sound so much in this woeful/wonderful modern-era of rock music.

Jay Bennett.

is it just me or is the left guitar mixed a little bit louder than the right throughout the album?

plus petty is playing all his hits and only a song or two from the new album each night, and theyre still good songs...

exactly why you should go see Dylan. refer to my post above.

See Dylan. Tom Petty will play the same setlist he did every other show. Honestly, who wants to here American Girl rather than Crawling Back To You, Two Gunslingers, Wildflowers, Wake Up Time, etc.?

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I have seen the single of Monday on eil.com, and the B-side is a demo of the song. Wonder what it sounds like?

Additionally, the reason why the YHF that we know and love today sounds the way it does (that is, different than the demos) is due to the firing of Bennett and the subsequent O'Rourke mastering of the project.

The album was completed before Jay left. Also, Jim O'Rourke was brought in while Jay was still in the band, to mix the album, not master it.

I really disagree about the Summerteeth demos. All of them are basically less realized versions of the final ones. There is no comparison to the album and the demos.

I'm shocked at all the responses regarding It's Just That Simple. That is such a great song, one of the best on that album. It would've been very cool to see what Wilco would have sounded like with a co-songwriter in John Stirratt.

Listen, dear mother, I miss you the most

And as I travel from coast to coast

I feel your love and I feel your ghost

Listen, dear mother, I miss you the most

Listen, dear mother, I miss you the most

This record is not very good. He just isn't a great songwriter.

Jesus, etc.

This is really great. It is pretty long though... not a complaint, but just saying its not easy to absorb in one sitting. Though I am not familiar enough with the rest of their albums, so that may be it. As for the comments on the performances, I doubt they would put something out that wasn't their absolute best. Jim's voice sounds great to me, some parts do sound a little strained, but I always thought that was a part of his voice... it makes it sound more heartfelt.

are you sure? it sounds like Leroy playing the leads in Box Full Of Letters.

is Leroy doing all/most of the lead guitar on these shows?

how the hell do you pronounce the title? "oak-un no-kose"?

what? the Vic is a small venue... I don't know what venue you're talking about.