Beltmann

That's strange, I could have sworn I bought Monster when it was for sale. And it appears that REM has licensed its songs, including "It's the End of the World as We Know It", more times than Wilco has. Did REM sellout? Or did they finally arrive at the pragmatic conclusion that their earlier stand was predicated upon abstract, unfounded fears? Frankly, I don't care: I like "It's the End of the World as We Know It," and Monster means the same to me as it ever did.

I like Tom Waits, I respect Tom Waits, and I think Tom Waits is wrong--because while the songs may exist, sometimes, as a jingle, they don't have to become wholly a jingle. A song with genuine artistic power transcends the occasional commercial use.

I'm not a fan of LNGCA, but I wouldn't change a thing about this version of TTIG.

No, we're not talking about how Nels Cline has ruined Wilco with his Muzak.

I'm not sure if I liked it more or less than Funny Ha Ha, but I still think Andrew Bujalski's a movie or two away from the home run.

A few ideas recycled from another thread: The negative reaction to the VW ads is largely predicated upon the assumption that commercial use automatically debases the art, which is an argument I understand, even if it strikes me as knee-jerk. I don't think commercial use always debases the art--to believe that, one must first subscribe to romanticized ideas about artistic purity. Don't get me wrong: I too believe that Wilco's music is art of the highest order, but hearing a few notes in a transient advert doesn't interfere with how I respond to that art, or alter what that art means to me.

"We're Just Friends" I'm not kidding.

Solace, how do you feel about that Tegan and Sara record? I was waiting to hear some buzz...

Same here... and that show prompted me to buy every Riviera record and catch them at several of their own shows, too, including once or twice in Milwaukee. Stacy and I are going to miss this band. Good luck, Derek, from both of us!

Yeah, "Audio CD" is all mine said, too. When I clicked on it (or was it right-click?), a new window opened that gave me access to the songs as well as the bonus files. (I couldn't get to them using Windows Explorer, or by trying to open them from the Quicktime file menu, which seems lame.) That seems to be the rumor... if it's true, I can't help with that! Does anybody know for sure that this is the case?

I was thinking the same thing... it's at least the best in recent memory.

I'm on XP. When I click on the "My Computer" icon, this screen comes up: The Quicktime settings, at least as stated in these instructions, can be adjusted within Quicktime itself, not the operating system's Control Panel. Open up the Quicktime program, and then follow the steps. I hope this helps!

If I want those kind of basic, primitive reactions, I'll just ask my neighbor what he thinks about the record while we hang out in the garage. I guess I read critics because they attempt to offer some kind of deeper perceptions--when I pick up a review, I'm hoping to receive some insight that goes beyond a cursory listen. I suppose "pretension" is a relative term.

Hey, you can always trade it in for the new Dolores O'Riordan record.

Huh. In every recent interview I've read, I'd describe Jeff as coming across as calm, reflective, and patient--he seems full of fortitude, and completely at ease with the fact that some people will like his music, and others will not. Interesting how different readers find ways to confirm their different preconceptions.

Perhaps because a lot of people don't share your perspective that commercial use always debases the art--to believe that, one must first subscribe to romanticized ideas about artistic purity. Don't get me wrong: I too believe that Wilco's music is art of the highest order, but hearing a few notes in a transient advert doesn't interfere with how I respond to that art, or alter what that art means to me. It's easy for me to separate those two functions. It might be different if there was a fundamental contradiction between a band's message and the commercial's message. For example, if a so

When I started in Windows Explorer, I could only get the 1-12 tracks to list. But when I started from the My Computer icon (from the Start menu), it worked properly. Did you make sure to start from the My Computer icon? WINDOWS: either double click on the My Computer icon from your desktop or choose My Computer from the Start menu. From the "Devices With Removable Storage" area there will be an icon for the Wilco CD you've inserted. Right click on the bonus content icon and choose Explore from the pop-up menu. A window should open with the bonus content with a read me file for the particul

In general, I don't care about licensing songs for advertising. It's a non-issue for me. In most cases, I think the whole idea of "selling out" is an artificial distinction based upon an artificial, idealized notion of artistic purity. There is no reason why music can't exist as art and product at the same time. I'm reminded of something Leonard Cohen once said: "

Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One / William Greaves / USA / 1968 Experimental film that feels way ahead of its time. In Central Park, a couple bicker about the state of their marriage--sex and abortion are recurring topics--but while one film crew shoots them, another crew is filming the making-of. Most of the time, it looks and feels like a straight documentary, but close attention reveals another layer: A third film crew is documenting the second crew's process, which means the first two layers must be largely fictionalized. All three layers are weaved together, and taken as a whole the e

Me too. I keep it to a minimum.