7/12/06 -- Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

[Preferred B]

IATTBYH

War on War

new song - Impossible Germany

Handshake Drugs

A Shot in the Arm

Via Chicago

new song - What Light

The Late Greats

At Least That's What You Said

Jesus, Etc.

Walken

Theologians

I'm the Man Who Loves You

Misunderstood

Hummingbird

----------------------

Airline to Heaven

Hesitating Beauty

Kingpin

California Stars

----------------------

Spiders (Kidsmoke)

[HaikuWarriors41]

Thanks for posting! I'm sure we'll hear more about it tomorrow.

[bböp]

Wow, Brianne was quick posting that setlist. Great job!

 

Well, I guess I can add some comments about the show. The Alderney Landing Events Plaza is basically a big outdoor stage at one end of a huge building that houses the ferry terminal for the Halifax-Dartmouth ferry as well as a bunch of other stuff. Anyway, the stage looks out on a great view of Halifax harbor and Jeff commented on how lucky the Haligonians and Dartmouthians were to live in such a beautiful place. "Atlantic Canada rules!" he said, to plenty of cheers from the crowd.

 

Apparently the show was a pretty big deal for the local music community, considering that the cover of the local alt-weekly boasted, "You can say you were there when WILCO played Dartmouth." Unfortunately, the big crowd probably didn't get the band's best performance -- largely because of technical difficulties and an 11 p.m. curfew. The first sign of trouble was during Handshake Drugs when Jeff went to switch to his electric guitar and join Nels in their freakout only to discover that he was completely without power. I'm not sure if that was exactly the problem, but it seemed like there was a problem with one of his pedals and the result was that there was nothing coming out of the guitar. So basically Nels (and, to a lesser extent, Pat) had to carry the song and did so admirably. It was eerily reminiscent of the last DVD show at the Vic, for those who were there.

 

And that wouldn't be the first time that something went awry. As Mike launched into the piano intro for Walken, a frustrated-lookng Jeff once again found himself without power in his guitar and literally had to wave at Mike tio stop playing. It took a few minutes for the problem to be resolved again, but it felt like a lot longer even though Glenn and possibly Pat tried to get a little jam going. Once the power came back, things went fine.

 

But two songs later, during I'm The Man Who Loves You, Jeff broke a string toward the end of the song and basically couldn't complete his solo. He asked, "Are there any guitar players out there? You're seeing a real showcase tonight."

 

That was the end of the technical issues, but the accumulated difficulties might have prevented the band from playing at least one more song. It looked like their guitar tech was bringing out another guitar after Spiders, but by then, the curfew had already passed and Jeff had to say goodnight. Despite some of the problems, it was still a fun show and a good portion of the crowd that had never gotten the opportunity to see the band live before brought a lot of enthusiasm and walked away seemingly satisfied.

 

Also of note: Impossible Germany was once again played with the solo/jam in the middle of the song; the Kingpin screaming routine was explained by Jeff and not an audience member (basically because the crowd was about 12 feet back from the stage behind a barricade and it would have taken forever to get someone up there); and Spiders had the fake-out ending we've come to know and love.

[Gobias Industries]

wow...how unfortunate.

 

and the setlist is rather boring, except for the new material...

[Preferred B]

Wow, Brianne was quick posting that setlist. Great job!

Gee, thanks! I had a good proof-reader.

[aricandover]

It was eerily reminiscent of the last DVD show at the Vic, for those who were there.

 

 

oof. that was a long night.

[sligg]

i thought the setlist was less then spectacular but it was a pretty good setlist considering probably 95% of the people there were seeing wilco for the first time. i'm a wheel was on the setlist but not played as a closer, but other then that every song on the setlist was played.

 

i was really impressed with the venue/stage/area, i wasn't expecting much out of the dartmouth ferry terminal but it was good.

[Halifamous]

What can I say - what an awesome show.

 

Despite the technical issues that they had, I thought it was an amazing performance and hope that we aided in boosting the energy for the band. Halifax has been known for it's great indie music scene, and I wasn't about to let this event pass by and have the band leave and think "well that was rather boring". Hopefully my mission was a success.

 

This was my first Wilco show after years and years of bad timing, vacation screw-ups, and even mother nature preventing me from seeing them (even while living in New England). So - the set list could have been absolutely anything and I would have loved it... I thought it was great. It was pretty cool that they played some of the Guthrie tunes, and I thoroughly enjoyed dancing to Hummingbird with the girlfriend.

 

MKHstudios, it was great meeting you, but I have to apologize - I was the idiot that yelled "via chicago dot org!" on your recording of the show. lol. Not to mention the cheers, and praise of the band members by full name during quiet(er) parts. I am really look forward to hearing the recording though. I hope you enjoyed Halifax!

 

I booted it back to their tour bus after the show, and I can say now that I am the proud owner of Tour Poster #622 that is signed by all 6 members of the band. It was great meeting them, and Jeff actually came back out of the bus to do it. We pretty much were the only two people there to meet them all. What great guys they are, very cool.

 

Great show, great night. I can't wait for the next one!

 

[RChappo]

Thanks for the reviews. Reading them has made me want to go to Nova Scotia...sounds like a lovely place.

[Preferred B]

Frankly, I couldn't believe they didn't play Heavy Metal Drummer. On the landing? In the summer??

[Dreamin']

Halifax has been known for it's great indie music scene

 

Haligonians know good music.

[bman]

wow..misunderstood every night.

[Nayer]

Don't let anyone mislead you with stories of a crappy setlist or technical difficulties, the Dartmouth show was incredible!!

 

It is a shame that some people on here have seen the band so many times that they are so jaded and resort to critiquing the setlist and complaining of technical difficulties. Perhaps you should cut back on your number of shows attended, it gets to be like an old married couple, nit-picking at every little thing and forgetting the wonderful things that made you fall in love in the first place!!

 

For the vast majority of us, last night was a beautiful thing, as it was our first chance to see Wilco live, and I thought they played incredibly well!! The crowd didn't show any frustration with the couple of technical difficulties, and in fact were cheering and laughing about them, as Jeff bantered with the crowd to smooth over the delay.

 

I thought the setlist was fantastic, with a great mix of new and old Wilco songs and a few Guthrie tunes! I think it was a perfect setlist for playing in a place that they have never played before.

 

So, take it from me, the setlist was great, the band was on, the venue was awesome, and the one or two small technical difficulties did not bother 99.9% of the crowd who felt so lucky to have such an incredible band come to town and rock the place!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for posting! I'm sure we'll hear more about it tomorrow.

[bböp]

Don't let anyone mislead you with stories of a crappy setlist or technical difficulties, the Dartmouth show was incredible!!

 

It is a shame that some people on here have seen the band so many times that they are so jaded and resort to critiquing the setlist and complaining of technical difficulties. Perhaps you should cut back on your number of shows attended, it gets to be like an old married couple, nit-picking at every little thing and forgetting the wonderful things that made you fall in love in the first place!!

 

I can't speak for anyone else, but I almost completely agree with you on all counts. My reporting about the technical issues wasn't meant as trying to slam the band or anything, just reporting what did in fact happen. I totally respect that, for many, this was the first chance to see Wilco live and I mentioned how the crowd was very enthusiastic despite the few technical glitches. And personally I would never complain about a setlist--you'll never see me screaming out any requests because whatever they want to play is ultimately fine with me.

 

As someone writing a review of the show, though, I'm trying to point out things that made the show unique, interesting, etc., and that's what I did. Believe me, it's not nitpicking.

 

Glad you had a good time, Nayer.

[Albert Tatlock]

As someone writing a review of the show, though, I'm trying to point out things that made the show unique, interesting, etc., and that's what I did. Believe me, it's not nitpicking.

You have my full support. You are still well out in front as this season's VC MVP, though you did drop a few points by failing to get the first spot on the grid this morning. Keep up the good work!

[Scalzunfield]

I'm with you guys on the whole "don't complain about the set lists" thing. It bugs me: let them play what they want to play and if you don't like the set lists, don't go to the shows. I'm sure there will be other people willing to go (Wilco "virgins" if you will) who have never seen them and would die to see them play "I'm The Man Who Loves You," "Jesus, etc." and other songs that they've played at seemingly every show since late 2001. The Summerfest show on July 5th was my 22nd show and they played what I've come to call a "standard set." Granted, I'd still rather hear two different songs than a complete run-through of Spiders, but again, let them play what they want or don't go. I still loved every second of it and, if it weren't for the stupid Fall Out Boy kids behind me who were obnoxiously drunk, I may have thought it the best show I've seen.

 

As for the "techincal difficulties" thing, that (IMO) only serves to make the show MORE fun and unique. The May 7th show from last year when they were recording for Kicking Television was perhaps the greatest Wilco show I've seen. Jeff got to talk more, tell some stories, and ultimately, it led to *gasp* an altered set list! It's one of those things that lets you know when a band is truly at the top of their game. The fact that they were able to get past it and play different stuff that night was incredible. The way it sounds, at this show, Jeff and the boys handled it well and still put on a great show.

[Mr. Heartbreak]

I'm sure that those of you who just saw Wilco must feel a little distressed to come on here and see people bitch about the setlist, when you're still all excited about the show. It's got to be like someone pissing in your cornflakes. I understand.

However - just my opinion - I'd feel ripped off if I saw a Wilco show with that few songs. When I look at the setlists of the shows I've been to (between 1999 & 2005), most have 26 or 27 songs. Lately, the shows have been shortened to 20 or 21 songs, which, percentage-wise, is a big drop.

I know, some may say, "Well, I'd prefer quality to quantity." But this is Wilco we're talking about. Are they going to play a crappy show at this point? I doubt it highly. Come on, 20 songs is like a Bob Dylan concert. These guys aren't in their 60s. WTF?

[Dreamin']

Come on, 20 songs is like a Bob Dylan concert. These guys aren't in their 60s. WTF?

technical difficulties and an 11 p.m. curfew.

BTW, thanks for your reviews. I'm always interested in the details that make a show unique. And for the record, I must say that Paul is one of the least jaded people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He's a kindred spirit with a long attention span and the ability to hear old songs with fresh ears.

 

Brianne, I eagerly await more blog entries about your adventures. Hope the weather improves by the time you reach PEI (my favourite place in Canada east of the Rockies, aside from Lunenburg and Cape Breton Island). Enjoy a lobster supper and some good Maritime brew for me.

 

Soooo jealous!

[Halifamous]

Wiiiiilllcccooooooooooooooooooo!

[Gobias Industries]

It's just the setlist makes me feel like I'm at a "Greatest Hits" concert, where they play the same things you've heard ten billion other times. I'd like a little more variation, just to keep things refreshing. I would hate playing the same songs every night. Some obviously have to be repeated, like the "Essentially Essential" but there's still plenty of room for variation, like digging through the back catalogue for more from Summerteeth besides A Shot In The Arm, or even playing some old Tupelo (!) tunes, like Gun, or New Madrid. Or even funky versions of their songs (Goth HMD, jazzz Monday, anyone?) are great inclusions too. I'm not complaining about the setlists, I'm just opening it up for general critiquing, which is hardly ever detrimental to the populace.

 

I also would like to see more songs. Last year, they played 25-26 songs on average. Where did those shows go?

 

Let every man be his own critic.

[Basil II]

Wiiiiilllcccooooooooooooooooooo!

 

 

 

No silly.....it's Wiiiiccclllooooooooooooo!

 

 

-Robert.

[Edie]

I agree with bbop -- while I certainly haven't seen them as often as he, I love to just watch it unfold, and just enjoy what is happening.

 

Also, since I don't know the number of the songs until well after the show, I don't walk away "angry" because they played fewer than I might have wanted them to....

[Kalle]

I find when I went to these shows I didn't even care that they played "a greatest hits" setlist and not the more "obscure" tracks that we'd all love to see. It was just great seeing an amazing band play. I do wish they would play another 3 or 4 songs a night though.

[boxfulloflecords]

Wow, Brianne was quick posting that setlist. Great job!

 

Well, I guess I can add some comments about the show. The Alderney Landing Events Plaza is basically a big outdoor stage at one end of a huge building that houses the ferry terminal for the Halifax-Dartmouth ferry as well as a bunch of other stuff. Anyway, the stage looks out on a great view of Halifax harbor and Jeff commented on how lucky the Haligonians and Dartmouthians were to live in such a beautiful place. "Atlantic Canada rules!" he said, to plenty of cheers from the crowd.

 

Apparently the show was a pretty big deal for the local music community, considering that the cover of the local alt-weekly boasted, "You can say you were there when WILCO played Dartmouth." Unfortunately, the big crowd probably didn't get the band's best performance -- largely because of technical difficulties and an 11 p.m. curfew. The first sign of trouble was during Handshake Drugs when Jeff went to switch to his electric guitar and join Nels in their freakout only to discover that he was completely without power. I'm not sure if that was exactly the problem, but it seemed like there was a problem with one of his pedals and the result was that there was nothing coming out of the guitar. So basically Nels (and, to a lesser extent, Pat) had to carry the song and did so admirably. It was eerily reminiscent of the last DVD show at the Vic, for those who were there.

 

And that wouldn't be the first time that something went awry. As Mike launched into the piano intro for Walken, a frustrated-lookng Jeff once again found himself without power in his guitar and literally had to wave at Mike tio stop playing. It took a few minutes for the problem to be resolved again, but it felt like a lot longer even though Glenn and possibly Pat tried to get a little jam going. Once the power came back, things went fine.

 

But two songs later, during I'm The Man Who Loves You, Jeff broke a string toward the end of the song and basically couldn't complete his solo. He asked, "Are there any guitar players out there? You're seeing a real showcase tonight."

 

That was the end of the technical issues, but the accumulated difficulties might have prevented the band from playing at least one more song. It looked like their guitar tech was bringing out another guitar after Spiders, but by then, the curfew had already passed and Jeff had to say goodnight. Despite some of the problems, it was still a fun show and a good portion of the crowd that had never gotten the opportunity to see the band live before brought a lot of enthusiasm and walked away seemingly satisfied.

 

Also of note: Impossible Germany was once again played with the solo/jam in the middle of the song; the Kingpin screaming routine was explained by Jeff and not an audience member (basically because the crowd was about 12 feet back from the stage behind a barricade and it would have taken forever to get someone up there); and Spiders had the fake-out ending we've come to know and love.

 

Paul, you rock!

I wish I could have continued the tour with you but I guess I'll have to settle for reading your thoughtful reviews; they are truly the next best thing to being there. I (and many others) appreciate you reporting back on all the little details that made the show unique. Regardless of what some VC critics say, it's the details that really help convey the full Wilco experience. Keep up the great work and I'll see you at the Pines.

[ryan]

I went to the Calgary and Edmonton shows. They played six different songs in Edmonton. That is a 25-30% change in one night. Which I think is perfect. Every song was played at a different spot too. I can't argue with any setlist as each concert has it's own fajizzle. Reading the setlists may be boring to some, but if you are the shows, it is completely different.

 

If you want to see a boring setlist, check out u2tours.com. Maybe one different song a night and every song in the same order. But still entertaining.