Livin' in New Orleans Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 I really think that even with the mixing and all as is, it is my favorite Wilco record. This is because, for me at least, I can't find a group of so many good songs on any other album Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mpolak21 Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 I think Summerteeth sounds wonderful. The multiple layers put into each song always seemed to be the point to me, Tweedy wanted the layers of ornate arrangements to contrast the lyrics, which can be quite unsettling. To me it's supposed to sound a little overcooked, that was the idea, and in the same way that Woody Allen's constant third wall breaking in Annie Hall almost enhances the reality of the film for me, Bennett's layering enhances the power of the songs on the album. Sometimes it borders on going a little too far (in Annie Hall it's the Snow White scene, in Summerteeth it's that synth on ELT), but both are masterpieces. --Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rwilson580 Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 It's interesting that anyone would believe the Summerteeth "overproduced" thing is a result of any propaganda, Kot's or otherwise. All you have to do is listen to it. I agree that the songs are phenomenal. And with enough repetition I no longer cringe at some of the arrangements in there. The things that I love about Wilco have now overwhelmed the other stuff. There's no doubt, though, that several of the songs would benefit greatly from sparser arrangements. I would argue that "Shot in the Arm" is one of these, along with others mentioned. Some of the devices here -- the ooh-ooh harmonies, the hand claps (my God), the synthesizers...jeesh, they're hackneyed if anybody does them, let alone one of the most innovative bands out there. If you can't believe your ears, do you really believe that Kot made up the quotes from Coomer, Stirratt...even Tweedy? I've never seen Bennett disavow the arrangements in there, but everyone else certainly has. Great, great album, marred slightly by suspect arrangements. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Livin' in New Orleans Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 I think Summerteeth sounds wonderful. The multiple layers put into each song always seemed to be the point to me, Tweedy wanted the layers of ornate arrangements to contrast the lyrics, which can be quite unsettling. To me it's supposed to sound a little overcooked, that was the idea, and in the same way that Woody Allen's constant third wall breaking in Annie Hall almost enhances the reality of the film for me, Bennett's layering enhances the power of the songs on the album. Sometimes it borders on going a little too far (in Annie Hall it's the Snow White scene, in Summerteeth it's that synth on ELT), but both are masterpieces. --Mike I couldn't agree more, and the overcooked nature of the sound is completely on purpose, in my opinion. It further emphasizes the juxtaposition of the sound and lyrics, and the dark nature of the lyrics is what cements the overcooked sound as a sort of facade of pop giddiness and glee.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Preferred B Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 I remember reading something a long time ago where Jeff compared Summerteeth to somebody "complaining in the middle of a waterfall." I liked that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
choo-choo-charlie Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 I really like the studio version of ELT, they synth sounds great, it's just a really rockin, summer, song. I don't think it translates well on the solo versions, not like some of the folkier Wilco songs.I like the production, I think it's a great example of how protools can be fucking GLORIOUS. I think if The Beatles were around these days, they'd be experimenting in a way a lot like Summerteeth. That's my 2 cents. Nice contribution...basically like Tweedy's quote straight out of the Kot book. But I do agree with you about ELT. Love that song, particularly at absurdly high volumes... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ponch1028 Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 I'll take it the way it is. I love the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and The Band, and I immediately connected Summerteeth to those three bands when I first heard it (back when it came out). It was my introduction into Wilco (other than Mermaid Avenue). Because I didn't have any other point of reference, I could simply appreciate it for what it provided, and I loved it. I love the live and solo versions as well, but I think solo versions would eventually weigh me down with its naked, dark lyrics. The sugar sweet music and production helps me cope with the depths of darkness that Jeff plunges into with the lyrics. Also, since I didn't have any point of reference to Wilco's story at the time of hearing ST, I loved and still to this day love Can't Stand It - what a jolt! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mpolak21 Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 I remember reading something a long time ago where Jeff compared Summerteeth to somebody "complaining in the middle of a waterfall." I liked that. I've also heard him say the songs were like talking about your problems in the Grand Canyon. --Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Stewart Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Probably the Wilco album I'd grab if my house was on fire. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ghost of Electricity Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Probably the Wilco album I'd grab if my house was on fire.I would die of smoke inhalation while trying to decide. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
caliber66 Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 I would leave them in the house and buy new copies from Amazon. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ghost of Electricity Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 I would leave them in the house and buy new copies from Amazon.Yes but which one would you buy first? and if you're tempted to get smart and say you buy them all in one fell swoop, then i would ask which one would you put in your e-cart first? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jakobnicholas Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 I think I'll always say Being There is my favorite Wilco record, but every time I listen to Summerteeth I'm not always sure about that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Stewart Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 I would leave them in the house and buy new copies from Amazon. Almost 15,000 posts and you finally show your true self: an Amazon.com street teamer. Sir, I bow to your patience. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
caliber66 Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Have you signed up for Amazon Prime yet?? FREE TWO DAY SHIPPING!!!!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
isadorah Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Have you signed up for Amazon Prime yet?? FREE TWO DAY SHIPPING!!!!!!! isn't it more like two-day shipping for $80 a year? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
caliber66 Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 So much for the no-fee Amazon Visa I was going to get you for Labor Day. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jmacomber68w Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 While I consider ST to be an excellent album, here are some things that keep ST out of my "perfect album" category... - We're Just Friends (boring song)- Alt version of Shot in the arm, alt versions on albums drive me nuts!- In a Future Age (Tweedy's solo version I enjoy, but the album version not so much)- When You Wake Up Feeling Old not being a pure honky tonk country tune- Lack of a rocking, grab you by the neck rock song I know I"m nit picking, but hey, I have to split hairs only because it is such a good album! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
isadorah Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 So much for the no-fee Amazon Visa I was going to get you for Labor Day. ah damn it. and i really like getting Labor Day presents. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
boo jim boo Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 - Lack of a rocking, grab you by the neck rock song I feel like ELT serves that purpose as the straight-ahead rocker. What if they had put Student Loan Stereo on the album, would that have helped? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Francis X. Hummel Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 I think I'll always say Being There is my favorite Wilco record, but every time I listen to Summerteeth I'm not always sure about that. Well said. That's very true for me as well. I flop back and forth between Being There and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot when asked about my favorite Wilco record, and for some reason tend to leave Summerteeth out of the discussion. Which is criminal really. Nonetheless, I think Summerteeth is Wilco's 3rd best record. There's really not a bad song on it (I'm not too big a fan of My Darling) and there are some absolute classics - She's a Jar, A Shot in the Arm, I'm Always in Love, Via Chicago - and a whole bunch of other good songs. It's still definitely a top 20 all time favorite record for me. If anything, ranking Summerteeth 3rd is just a testament to how remarkable Being There and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot really are in my mind. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Al.Ducts Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 I also seem to neglect Summerteeth for some reason when it comes to the favorite record question. And every time I listen to it I wonder why? Having said that, AGIB is always gonna be tops for me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
choo-choo-charlie Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Well said. That's very true for me as well. I flop back and forth between Being There and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot when asked about my favorite Wilco record, and for some reason tend to leave Summerteeth out of the discussion. Which is criminal really. Nonetheless, I think Summerteeth is Wilco's 3rd best record. There's really not a bad song on it (I'm not too big a fan of My Darling) and there are some absolute classics - She's a Jar, A Shot in the Arm, I'm Always in Love, Via Chicago - and a whole bunch of other good songs. It's still definitely a top 20 all time favorite record for me. If anything, ranking Summerteeth 3rd is just a testament to how remarkable Being There and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot really are in my mind. I'm the exact same way. Funny - Being There and YHF mark the entrance and exit of Jay Bennett. But then Summerteeth comes creeping back in - it was my first Wilco [studio] record and a damn fine introduction to the group. But I tend to get synthed out from time to time. BT and YHF, to me, represent the two points when Wilco was truly making a statement about their identity and their music. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jakobnicholas Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Summerteeth ain't perfect, but it's very close. My thoughts in bold: While I consider ST to be an excellent album, here are some things that keep ST out of my "perfect album" category... - We're Just Friends (boring song) Agree. For me, it's the Radio Cure of Summerteeth.- Alt version of Shot in the arm, alt versions on albums drive me nuts! It's a bonus song. Doesn't bother me at all.- In a Future Age (Tweedy's solo version I enjoy, but the album version not so much) Tweedy's solo IS great. But the album version is kinda haunting, which I like.- When You Wake Up Feeling Old not being a pure honky tonk country tune That'd be interesting. But I like the Sgt. Pepper-ish sound of it.- Lack of a rocking, grab you by the neck rock song Always In Love works for me. ELT also. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jmacomber68w Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 I feel like ELT serves that purpose as the straight-ahead rocker. What if they had put Student Loan Stereo on the album, would that have helped? I have no clue what Student Loan Stereo is. I consider ELT more of a pop tune, I'm talking a Spiders, Bull Black Nova, Kicking Television type song. However, I do understand that the band that recorded ST is very different lineup wise than the band that created those 3 songs. Anyways what is Student Loan Stereo? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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