Random Wilco thoughts...

[parsifal]

I didn't really know where to put this thread cos it covers a few points...so I opted for just a fan. Move it if needed.

 

I've been a Wilco fan since ST, and have seen them a few times live at various points during the ever-evolving Wilco lineup...anyway, I saw em at Shepherd's Bush last night and - with some minor reservations - was blown away.

 

I gotta say first off though that the best I've ever seen the band was when they were touring YHF with the stripped down 4-piece of Leroy, John, Glenn & Jeff - that was a transcendent experience - and last night's gig, whilst still amazing, only had glimpses of that vital time. I realise lots of folk will disagree and so on, but that's how it is for me.

 

Anyway, there were a few moments at last night's gig that equalled my previous Wilco high: namely, opening with the solo-style, picked Sunken Treasure arrangement was a sheer joy. Nels, who annoys and astounds me in equal measure, was doing this incredible microtonal, raga-style stuff on the lap steel...just hints and guesses rather than full-on assault, and it was so beautiful..

 

Also, Sky Blue Sky, which - for me - is easily the finest track on the record, was revealed in all its' glory. Jeez, that song covers everything about where J's at an emotional level lately.

 

And Spiders...

 

Oh my krautrockin' neulovin', muthaf**in' God!! So spellbinding to hear Jeff let rip on the solos - he plays with so much heart - from the bottom of his boots...rawer and more intense & honest than Nels...no jazzy framework to fall back on...just cutting right to it and distilling every nuance of the song.

 

But I couldn't help feeling that there was a greater emotional charge in the room whenever they played the ST and YHF songs, and that the SBS & AGIB songs sounded rushed in places...like they were trying to squeeze more excitement out of them by upping the tempo. Never seen them do this before, but I know from playing in bands myself that it happens when 1) you're nervous or 2) you're already a bit sick of the songs and want to give them a little pump ( or the drummer usually does at any rate).

 

Like I said, minor quibbles though - an otherwise awe-inspiring gig.

 

 

The other thing I wanted to ask was if anyone had captured the webcast? ( I'm not sure of the legality of this btw - does Wilco's taper friendly approach extend this far? ) Obviously, I couldn't watch it and my cd didn't have the neccessary link, but am keen to see it.

 

Or hear it if it was taped

 

Anyway - just some fairly random thoughts I wanted to share.

[Mr. Heartbreak]

I gotta say first off though that the best I've ever seen the band was when they were touring YHF with the stripped down 4-piece of Leroy, John, Glenn & Jeff - that was a transcendent experience - and last night's gig, whilst still amazing, only had glimpses of that vital time. I realise lots of folk will disagree and so on, but that's how it is for me.

That's my experience, too. I was one of the seemingly few people glad to see Jay gone, and I enjoyed what Jeff managed to do when he was switching between lead and rhythm. Guess it wasn't much fun for him, since he now has TWO other people playing guitar! But yeah, those shows I caught in 2002 were the best I've seen of them.