Spilled Milk Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 I'd never seen Rhett play solo, only as part of Old 97's, so it was definitely a different sort of creature. Schubas was packed, but the show seemed a little strange as it started at 7:30 promptly, and due to another act playing at 10, was over about 8:35. Although, in that hour plus, Rhett played a ton of Old 97's classics (Melt Show, Barrier Reef, Timebomb, Over the Cliff), along with a few songs off of each of his solo records, including "Fireflies" where he 'duetted' with himself (kinda funny really), and a couple of new Old 97's songs which sounded really promising (he said the band will begin recording their next album in the next few weeks). The surprise of the night came midway through the set. Rhett opens up the notebook he'd been using for the lyrics to the new songs and says he's going to play a cover. He then tells how back in 1998, he received an advance copy of Mermaid Avenue, because after the record was completed, there was a lot of tension between Wilco and Billy Bragg, and Wilco didn't want to tour with Bragg. Subsequently, Bragg wanted Old 97's to be his backing band. The band agreed to do it and learned the songs. A few days before they were supposed to go to England to rehearse for the tour, their visas were denied by the British Consulate and Wilco had to play the shows. Rhett then did a lovely cover of "California Stars." All in all, it was a great, if albeit short show. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SarahC Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 I'd never seen Rhett play solo, only as part of Old 97's, so it was definitely a different sort of creature. Schubas was packed, but the show seemed a little strange as it started at 7:30 promptly, and due to another act playing at 10, was over about 8:35. Although, in that hour plus, Rhett played a ton of Old 97's classics (Melt Show, Barrier Reef, Timebomb, Over the Cliff), along with a few songs off of each of his solo records, including "Fireflies" where he 'duetted' with himself (kinda funny really), and a couple of new Old 97's songs which sounded really promising (he said the band will begin recording their next album in the next few weeks). The surprise of the night came midway through the set. Rhett opens up the notebook he'd been using for the lyrics to the new songs and says he's going to play a cover. He then tells how back in 1998, he received an advance copy of Mermaid Avenue, because after the record was completed, there was a lot of tension between Wilco and Billy Bragg, and Wilco didn't want to tour with Bragg. Subsequently, Bragg wanted Old 97's to be his backing band. The band agreed to do it and learned the songs. A few days before they were supposed to go to England to rehearse for the tour, their visas were denied by the British Consulate and Wilco had to play the shows. Rhett then did a lovely cover of "California Stars." All in all, it was a great, if albeit short show.Fantastic!! I love his version of "California Stars". Quote Link to post Share on other sites
countryfeedback Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 You lucky SOB!!!! Would love to hear a copy of that show. Had no idea they were going to be performing in lieu of Wilco on that tour. Great story!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SarahC Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 i have a recording of another show where he does it and tells the story too... if i can find it i will try to post it. he told me another wilco story... they opened for em in 1999 or so, and rhett told me that a very drunk jeff tweedy and jay bennett comes up to him after the show and says "dude, my sister loves your records. they're too pussy for me though..." and stumbles off. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
H.Stone Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 Interesting--didn't know that story. Just over an hour show? That sucks. How much to see him there? He's going to be at Shank Hall tomorrow night, but it $20. After seeing the whole band at a "free" (sans admission to the festival) show at Summerfest this year, I have a hard time shelling out $20 for an hour of Rhett. As nice as he may be to look at, it's bizarre that for $8 more I can see 2+ hours of Wilco. And for less I can see Spoon or New Pornographers at the Pabst. I don't know--I love the 97s and Miller, but I think there's some inflation going on... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spilled Milk Posted September 22, 2007 Author Share Posted September 22, 2007 i have a recording of another show where he does it and tells the story too... if i can find it i will try to post it. he told me another wilco story... they opened for em in 1999 or so, and rhett told me that a very drunk jeff tweedy and jay bennett comes up to him after the show and says "dude, my sister loves your records. they're too pussy for me though..." and stumbles off. Yeah, I'd love to hear his version again. The new material sounded very Fight Songs-ish, so I found that promising. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jdmel Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 I forgot about this show crap!!!!I love Rhett and Id never heard him play California Stars which is one of my favorite wilco songs, annyone have a copy? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SarahC Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 Interesting--didn't know that story. Just over an hour show? That sucks. How much to see him there? He's going to be at Shank Hall tomorrow night, but it $20. After seeing the whole band at a "free" (sans admission to the festival) show at Summerfest this year, I have a hard time shelling out $20 for an hour of Rhett. As nice as he may be to look at, it's bizarre that for $8 more I can see 2+ hours of Wilco. And for less I can see Spoon or New Pornographers at the Pabst. I don't know--I love the 97s and Miller, but I think there's some inflation going on...He only played an hour because it was the early show at the club and he had to be off before 9. His usual sets are about 2 hours on average. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LouieB Posted September 23, 2007 Share Posted September 23, 2007 I saw him last night. He was on fire, playing at 90 miles an hour to fit in the slot. While it was somewhat short (about 80-90) minutes) it was very fun. I had one ticket and Rosie (TG) was in town so I gave it to her, but got another from someone down the line who had an extra. I can tell you from past experience that although this show was sold out, they are NOT packing Schubas the way they did in the old days. It was not nearly as suffocating as I have experienced there. I think the fire marshall lowered the number for the hall. He wasn't going to play California Stars last night, but I am glad he did (he threw in some song about Champaign based on the tune to Desolation Row.), but I would have been disappointed if he didn't. He also told a Wilco story related to Mermaid Avenue, claiming the Old 97s were going to tour as Wilco for Billy after the record came out (didn't happen) so he got an advance of the album at that time, which matters little 10 years later. (edit...sorry didn't see this posted above....) Of course he did a whole bunch of everyone's favorite songs. Good times.... He also stuck around on the floor to talk to fans and took tons of pics with people. What a nice guy. (He hugged Rosie four times which made her day and shook my hand twice which made mine.) I did not see any tapers, but then I wasn't looking for them. Schubas is taper friendly so there may be a tape of one of these shows surface. LouieB Quote Link to post Share on other sites
myboyblue Posted September 23, 2007 Share Posted September 23, 2007 (He hugged Rosie four times which made her day and shook my hand twice which made mine.) fangirl Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SarahC Posted September 23, 2007 Share Posted September 23, 2007 He wasn't going to play California Stars last night, but I am glad he did very cool. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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