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WILCO - 10/18/09 UIC Pavillion, Chicago Night #1


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Great, high energy show including Monday > Outtasite, Just a Kid, I'm Always in Love, John taking the mic for It's Just That Simple, Hoodoo Voodoo (great as always), Misunderstood with 36 nothings, Jesus, etc. singalong. Glenn played a gong on ITMWLY and they used some computery voice to introduce the band (...think Kid A...). A laid back hometown crowd vibe definiely brought a more upbeat set from the guys. On a few songs, Jeff was playing a really strange looking Gibson with odd bevels / coloring on the body. Sounded great, though. Hardly a complete setlist and I'm leaving a lot out but this is being written on a CTA blue line train.

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Just got home and my ears are still ringing.

 

First off, nothing really "special" about the show since it was in Chicago. Pretty standard set list. Not that that's a bad thing. Someone else will have to post the complete list because I never took the pen and paper out of my pocket. "It's Just that Simple" and "Just a Kid" made the cut tonight and those were really the only two songs that haven't been played at a lot of recent shows.

 

They opened with "Wilco (The Song)" and "A Shot in the Arm" and closed with "Hoodoo Voodoo" and "I'm a Wheel." They took the stage at 8:47 and broke at 10:28, and finished up at 11:04. Only one encore set.

 

The sound at the Pavilion was pretty poor, at least where I was standing (down front about 3-4 rows from the wall). The vocals were pretty distorted and the piano was often lost in the mix. Everybody around me was having a great time though. I didn't really look behind me so I have no idea what was going on in back.

 

Jeff got off some good lines. After Nels dropped the lap steel on "It's Just that Simple" Jeff said "I've never seen you play the lap steel with your knees before." And after some guy yelled out "I Love You!" Jeff asked, "Why is it always the biggest, scariest man who yells I love you?" During Kingpin he asked everyone to clap and said, "This is good for your arms. And heart! Man, you guys are out of shape. This definitely doesn't look like a Bon Jovi concert."

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Woo, arena rock!

 

Oh my god, ending with Monday - Outtasite - Hoodoo - I'm a Wheel...just...wow. So, so, so glad they played Misunderstood. I think that was the top request as of Friday when I requested it. From the floor it seemed like we had a pretty strong Jesus Etc. singalong. Yeah, it was a fairly straightforward setlist (except Just a Kid), but there's really nothing wrong with that, and this is the first time Chicago's heard all of the new songs (except One Wing, I guess, from Lolla last year)

 

I wanna be your kingpin

Livin' in...the UIC Pavilion

 

Cannot, cannot, cannot wait for Monday!

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Really enjoyed the show! Got to take my son with me, bought him that shirt with the bird smokin' a joint on it. He's in college and...well no need to get into the fact how or why I know he knows what a joint is.

 

Anyways, we both enjoyed the show, we both love Wilco (much to the chagrin of his mother) and had a great time. A review is to come, but I am not a completist and also do not have a full setlist. I sort of lose myself to what's happening instead. That and I have a shit memory.

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Random observations (non-music related):

 

They had porta-potties outside for people who lined up early. How thoughtful.

 

A woman from the Pavilion announced to the people standing in line, “No digital photography tonight! Only disposable cameras will be allowed.” There were approximately 147 people in my immediate area taking digital photos. And the person right in front of me was shooting a cell phone video. No one was arrested.

 

I saw a scalping transaction going on right outside the arena. Two tickets for $60 each. Not bad. Again, no arrests.

 

The security pat down was extremely non-intrusive. I lifted my arms when I got to the door and the security guy literally waved his hands over my torso, without ever touching me, and said “OK.” So if anybody wants to sneak in some numb chucks Monday night, you probably can.

 

Plenty of beer available ($7.50 ea). And they come right to you, like at a baseball game, no need to stand in line.

 

This guy in front of me who was with his teenage daughter and her boyfriend left during “It’s Just That Simple.” So everybody moved up to fill the void, until a large puddle was discovered where they had been. So everybody looked at each other and said, “I guess I’m perfectly happy where I was standing.”

 

I think Jeff’s t-shirt said: “Hostage, Barricade, and Terrorism Unit. Chicago Police Dept.”

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Here's the setlist (from my site - http://www.ChicagoConcertgoers.com):

 

Wilco (the song)

A Shot in the Arm

Bull Black Nova

You Are My Face

I Am Trying to Break Your Heart

One Wing

Misunderstood

At Least That's What You Said

Deeper Down

Impossible Germany

It's Just That Simple

I'll Fight

Handshake Drugs

Sonny Feeling

Jesus, Etc.

Theologians

I'm Always in Love

Hate It Here

Walken

I'm the Man Who Loves You

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

You Never Know

Heavy Metal Drummer

Just a Kid

Kingpin

Monday

Outtasite (Outta Mind)

Hoodoo Voodoo

I'm a Wheel

 

Start: 8:47 p.m./Finish: 11:03 p.m.

Totals: 28 songs, 2 hours and 16 minutes

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Show was AWESOME!!!

 

I've been dying to hear the new songs live ever since the album came out. I preferred to wait and see them myself rather than downloading other shows, etc.

 

BULL BLACK NOVA was everything I hoped for!!! Total freakout. Please, please melt my face with this again tomorrow night!

 

We were on the floor about 15-20 rows back. Sound was LOUD and clear. Really fantastic. I heard a lot of subtleties coming through all night. Much better than expected. I hadn't been to UIC Pav in 7 years, so I wasn't sure.

 

Hoodoo Voodoo = so awesome. Even songs that I've seen at every show (IATTBYH, ITMWLY, Theologians, Kingpin), were all fantastic. I haven't seen them since the 5 night run at the Riv so I just welcomed everything.

 

Some people were into the show, but most just stood there motionless most of the time (this isn't a surprise to me anymore, but still... I don't know how you can look that bored while seeing this band). I also think about a thousand people skipped the show due to the Bears game. The floor was not full.

 

Did anyone else think in You Never Know, Nels missed the one line that sounds straight from "My Sweet Lord" (George Harrison)? Just an observation.

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Actually the sound at the Pavillion for those of us in the (not so cheap) cheap seats was excellent I thought. Nels got lost at times and as usual the keyboards weren't always that prominant, but that is ALWAYS a problem. The band was really energized. The new songs did get stuck in my head and the old songs, wow, particularly Hoodoo Voodoo. Hate it Here was also excellent. It is not like Wilco is really going to surprise us or anything, but there seemed to be a good dose of Being There and all the rest. Nothing to complain about here. As usual Glenn is the MVP.

 

I loved the comment about Schubas. Sadly Wilco will never play Schubas (maybe the new Lincoln Hall??), but at least they still think about it. There were also many empty seats in the balcony. IF this was a sell out the band made out okay. The floor itself was very crowded to about halfway back. I am guessing people did skip the show, but why? This may have been less a case of the Bears (who really gives a shit??) than people buying tickets they didn't need or scalpers getting some they couldn't unload. When you play this big a venue that is bound to happen. It should be interesting to see how it goes tonight.

 

The Pavillion turned out to be a better venue than I had expected.

 

LouieB

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Guest zacincceo

Having come from Boston to see my favorite band, and after seeing them at Bonnaroo, Wappinger, Lowell and the Neil Young show at the DCU Center I have to say this is the best show I've seen since 2007 (my first show) at the Greek Theater.

 

 

I can sad sadly that I am one of those that expected something different.... YET the second I heard the price is right I knew what to expect.

 

 

Theologians! My g-d what a nice job on keys.... a lot of improv if you listened closely and I wasn't stoned! (first for a wilco show haha) I have to say that's one of my favorite songs.

 

I can say I really want Muzzle of Bees tonight. Comment like from last year would be nice but very very doubtful....

 

 

 

I was the one from the Balcony shouting for Shake it off..... if you get in GA please PLEASE politely ask for it, in-between Viking Hats? (is this a reoccurring theme...... Phish had one placed I think at Red Rocks?)

 

You Never Know

Heavy Metal Drummer

Just a Kid

Kingpin

Monday

Outtasite (Outta Mind)

Hoodoo Voodoo

I'm a Wheel

 

 

Was Ridiculous!

 

 

was it me or did the female voice sound like a Mac Speech Text at first? Victoria? anyone that knows macs hahah

 

 

My Predictions for tonight

 

 

California Stars

Ashes

Either Way

War On War

 

 

One by One (lets hope for!)

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We made a last minute decision to go and I'm glad we did. I am generally against the larger venues and haven't seen Wilco in a few years as a result. The sound wasn't great but they have transitioned to an arena band pretty well. Glenn is an absolute monster on the drums.

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I know I'm going to catch a lot of flak for this, but this was definitely one of the more forgettable Wilco shows I've seen. Please note that this has nothing to do with the anticipation of this show because it was a "hometown" show -- if anything, I had very low expectations going in. But a lot of things made the experience very mediocre. The venue was old and sterile (although I knew this ahead of time), when the sound wasn't bouncing off the low roof it was muffled, and the setlist was very, very conservative. I know Jeff said that they were playing all of their "hits" last night, but they took zero chances. Without looking at the setlists from other shows, before the show I was able to predict 18 of the songs that they eventually played. I'm hoping tonight we'll hear a little more variety.

 

That is all. Flame away.

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Put me in the category that thought the UIC Pavilion sound was much better than I expected. I dont know if they had an extra long soundcheck or what, but the fellas made a great transition to "arena rock" and really looking forward to tonight after a proper opening night. Perhaps we get a few more surprises tonight, I do kinda hope they limit the repeats to the standard staples...there's just too much to get to tonight.

 

 

Few predictions, or at least hopefuls...

 

Casino Queen

Spiders

Late Greats

Pot Kettle Black

Can't Stand It

Cars Can't.... ok now I'm getting greedy, but again so much to tap into for tonight! Dig deep fellas!

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Arena rock, something I had once thought inevitable for Wilco, was real last night. It was not bad, in fact far from it. Even though the place was not packed, there was real energy. And the band can hold the attention of many many more. Wilco could play to Lolla size crowds and entertain and keep people interested. Most of those interested people also talk, check their phones, and leave and return multiple times. Casual fans now come and see Wilco. That is different then the scene of Chicago shows past. As the size of the venue increases, the number of diehards decreases, or at least takes longer to catch up. I am glad we are at a point where Wilco is having the kind of success they are. I anticipate about 10 different songs tonight and many more casual fans.

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i sat on the other side of the arena directly in front of stage, the sound was great, although very loud. Wilco brought out a lot of rockers. Deeper Down got a little lost in the big arena though. THe venue was cool but i hope wilco doesnt become an Arena Rock band. but i had a great time anyway. thanks wilco

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Great, high energy show including Monday > Outtasite, Just a Kid, I'm Always in Love, John taking the mic for It's Just That Simple, Hoodoo Voodoo (great as always), Misunderstood with 36 nothings, Jesus, etc. singalong. Glenn played a gong on ITMWLY and they used some computery voice to introduce the band (...think Kid A...). A laid back hometown crowd vibe definiely brought a more upbeat set from the guys. On a few songs, Jeff was playing a really strange looking Gibson with odd bevels / coloring on the body. Sounded great, though. Hardly a complete setlist and I'm leaving a lot out but this is being written on a CTA blue line train.

 

In Toronto (1st nite) they did this too -- three different "voices", with the first (introducing Mikael and John) being in German. I believe these are supposed to mimic the unhuman-sounding voices that announce the athletes' names at the Olympics. At least that's what gf said.

 

p.s. Deeper Down was also a casualty at Lewiston...pretty much ruined by bad sound, where I was seated anyhow.

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The setlist was a little too SBS/W(TA) heavy for my taste, but I thought it was a fun show. I freaked out when they played I'm Always In Love - that alone was worth standing in line all day. :)

 

I loved seeing all of you and I wish I could go to the show tonight. Have fun!!

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HOW WAS TORTOISE?

 

I'm surprised no one has said anything. Also would be surprised if glenn or nels dont sit in. When I saw Jeff Parker at the green mill a few months back my friend tapped my girlfriend on the shoulder and whispered something in her ear, this was followed by her repeating the statement in my ear, I then turn around and notice Nels Cline is sitting next to me.

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HOW WAS TORTOISE?

 

They sounded good, but they've never really grabbed me musically and last night I kind of felt the same way.

 

Jeff dedicated Just a Kid to the "kids in Tortoise... those up-and-comers" which was pretty funny given they are widely regarded as a seminal band.

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