Edie Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Tortoise: talented musicians but not my cup of tea. Also, when Jeff said they were playing a greatest hits show, I'm pretty sure Kim and I looked like this: Glad the ticket was well used!! I'm going tonight but can't get in line until maybe 4, depending on traffic on the Ike. Hopefully I'll still get a decent standing spot! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bhickman Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Rock & Roll Ghost review is up (plugola) http://rockandrollghost.blogspot.com/2009/10/live-review-wilco-uic-pavilion-chicago.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mikechuck Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 What is the crowd capacity of the UIC Pavilion? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
brandonwilco Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 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. I agree regarding the clarity. Having seen the guys for years at various venues I can't remember hearing them so clearly. Picked up every note they were strumming and subtle sounds I've never heard live. I was about 10 rows back on the floor, in the center. They seemed to be changing up a couple songs as well as far as arrangements. Nel's solo on "Impossible Germany" seemed a little different. But that may be because I was hearing things I've never heard before. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Jesus Etc Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 What is the crowd capacity of the UIC Pavilion?10,000 for a basketball game. Roughly 20% of the arena's seats were behind the curtain. Obviously a number of floor "seats" were removed as the space for GA was huge. Conversely, people were jammed in to the GA section and was much more dense than you'd find at a game. If I had to bet on how many people were there last night I would go with 7,000. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mikechuck Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 10,000 for a basketball game. Roughly 20% of the arena's seats were behind the curtain. Obviously a number of floor "seats" were removed as the space for GA was huge. Conversely, people were jammed in to the GA section and was much more dense than you'd find at a game. If I had to bet on how many people were there last night I would go with 7,000. Wow, sounds like a larger-than-usual venue for Wilco, even for a hometown show. I saw them three times this summer and don't think that any of those theaters seated more than 2500. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
W(TF) Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 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. In Toronto when Jeff brought Liam Finn onstage he said "thanks for helpin' us out, kid." Liam does act like a kid though (I like him). Gf's comment after his set was that Neil Finn must've told Jeff, "Ok, you guys can use my studio and gear for a while, but only if you agree to get my son out of the house for a month or two!!". Quote Link to post Share on other sites
exo Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 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.The reactions around me were really funny. A group of older guys behind me liked the rhythm (which was amazing on those last few songs) but didn't quite get it musically. The kids in front of me, meanwhile, thought it was a noodly mess. I just think it's funny how many people were ignorant of the fact that they were witnessing an extremely influential band and Chicago legends. Their loss. On to the main event: first off, I was surprised that I was able to stand maybe 4 "rows" of people back even though I didn't get in line until around 6. Being that close, I really didn't get much of a sense for how it felt as an arena show. I will say that the sound wasn't that great from there (tons of clipping), but that was to be expected. As for the band, I thought there was such a great energy to the show last night. I agree that the set was a little too similar to the last time I saw them (Coney Island), but I think there's a reason they don't vary it up too much; it's put together so well that it just works so well and has such a great flow. I think this is the first show I've seen them play without doing "Spiders", but I was really happy to hear "Theologians" and "Just A Kid". And that computerized band intro? So cool. It made such a great transition into the opening loop of "Heavy Metal Drummer", and oddly enough, that might have been my favorite/happiest moment of the night. All in all, another great show. Let's try and push for the Schuba's show though... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JAK2112 Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 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. Really, you thought this was a better show than Wappingers? I thought it was a good show, i came all the way from NYC just for last night, and i was satisfied, but not blown away like i was at Wappingers falls this summer. Plus, the Wappingers show had great songs that were missing here, such as Side with the Seeds, Poor Places, Spiders, Hummingbird, and Far Far Away. I have to second whoever said that the setlist was conservative. Rockin and loud, but conservative. Was lookin for a quiet surprise the whole time (Reservations, Via Chicago, Ashes of American Flags), but they chose the mid-tempo standards instead. It didn't flow well, until the encore. I think the venue had something to do with it too. The sound was better than expected, but the venue had no character, unlike the outdoor shows they played this summer. Nice surprises were "Just a Kid" (Jeff says: "That one was from the spongebob movie. This next one's from Steamboat Willie" hahaha), Its just that simple, and Outtasite (Outamind). Overall a good show, worth flying out to Chicago to see for sure, but it wasn't their best. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sybilm Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Think the newer guitar might have been a Gibson SG Zoot Suit. Pretty nifty: yes he had it in texas, that's the one, a new gibson design. it's not a paint job, it's all the different colors of wood glued up to make the stripes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tangara Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 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 got there a little late and wondered if there had been some kind of announcement about cameras. I was standing back by the soundboard and only saw two or three iPhones/cell phones/amateur digital photographers on the floor all night, which was SO pleasant. I was honestly amazed that more people weren't taking pictures. This was my first visit to the UIC Pavilion and I thought it was a really noisy venue. I wear pretty decent earplugs to shows and when the guy next to me dropped his empty plastic beer cup it rang out like a bell. The mix was off at times - I actually thought Mike was really high in the mix - but overall I thought the band sounded all right. Can't wait to hear them in a proper concert hall this Spring. I was a little disappointed by how rote the setlist was; hoping for something a little more adventurous tonight. That said, I really enjoyed "At Least That's What You Said" and "Theologians". Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Jesus Etc Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 My dream set list for this evening at UIC: All memmbers wearing Nudie suits MisunderstoodHesitating BeautyCasino QueenMonday Red Eyed and BlueHotel Arizona Sunken TreasureAt Least That's What You SaidHell Is ChromeMuzzle Of BeesCompany In My BackTheologiansVia ChicagoHate it HereCan't Stand ItShe's A JarCandyflossKameraCalifornia StarsHoodoo VoodooRadio CurePoor Places Encore The entire Wilco (The Album) album in order from start to finish with Feist accompanying on her song and Jeff and the guys cutting One Wing and Everlasting Everything short. Encore 2 The Thanks I get Quote Link to post Share on other sites
EatMorePez Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 I think people misunderstood (no pun intended) Jeff's comments about the "hits." He wasn't referring to the entire set list, but specifically to "You Never Know" and "HMD" being played back-to-back. Saying, "These are our hits. All two of them. Or maybe one and a half." Greg Kot's review from the Tribune Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bcart12 Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Hey everyone, thanks for the reviews of last night. I have a few questions hopefully someone can answer for me: 1. Anyone have any recommendations on parking? Any free street parking around? 2. How much was the beer there? 3. Anything else that might help someone who didn't go last night and hasn't been to UIC before? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Jesus Etc Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Hey everyone, thanks for the reviews of last night. I have a few questions hopefully someone can answer for me: 1. Anyone have any recommendations on parking? Any free street parking around? 2. How much was the beer there? 3. Anything else that might help someone who didn't go last night and hasn't been to UIC before? 1. Free parking can be tough. I would recommend parking 6 blocks away at Hawkeye's in their lot. Go inside have a couple drinks and ask the bartender if you can leave your car there. She will say yes. 2. $7.50 3. Use the bathrooms at the far nw side of the pavilion where the outdoor smoking section is. They have 6 port a potties set up and no one used them all night. The other bathrooms have long lines. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
curvemyflight Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Park on the street on Jackson Blvd in the vicinity of Racine. Free, well-lit, and two blocks directly north of the venue. But wait until I park their first. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bcart12 Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Thanks for the info guys. On my way to the show now. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
W(TF) Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 I assume this was from last night? Great pic of Pat and the Pavillion crowd. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pauly_12 Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 Tortoise was intense, although I prefer bands to balance the mind-bending with some straightforward stuff as counterpoint. Still, though, they are worth going in early for. As for Wilco... I was surprised to have enjoyed this show more than the last few I saw. Like many others, I was skeptical of the huge venue (almost sold my tickets because of it) but it turned out awesome. On the floor, just far back enough to have room to breath, the sound was clear and undistorted, with many musical details able to be picked up. Don't listen to those who complain just because it's a large venue. I think that, since it wasn't all that crowded, the sound was able to roll through in a good way. Musicianship gets better and better with this lineup, too. hoodoo voodoo was absolutely on fire. and throughout the show, I was surprised at how deftly the band did the whole "tension/release" thing when it came to playing out songs like hoodoo, impossible germany, bull black nova, hate it here, etc. Apparently the setlist was predictable to some, but i felt they chose songs that complemented each other and created a sense of flow. To me, that is more important that simply pulling out stuff you're not expecting "just because". The band was dialed in to the element. I want to download the show.... has anyone seen it posted anywhere yet? I'll be checking bt.etree.org, but I haven't seen it yet so I was curious. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
deceasedlavy Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 I just had to join viachicago because of this show. It was my first full-on Wilco show, I knew it would be great and it was. I don't have the "predictable setlist" hangups I guess; more and more, I'm starting to feel that I'm better off not obsessing over that stuff. I'm not going to see ten Wilco shows a year, and I think they really stick with a lot of their very best songs at most shows, and everything sounds so much better than on the albums, which is really the litmus test for me when it comes to a live band. I first got into Wilco with "A.M." and "Summerteeth", got REALLY into the "Mermaid Avenue"s, and then for some reason I just kind of drifted apart from them. Only passively followed the "Yankee" era, and then somehow, "Sky Blue Sky" brought me back, and I've been falling back in love for the past couple of years, but their set at Lollapalooza last year is what truly floored me. So I just loved the evolution of "One Wing"; at U.I.C. it seemed like it was finally THERE. And I was totally shocked to hear "Hoodoo Voodoo"; is that a common one for them to play? It was awesome. Of course, songs like "Misunderstood" and "I Am Trying" and "A Shot In The Arm" and "Always In Love" (THE song that first turned my head) will just blow me away again every time. But the best part was that I felt like I finally GOT the new songs. They finally FIT with the Tweedy canon. Maybe they just needed that context for me to figure them out, I don't know. I really wish I could've gone to night two; still dying to see "Via Chicago" some day, but it's not like this band is going to get shitty any time soon...Cheers, y'all. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
salukidave Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 FYI...I'm posting links to the Youtube videos from the show in setlist order on my site: http://www.ChicagoConcertgoers.com Go to the site, click the message board and enter the Concert Reviews section. I'll be adding links to videos as they're posted. While you're at my site, be sure to vote for your favorite Wilco album on the home page. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
H.Stone Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 The two nights are already blurring together a bit in my head (and the sleep deprivation isn't helping), but I'm Always In Love, Just A Kid, and It's Just That Simple stand out as awesome setlist surprises from Sunday. Even though IAIL has been popping up more frequently lately, I was still surprised--and thrilled--to hear it on Sunday. Maybe it's because, outside of Lolla, this was the first full band show in Chicago since the Residency that everyone expected something completely off the wall in terms of the setlist, but from what I understand, they made it fairly clear during a recent radio interview that there weren't going to be any big setlist surprises for the Chicago shows. Yeah, they are hometown shows, but they're hometown shows at the end of a leg of the W(ta) tour. Sonny Feeling has quickly become one of my favorite live performances. It's so...fun. (Unfortunately it feels more than a little inappropriate to be having so much fun when singing, "...until they cut off her clothes.") This was only the third or fourth time I've heard several of the new songs live, and One Wing and Sonny Feeling really stood on for me on Sunday. It was also my first time seeing the colorful new SG. I had heard talk about the "ugly" new guitar, but I love it. I'm not usually into gear, but the image of that guitar has been lingering since Sunday. It's not as cool as a 7-11 Guitar Gulp, but it's pretty cool nonetheless. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bböp Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 It's not as cool as a 7-11 Guitar Gulp, but it's pretty cool nonetheless. But what is, really? You'll be happy to know it made it back "home" safely, though it might have to remain in Chicago for the time being. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Elixir Sue Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 Some other pics from night 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bböp Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 Some other pics from night 1 That's a better shot than the one that ran in the print edition. And I'm not just saying that because my eye made it in. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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