Wilco Solid Sound Festival

[bigshoulders]

So... I'm back at work, but I left my Spirit somewhere in North Adams.

 

I've often thought that nothing would ever rival the experience of the Winter Residency, but Mass-MoCA ranks right up there. More often than not, it's about the kindred spirits I meet at Wilco shows that really *do* it for me. I love the music—always have—but it wouldn't be quite the same experience if not for all the kind people I met along the way.

 

Going in to this thing, I knew there would be no way to see it all (without a time machine) so I didn't fret over the lines or over-capacity crowds. I do agree with JethroNC (Jeff) that the outdoor stages could have been utilized better—esp. for the side projects. I wasn't gutted that I didn't get to see The Autumn Defense, but it would have been a nice-have. It was a last-minute change to the schedule, so I know they didn't plan on them being indoors, it just happened that way. I did get to see all the other sides, and personally, I'm really looking forward to seeing Pronto again (whenever that might be.)

 

To all those that I crossed paths with: It was great to see you all. I'm already lamenting the fact that I might have to wait a year to do it all over again. Hopefully it won't be that long before I run into you all again.

 

Kevin in Raleigh

[willywoody]

Over 17 hours of driving and I'm home today. We had a great time at Solid Sound. I agree that the festival felt near to capacity Friday night and during the day on Saturday. The field was underutilized and if they have increasing numbers they need to reexamine it, as I really can't imagine 3000 more people at Mass MOCA on Saturday afternoon. Sunday was an absolute blast for me.

[BobDylan'sBeard]

Hey guys,

 

I'm new to the VC boards, but I've been a HUGE Wilco fan for about a year now, discovered them during my 15 year old musical renaissance last year, anyway, I was lucky enough to get to Solid Sound, even though I live in 'FLA', as Tweedy once said, even better I went with some of my best friends.

 

It was amazing. Wilco played a great show, and Tweedy solo was soooooo good. I can't wait to see them again!

[Bosco]

While I am still a "member" of Rust, I haven't actively participated (or even received the digest in years), I was one of the three people who started Human Highway and Bad News Beat (and Rust Future actually) after the split in '97, it was a tough time to be sure, my Rustie name was/is "Arc", I hope this isn't a "bad" thing here ;^)

 

So what was your take on Look Out For My Love, I personally thought it was both genius and histarical at the same time.

 

Nice digs btw!

 

As a long time member of both rust and VC i can tell you, you will find a number of rusties here. i met long time rusties Harry O and Sara S after the Brenda set in the breeze way. And a added bit of coincidence the room i stayed in at the House on main B&B in Williamstown was called "Rust"

[phillyjon]

So... I'm back at work, but I left my Spirit somewhere in North Adams.

 

ohhh, so THAT'S what I was trying to say all day at work.

thanks for that.

[tinnitus photography]

I totally agree on the beer complaint. Magic Hat should have served more than three beers ESP when two of them were novelty crap. When they ran out blind faith on Saturday night that was a joke. And then on Sunday they were only pouring it at the stand near courtyard C. Not too convenient to the main field.

[kcortez]

Magic Hat #9 isn't a "novelty" beer. It's been a staple for years. To each his own in the beer world but personally I love me some #9, #9, #9, #9 .

[Doug C]

I respect the Alstrom Bros. and decided to see where they stood re #9 http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/96/299/

[kcortez]

Guess my taste in beer is about average

[thejokeexplained]

 

So what was your take on Look Out For My Love, I personally thought it was both genius and histarical at the same time.

 

Nice digs btw!

 

I didn't get to see Tweedy +. i had to leave after Autumn Defense because of travel plans. i came this {} close to changing my travel plans and letting my wife; who had to start her teaching gig on monday, fly back to Dallas alone. But I decided to "look out for my love" for REAL!!!!

i can't wait to hear the capture.

[tinnitus photography]

Magic Hat #9 isn't a "novelty" beer. It's been a staple for years. To each his own in the beer world but personally I love me some #9, #9, #9, #9 .

To me, apricot in a beer = novelty.

[smells like flowers]

Stayed an extra day in New Hampshire so just now reading everyone's posts and reliving one of the best weekends of my life. I love when things in life just connect, like how Petah Coyne's art (taxidermy birds and wierd plant stuff) was inspired by Flannery O'Connor's work, and I just read a short story by her last week ("Revelation") that completely blew me away... and somehow Wilco being involved in the connection makes it so much more serendipitous. The interweave of music, art, literature, beer, friends, nature, and lots of love. I met the nicest people, was moved by the beauty of the surroundings, and felt so much gratitude at being able to experience it all.

 

Yes, it cost a helluva lot for the weekend but I will save all my pennies in a jar to do it again next year! If I had one teeny tiny complaint, it was the dearth of the so-called "easy rockers" in the Saturday night set. Maybe songs like Monday and Casino Queen get old to play? Or Jeff's hoarseness was a factor?

 

Thank you Wilco, for a beautiful experience. PLEASE do it again next year!

[Bosco]

You are a good man, probably better then I, we sat next to a couple who got engaged at a private party that Jeff played earlier this year I think, they waited around to hear about 3 songs when they had to leave to catch a flight out of Albany, we made sure we had Monday off ;^)

 

I didn't get to see Tweedy +. i had to leave after Autumn Defense because of travel plans. i came this {} close to changing my travel plans and letting my wife; who had to start her teaching gig on monday, fly back to Dallas alone. But I decided to "look out for my love" for REAL!!!!

i can't wait to hear the capture.

[mkaycomputer]

who was "paul" that jeff knew was in the crowd and why did he move on to the national

[mags]

So... I'm back at work, but I left my Spirit somewhere in North Adams.

 

ohhh, so THAT'S what I was trying to say all day at work.

thanks for that.

 

That captures exactly what I've been feeling all day too. After such a great weekend, being back in the real world is a tad tough.

[OudErnest]

To me, apricot in a beer = novelty.

Couldn't agree more. In fact 90% of Magic Hat's beers are novelty beers IMO. More importantly they use the crappy Ringwood yeast that gives off the flawed diacetyl flavor (buttered popcorn)- http://beerme.com/diacetyl.php

. If they used a cleaner yeast strain their beers would be much better. While the #9 gets decent but not great reviews on Beer Advocate the brewery as a whole gets very mediocre reviews which I feel is due to the gimmicky beers and bad yeast strain. Bottom line: if you're going to go so far out you rway to bring in coffee from Intelligentsia coffee you can do better than Magic Hat beers considering all the amazing breweries in New England.

[u2roolz]

who was "paul" that jeff knew was in the crowd and why did he move on to the national

 

I'm assuming VC's own bbop a.k.a. Paul. If you ever check out the After The Show threads you will notice that every thread is begun by Paul and his accurate setlist.

I'm also assuming that Jeff hasn't seen Paul for a bit and also kind of knows Paul from seeing almost every show and maybe he is catching The National while Wilco were on a break. (I know...that was a horrible sentence)

 

LOL. I saw a Tweet that had said that and didn't put two and two together at the time.

 

If my memory serves me correctly, Tweedy also called out Paul during the 1st Pine Theater (Northampton/Florence, MA) show in 2006.

[kidsmoke]

I'm home and happy to be, but my heart is wistful for the company of so many wonderful friends, both newly-met and old. See you all next year, same bat time, same bat festival grounds. You won't keep me away if I have to hitchhike cross country barefoot.

 

I can't imagine a festival being more beautifully organized and beautifully realized. Everyone involved should be tremendously pleased with themselves. The love and joy and happiness were so thick you could open your mouth and chew on it. I almost choked on it a couple of times!

 

Wilco, you have once again outdone yourselves! Encore, please!!!

 

I look forward to reading all the way through this thread when I have a bit more energy. Pretty wiped out at the moment. To everyone with whom I shared this glorious event, thank you! You enhanced an already brilliant experience. I wish I could have spent so much more time with you! Special love to Diane and Sue, we miss you!

[Brennan]

Not that there's probably much interest:

 

http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=537906

 

 

 

 

Admin Edit: Oh hahaha, Brennan! Note to membership...check that link.

 

Edit: Oh thanks mom...yeah guys, better do what she says.

[RaspberryJam]

Not that there's probably much interest:

 

http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=537906

 

 

 

 

Admin Edit: Oh hahaha, Brennan! Note to membership...check that link.

 

Edit: Oh thanks mom...yeah guys, better do what she says.

 

 

Look who's all speedy! Thanks, Brennan!

[double A-ron]

Did anyone pick up the poster they were printing upstairs in the demo? He said they were giving them away at certain points during the weekend. I never got one and would love to buy one, I did sign up on the printers (forgot his name) email list. Any links would be helpful.

[viatroy]

Dear Analogman:

 

 

http://bt.etree.org/...s.php?id=537906

 

 

just sayin', ...

[BreezyGrass]

What an inspiring weekend! Almost flawless! Just got home last night. The wife and I and some very good friends made a 5 night 6 day vacation out of it with SS the crown jewel. Finally getting back to check the reviews and I agree with all the positive reviews and then some. What a chill scene it was and just nothing but smiles from everyone I saw and met. It was cool to see some of the guys in the band out and about in the crowd. No one bothering them and just letting them enjoy the scene.

 

The one safety issue was the waiting for Joe's Field to open on Saturday before Mavis. They had that orange plastic divider and they forced a bottleneck when they finally opened up the field. Bad bad idea. There was some pushing and stampeding from where I was and people rushing through the orange divider much to securities dismay and other's safety. I understand the philosophy behind not having the field open but there has got to be a better way.

 

But other than that I couldn't have had a better time. Thank you to all the workers and volunteers at MassMoca. Also a huge thank you to North Adams - a great little town for sure and welcoming! And finally - thank you Wilco - a band I've never seen the likes of before! They take care of the music, the setting, and all of us! Well done!

[paulcalypse]

I'm assuming VC's own bbop a.k.a. Paul. If you ever check out the After The Show threads you will notice that every thread is begun by Paul and his accurate setlist.

I'm also assuming that Jeff hasn't seen Paul for a bit and also kind of knows Paul from seeing almost every show and maybe he is catching The National while Wilco were on a break. (I know...that was a horrible sentence)

 

LOL. I saw a Tweet that had said that and didn't put two and two together at the time.

 

If my memory serves me correctly, Tweedy also called out Paul during the 1st Pine Theater (Northampton/Florence, MA) show in 2006.

I saw Paul on the first day of the festival and let him know that he's probably been at EVERY Wilco show I've ever attended, a good introduction point. Plus my name is Paul, too, so that makes it even cooler. I commend him for his loyalty, but I could never do what he does...you da man, Paul.

[homelesslew]

Did anyone tape the Autumn Defense? Just wonderin' ......and does anybody know where Glenn went on Sunday?