Jeff Tweedy - Union Chapel, London 30-June-10

[Albert Tatlock]

For all the insomniacs and undead out there, here are the songs I remember (no more than one ommission I'd wager, THOUGH THE ORDER IS COMPLETELY HAYWIRE):-

 

Someone Else's Song

Remember The Mountain Bed

Someday Some Morning Sometime (the online request of mine, so 2 thumbs up)

Simple Twist of Fate [bob Dylan]

So Much Wine [Handsome Family]

Be Not So Fearful [bill Fay] with Bill Fay brought up on stage for a duet

One Wing

Spiders (Kidsmoke)

Bob Dylan's Beard

I'm Always In Love

Laminated Cat

The Ruling Class

Impossible Germany

Muzzle Of Bees

Via Chicago

California Stars

Jesus, etc.

One Wing

New Madrid

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

I'm The Man Who Loves You

Shot In The Arm

Acuff Rose (performed at edge of stage w/o PA system, which was hardly necessary all night)

 

Random Notes

 

• On at 9pm (still fairly light as there was no way to black out all the chapels soaring windows). Curfew at 10:30.
  
• Possible new record for lyric flub, having to restart the very first song after a few seconds.
  
• The Bill Fay duet was about three songs in - Bill said he wanted to do it early then relax and enjoy the rest of the show.
  
• Good atmosphere and JT seemed to be in fine mood through out - seemed to be enjoying the acoustics of the building as I was. The outstanding feature of this show was the sound - just pristine, and a quiet audience (during songs - very appreciative between) meant that the performance could really be savoured (bar a couple of attempts at hand-clapping, which were met with faux-frowns and miss-timed hayseed foot stomping from JT and became a bit of a running gag). This would be one to get if there were tapers around (and please let me know if it surfaces). Else a petition to WilcoWorld to release it in the RoadCase might be in order. Really: that good. This is London's answer to the Grand Ol' Opry.
  
• Chatty but no outstanding banter to relate - most depended on being there - it's all in the timing and deadpan delivery etc.
  
• On tour with his family ("like being with Van Halen") which was nice to see. No Blisters guest spot, though they are rocking some Rubber Soul mop-tops in admirable fashion. Being in Spain on Saturday night with the footie going on should be good fun.
  
• Meanwhile, loved the acoustic Spiders, which I had never even gotten around to listening to before on a boot. I'm Always In Love felt so fresh it was like I'd never heard it before. But that could have been said of many songs such was the sound quality - the guitars were chiming sweetly too and JT's playing seems to be better than I remember (not that I know anything about it, but he has been prone to the odd mid-solo wipe-out before in my experience).
  
• And of course I keep saying it every time I see him in the last few years - the voice gets better and better - soon he'll be like Emmylou with balls (sounding like "cracked crystal" as Linda Ronstadt described her). His hair still needs some work though if he is to match the Divine Ms E.
  
• Nice mix of the unexpected in the setlist I thought, though inevitably some personal corkers had to be sacrificed. Only natural though. A residence is in order Mr Tweedy!
  

In summary

After the last few Wilco shows in the past couple of years have left me feeling a bit uninspired, this fully recharged the batteries. Ta!

The sound was top notch. It was like being at a Living Room show* but with less of a queue at the loos.

 

P.S. I'm still available for lunchtime walking tours round the Tower Hill area tomorrow JT. Kids half price.

 

Maybe more tomorrow. Goodnight everybody, everywhere.

 

* Not that I have, but I have rubbed shoulders with some of the glitterati.

[The Inside of Outside]

Some solo gems in the setlist - hell, they are all gems. Love to see Via Chicago, Be Not So Fearful, New Madrid, and Simple Twist of Fate.

[Lotti]

 

It is clear where inspire source for Mr Jeff Tweedy has origin! These dual idols are of the hairy gray and slight smell of wee now my friends, but when we have sounds from younger times they will always be as noble youth in our heads to make us smile no? I make fierce request for song of the Abba at this performance, in return for special package fresh from icehole (which is of his favorite kind), but Mr Jeff Tweedy is cut short before fulfilment. What is custom of this land of the Cocked Knees? They have no liberty to my mind! Mr Jeff Tweedy, why you not visit for white nights in northern lands when songs and schapps have no end until the horizontal view of the asphalt? I send special PM to Mr Tony Margueritatime Management on this issue.

 

Welfare!

[M. (hristine]

For all the insomniacs and undead out there, here are the songs I remember (no more than one ommission I'd wager, THOUGH THE ORDER IS COMPLETELY HAYWIRE):-

 

Someone Else's Song

Remember The Mountain Bed

Someday Some Morning Sometime (the online request of mine, so 2 thumbs up)

Simple Twist of Fate [bob Dylan]

So Much Wine [Handsome Family]

Be Not So Fearful [bill Fay] with Bill Fay brought up on stage for a duet

One Wing

Spiders (Kidsmoke)

Bob Dylan's Beard

I'm Always In Love

Laminated Cat

The Ruling Class

Impossible Germany

Muzzle Of Bees

Via Chicago

California Stars

Jesus, etc.

One Wing

New Madrid

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

I'm The Man Who Loves You

Shot In The Arm

Acuff Rose (performed at edge of stage w/o PA system, which was hardly necessary all night)

 

Random Notes

 

• On at 9pm (still fairly light as there was no way to black out all the chapels soaring windows). Curfew at 10:30.
  
• Possible new record for lyric flub, having to restart the very first song after a few seconds.
  
• The Bill Fay duet was about three songs in - Bill said he wanted to do it early then relax and enjoy the rest of the show.
  
• Good atmosphere and JT seemed to be in fine mood through out - seemed to be enjoying the acoustics of the building as I was. The outstanding feature of this show was the sound - just pristine, and a quiet audience (during songs - very appreciative between) meant that the performance could really be savoured (bar a couple of attempts at hand-clapping, which became a bit of a running gag). This would be one to get if there were tapers around (and please let me know if it surfaces). Else a petition to WilcoWorld to release it in the RoadCase might be in order. Really: that good. This is London's answer to the Grand Ol' Opry.
  
• Chatty but no outstanding banter to relate - most depended on being there - it's all in the timing and deadpan delivery etc.
  
• On tour with his family ("like being with Van Halen") which was nice to see. No Blisters guest spot, though they are rocking some Rubber Soul mop-tops in admirable fashion. Being in Spain on Saturday night with the footie going on should be good fun.
  
• Meanwhile, loved the acoustic Spiders, which I had never even gotten around to listening to before on a boot. I'm Always In Love felt so fresh it was like I'd never heard it before. But that could have been said of many songs such was the sound quality - the guitars were chiming sweetly too and JT's playing seems to be better than I remember (not that I know anything about it, but he has been prone to the odd mid-solo wipe-out before in my experience).
  
• And of course I keep saying it every time I see him in the last few years - the voice gets better and better - soon he'll be like Emmylou with balls (sounding like "cracked crystal" as Linda Ronstadt described her). His hair still needs some work though if he is to match the Divine Ms E.
  
• Nice mix of the unexpected in the setlist I thought, though inevitably some personal corkers had to be sacrificed. Only natural though. A residence is in order Mr Tweedy!
  

In summary

After the last few Wilco shows in the past couple of years have left me feeling a bit uninspired, this fully recharged the batteries. Ta!

The sound was top notch. It was like being at a Living Room show* but with less of a queue at the loos.

 

P.S. I'm still available for lunchtime walking tours round the Tower Hill area tomorrow JT.

 

Maybe more tomorrow. Goodnight everybody, everywhere.

 

* Not that I have, but I have rubbed shoulders with some of the glitterati.

 

How I adore your reviews, Andrew. So wishing for a stateside solo show in the near future.

 

I see also my friend Lotti was in attendance. The mind boggles. I mean talk about a fascinating trio of dinner partners...

[Magnetized]

For all the insomniacs and undead out there, here are the songs I remember (no more than one ommission I'd wager, THOUGH THE ORDER IS COMPLETELY HAYWIRE):-

 

Someone Else's Song

Remember The Mountain Bed

Someday Some Morning Sometime (the online request of mine, so 2 thumbs up)

Simple Twist of Fate [bob Dylan]

So Much Wine [Handsome Family]

Be Not So Fearful [bill Fay] with Bill Fay brought up on stage for a duet

One Wing

Spiders (Kidsmoke)

Bob Dylan's Beard

I'm Always In Love

Laminated Cat

The Ruling Class

Impossible Germany

Muzzle Of Bees

Via Chicago

California Stars

Jesus, etc.

One Wing

New Madrid

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

I'm The Man Who Loves You

Shot In The Arm

Acuff Rose (performed at edge of stage w/o PA system, which was hardly necessary all night)

 

Random Notes

 

• On at 9pm (still fairly light as there was no way to black out all the chapels soaring windows). Curfew at 10:30.
  
• Possible new record for lyric flub, having to restart the very first song after a few seconds.
  
• The Bill Fay duet was about three songs in - Bill said he wanted to do it early then relax and enjoy the rest of the show.
  
• Good atmosphere and JT seemed to be in fine mood through out - seemed to be enjoying the acoustics of the building as I was. The outstanding feature of this show was the sound - just pristine, and a quiet audience (during songs - very appreciative between) meant that the performance could really be savoured (bar a couple of attempts at hand-clapping, which became a bit of a running gag). This would be one to get if there were tapers around (and please let me know if it surfaces). Else a petition to WilcoWorld to release it in the RoadCase might be in order. Really: that good. This is London's answer to the Grand Ol' Opry.
  
• Chatty but no outstanding banter to relate - most depended on being there - it's all in the timing and deadpan delivery etc.
  
• On tour with his family ("like being with Van Halen") which was nice to see. No Blisters guest spot, though they are rocking some Rubber Soul mop-tops in admirable fashion. Being in Spain on Saturday night with the footie going on should be good fun.
  
• Meanwhile, loved the acoustic Spiders, which I had never even gotten around to listening to before on a boot. I'm Always In Love felt so fresh it was like I'd never heard it before. But that could have been said of many songs such was the sound quality - the guitars were chiming sweetly too and JT's playing seems to be better than I remember (not that I know anything about it, but he has been prone to the odd mid-solo wipe-out before in my experience).
  
• And of course I keep saying it every time I see him in the last few years - the voice gets better and better - soon he'll be like Emmylou with balls (sounding like "cracked crystal" as Linda Ronstadt described her). His hair still needs some work though if he is to match the Divine Ms E.
  
• Nice mix of the unexpected in the setlist I thought, though inevitably some personal corkers had to be sacrificed. Only natural though. A residence is in order Mr Tweedy!
  

In summary

After the last few Wilco shows in the past couple of years have left me feeling a bit uninspired, this fully recharged the batteries. Ta!

The sound was top notch. It was like being at a Living Room show* but with less of a queue at the loos.

 

P.S. I'm still available for lunchtime walking tours round the Tower Hill area tomorrow JT.

 

Maybe more tomorrow. Goodnight everybody, everywhere.

 

* Not that I have, but I have rubbed shoulders with some of the glitterati.

 

 

Thank you for such a richly detailed description of the show. Reading this was the next best thing to being there. Well, at least until someone posts a torrent or Wilcoworld gets it in the roadcase--WHICH I WILL SECOND YOUR REQUEST FOR!) Sounds like an amazing evening.

[Infinite Jest]

Thanks for that - have to admit he played a few I didn't recognise (New Madrid, Ruling Class, the Dylan cover).

 

I fully agree with "After the last few Wilco shows in the past couple of years have left me feeling a bit uninspired, this fully recharged the batteries. Ta!". I've seen Wilco 6 or 7 times in the last two years, and it's getting a bit formulaic. It was so great to hear some older songs that I've never heard before. Loved the acoustic Spiders and Muzzle of Bees.

 

Only downside was the support: some "comedian" with basically no jokes other than taking the piss out of the front few rows.

 

Set order. I'm pretty sure this is right for the start:

 

Someone Else's Song

Remember The Mountain Bed

Be Not So Fearful [bill Fay] with Bill Fay brought up on stage for a duet

Spiders (Kidsmoke)

I'm Always In Love

Laminated Cat (requested by two people, I called it 'Not for the Season' because that's what it's called on the '...Break your Heart' DVD. He took the piss out of me)

Someday Some Morning Sometime (?? I think)

Via Chicago [request: he asked the woman if she was depressed)

Simple Twist of Fate [bob Dylan] (request "some asshole called David asked for "any Bob Dylan song"")

Bob Dylan's Beard

[Albert Tatlock]

How I adore your reviews, Andrew. So wishing for a stateside solo show in the near future.

 

You are too easily pleased, but I love you for it. Fingers crossed JT will be doing a spot of busking near you soon.

 

Found a few pics possibly from one of the side balconies (not mine - a combination of sub-conscious decision and last minute disorganisation meant I was not tooled up) here for those who want to put some visuals to the words:-

 

http://www.songkick.com/concerts/5337086-jeff-tweedy-at-union-chapel/images

 

It was actually really refreshing to go to a show with hardly a picture being taken or a cameraphone held aloft. Everyone seemed rightly focused on simply enjoying the moment.

 

A couple more thoughts:-

 

- JT really went for the loud phrases during A Simple Twist Of Fate. As I said above, a mic was almost superfluous the whole evening, and without it the guitar sounded extra-wondrous during Acuff Rose.

 

- The comedian really was piss poor. Turning up without any recognisable structure or material to speak of and tedious improv, his whole act was saved by a heroic bit of audience participation (crowd surfing - yes, crowd surfing) from a Ron Weasley look-a-like, whose replies to the comedians questions were funnier than he was.

 

- Suffering from a bit of snow blindness this morning: the repeated flash of spotlights reflecting off varnished guitars. An acoustic show meand no fuzzy head though - just the lingering traces of sweet jangling sounds knocking about in there.

 

I think I'm done.

[Lotti]

trio of partners...

This is our way Lady Greenfingers. I have little warm cockles in heart that you are also of this persuassion. It takes two to make tango, but three to play the innocent game of the Twister that develop into something more, as we say in Sweden.

[Wild Frank]

A great show last night. Well worth the seven hour round trip!

 

As mentioned above the opening 'comedian' was a bit poor, whichvwas compounding by him referrng to Jeff as Jack Tweedy. Most of his jokes were very bad, Scouser impressions etc. I was one of the unlucky few with whom he engaged in conversation (I was third row cente). Anyway.....

 

This is the first Tweedy solo show I have seen and it was so good. His wife, Sue, and his two boys came round before the show taking requests and also taking a few items back stage for Jeff to sign. It was a lovely familiy atmosphere and, as mentioned earlier, it was a really appreciative crowd. No camara phones in the air or talking. At a couple of points I just shut my eyes and the sound of Jeff and the quietness of the crowd was moving. Jesus etc was stagerring in that regard with a sort of whispered singing from the crowd.

 

The venue is amazing. He could have done the whole show without any PA and it would have sounded great. The only downside, apart from being in the middle of 'Arsenal ' teritory, was the 10:30 curfew as it was obvious that Jeff would have carried on a bit longer.

[M. (hristine]

This is our way Lady Greenfingers. I have little warm cockles in heart that you are also of this persuassion. It takes two to make tango, but three to play the innocent game of the Twister that develop into something more, as we say in Sweden.

A rousing game of Three Tango Twister with a long legged Scandanavian beauty would indeed warm the cockles of my heart.

[Nigel Smith]

You really didn't recognise Simple Twist of Fate and New Madrid? Get yourself a copy of Bob Dylan's Blood on the Tracks and Uncle Tupelo's final album Anodyne immediately. The Ruling Class is from the second Loose Fur LP, Born Again in the USA.

 

Terrific show.

 

 

Thanks for that - have to admit he played a few I didn't recognise (New Madrid, Ruling Class, the Dylan cover).

 

I fully agree with "After the last few Wilco shows in the past couple of years have left me feeling a bit uninspired, this fully recharged the batteries. Ta!". I've seen Wilco 6 or 7 times in the last two years, and it's getting a bit formulaic. It was so great to hear some older songs that I've never heard before. Loved the acoustic Spiders and Muzzle of Bees.

 

Only downside was the support: some "comedian" with basically no jokes other than taking the piss out of the front few rows.

 

Set order. I'm pretty sure this is right for the start:

 

Someone Else's Song

Remember The Mountain Bed

Be Not So Fearful [bill Fay] with Bill Fay brought up on stage for a duet

Spiders (Kidsmoke)

I'm Always In Love

Laminated Cat (requested by two people, I called it 'Not for the Season' because that's what it's called on the '...Break your Heart' DVD. He took the piss out of me)

Someday Some Morning Sometime (?? I think)

Via Chicago [request: he asked the woman if she was depressed)

Simple Twist of Fate [bob Dylan] (request "some asshole called David asked for "any Bob Dylan song"")

Bob Dylan's Beard

[Elixir Sue]

P.S. I'm still available for lunchtime walking tours round the Tower Hill area tomorrow JT. Kids half price.

JT would be crazy not to take you up on this!

[Infinite Jest]

You really didn't recognise Simple Twist of Fate and New Madrid? Get yourself a copy of Bob Dylan's Blood on the Tracks and Uncle Tupelo's final album Anodyne immediately. The Ruling Class is from the second Loose Fur LP, Born Again in the USA.

 

I'm afraid not . I'm only really familiar with Dylan's 60s stuff, and even though I've been listening to Wilco for 10 years, I haven't really listened to Uncle Tupelo or Loose Fur.

 

As mentioned above the opening 'comedian' was a bit poor, whichvwas compounding by him referrng to Jeff as Jack Tweedy. Most of his jokes were very bad, Scouser impressions etc. I was one of the unlucky few with whom he engaged in conversation (I was third row cente). Anyway.....

 

Oh, you were the planner (or something like that)? I was second row on the left, behind the student guy that he wanted to support him when he crowd-surfed. I managed to sneak out before he talked to me...

 

This is the first Tweedy solo show I have seen and it was so good. His wife, Sue, and his two boys came round before the show taking requests and also taking a few items back stage for Jeff to sign.

 

Likewise, and I agree it was wonderful: Union Chapel tends to get good crowds who know and respect the music/ians. I've seen some great shows there. Nice to see Sue and the boys taking requests, but I wish I'd noticed they were collecting things for Jeff to sign, though.....

[Wild Frank]

 

Oh, you were the planner (or something like that)? I was second row on the left, behind the student guy that he wanted to support him when he crowd-surfed. I managed to sneak out before he talked to me...

 

 

 

Likewise, and I agree it was wonderful: Union Chapel tends to get good crowds who know and respect the music/ians. I've seen some great shows there. Nice to see Sue and the boys taking requests, but I wish I'd noticed they were collecting things for Jeff to sign, though.....

Yeah, that was me. Granted its not the most rock n roll job in the world...and that crowd surfing kid was heavier than he looked!!

[Edie]

I am curious about One Wing. My fav tune off of the record. Never heard it solo (yet). How was it??

[Albert Tatlock]

I am curious about One Wing. My fav tune off of the record. Never heard it solo (yet). How was it??

At the time I thought it was one of the best of the night, but then I kept thinking that as each number came up ...

There was more of a sense of frailty and less sweetness than on the record I would say, obviously in part because it was stripped down, but more emotion came across then the slicker (soft rocking?) recording. But without that sweetness it was still of itself very (more?) beautiful in a slightly different way and worth future requests for sure. It would also be my favourite from the latest were it not for Wilco (The Song). But then I'm dumb sometimes like that and sadly to those two I would not add many others that I seek out from that release - for the rest two many of the lyrics seem to jar and inhibit my enjoyment rather than being a big plus as per usual. I remember too now that last night a few times I was hearing words clearly for the first time in some songs and that made me smile given the number of times I'd heard them and had been content to let them flow over me as just 'sound'. Not too many, but it suddenly did strike me as funny that I had never cottoned on to some or even thought to seek them out. But then I did start listening to serious music with Jagger (a close second to Lennon & Macca), so that might explain it.

[Maddie Hope]

I am curious about One Wing. My fav tune off of the record. Never heard it solo (yet). How was it??

I wondered this myself, love the riffs in it with the band, can't wait to hear this live solo...

Wish we could get a solo here in Georgia

 

andrewdowdall, thanks for your reviews, highlights, so glad for all ya'll that got to enjoy the show

[Albert Tatlock]

Some words from a professional:-

 

 

The Independent

Jeff Tweedy, Union Chapel, London

(Rated 4/ 5 )

Reviewed by Enjoli Liston

 

"This song is about Jesus smoking crack," smiles a wry Jeff Tweedy, the frontman of Chicago rock band Wilco, who stands solo in front of the pulpit at the beautiful Union Chapel. "I keep getting invited to churches to play this song, so I'm guessing it's theologically sound."

 

A shy Tweedy is clearly nervous when he first takes to the church's stark stage (he admits to "screwing up the words" within seconds of shakily commencing opening track, "Someone Else's Song", and starts again).

 

Standing in front of a line of six acoustic guitars, there is no stage paraphernalia to hide behind. It's just Tweedy, his strings and his mic, until British singer-songwriter Bill Fay joins Tweedy for some moral and vocal support on his third offering to the crowd – Fay's delicate song "Be Not So Fearful". Aptly, this track seems to be Tweedy's turning point as he gains control of his nerves and is soon firing off signature comic asides as he relaxes into the intimate surroundings. He chats with the crowd, and fans even shout questions up to him, giving a friendly, close atmosphere that is further intensified by the summer heat.

 

As Tweedy serenades the seated audience with "One Wing" from Wilco's newest 2009 self-titled album, the light in the Chapel begins to fade in perfect unison with his charmingly jaded vocals. Later, he takes requests from an "asshole called David, who wants 'anything by Dylan'". "I've written like a million songs!' Tweedy protests, before strumming Simple Twist of Fate.

 

Sadly, the echoes of the overly loud PA drown the nuances and delicacy of Tweedy's voice – which he thankfully shows the crowd by performing his last song, Uncle Tupelo's "Acuff-Rose", without his mic.

 

Raucous isn't usually a word that best describes the congregation in a church, but this crowd of thirty and fourtysomethings salute Tweedy with a thunderous applause and a standing ovation that is thoroughly deserved.

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/jeff-tweedy-union-chapel-london-2016358.html

 

The PA was a touch too loud initially for a couple of songs, but after that I did not think it was an issue from where I was sitting.

[tblair]

I had no problem at all with the pa, the quality was about as perfect as I could have hoped for really. A solo show is a good reminder of how great Jeff's voice is, and how good the songs are.

 

I'd only been back from Glastonbury for a couple of days (whch usually takes a few days to 'get over'), where 'no rules' is the only rule, so it was odd to take normality back in... ie, no (alcoholic) drinks in the venue. Not that I was intending to get rat-arsed for the show, far from it, but it's nice to have a beer while you're watching.

 

I wondered whether it was deliberate that he started with Someone Else's Song, as it was the last song he played (sans pa) at The Forum. Fantastic evening all round, just what my mind and body needed... already looking forward to the Festival Hall show

[sticky2000]

i didnt think the PA was a problem, the sound was great for me and the guitars sounded fantastic.

 

did anyone spot any tapers??

[BeShakey]

Great show, and nice of him to take requests (although my request - Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Dow - didn't get played). Complete setlist (grabbed a copy)

 

Someone Elses Song

Spiders

Be Not So Fearful (with Bill Fay) (Muzzle of Bees was originally listed for this spot but crossed out)

Remember the Mountain Bed

One Wing

Im Always in Love

Someday Some Morning

Laminated Cat

Via Chicago

Simple Twist of Fate

Bob Dylan's 49th Beard

The Ruling Class

Muzzle of Bees

New Madrid

She's a Jar (this was on the setlist but I can't remember if it actually got played)

Impossible Germany (Hummingbird was listed on the setlist, but he definitely didn't play it and did plat this (which wasn't on the setlist, so I'm assuming it was a straight swap)

So Much Wine (on the setlist as so much wire)

California Stars

A Shot in the Arm

 

I'm the Man Who Loves You

Acuff Rose

[sticky2000]

nah he didnt play she's a jar.

[petee]

Having seen the last superb Jeff Tweedy show at the Shepherds Bush Empire a few years back, the gig at the Union Chapel was one not to miss, even being just 48hrs after returning from the Glastonbury festival!

 

Apart from the (un)funny comedian to start although, it must be said that he did manage to instigate the first (& last)episode of crowd surfing at the Union Chapel!

 

Six acoustic guitars made a great picture http://www.songkick.com/concerts/5337086-jeff-tweedy-at-union-chapel/images/1353216

 

No point in me going into all the evening as it's already been covered. Loved the Van Halen comment about touring with the family, also a great idea to have the family taking song requests off the audience pre gig.

 

Very pleased he gave a nod to the Handsome family with 'So Much Wine' and that we got 'Shot in the Arm'.

 

I am sure the Shepherds Bush show was longer and without Patrick Monahan at the start .. ooh it could have a longer set!

 

A great Night!

 

Pete

[bböp]

You are too easily pleased, but I love you for it. Fingers crossed JT will be doing a spot of busking near you soon.

 

Found a few pics possibly from one of the side balconies (not mine - a combination of sub-conscious decision and last minute disorganisation meant I was not tooled up) here for those who want to put some visuals to the words:-

 

http://www.songkick.com/concerts/5337086-jeff-tweedy-at-union-chapel/images

 

It was actually really refreshing to go to a show with hardly a picture being taken or a cameraphone held aloft. Everyone seemed rightly focused on simply enjoying the moment.

 

A couple more thoughts:-

 

- JT really went for the loud phrases during A Simple Twist Of Fate. As I said above, a mic was almost superfluous the whole evening, and without it the guitar sounded extra-wondrous during Acuff Rose.

 

- The comedian really was piss poor. Turning up without any recognisable structure or material to speak of and tedious improv, his whole act was saved by a heroic bit of audience participation (crowd surfing - yes, crowd surfing) from a Ron Weasley look-a-like, whose replies to the comedians questions were funnier than he was.

 

- Suffering from a bit of snow blindness this morning: the repeated flash of spotlights reflecting off varnished guitars. An acoustic show meand no fuzzy head though - just the lingering traces of sweet jangling sounds knocking about in there.

 

I think I'm done.

 

Thanks for the report(s), sir! Wish I could have made it this time. Would have been worth it just to see Mr. Fay again, but it sounds like it was a nice time. Great to see that srmt carried on the pre-show request tradition of recent years.

[Edie]

At the time I thought it was one of the best of the night, but then I kept thinking that as each number came up ...

There was more of a sense of frailty and less sweetness than on the record I would say, obviously in part because it was stripped down, but more emotion came across then the slicker (soft rocking?) recording. But without that sweetness it was still of itself very (more?) beautiful in a slightly different way and worth future requests for sure. It would also be my favourite from the latest were it not for Wilco (The Song).

 

Thanks Andrew -- cannot wait to hear it solo!!