Guest McGuffin Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 that's a wuss move Of course it is, but it's typical message board behavior. It's on every single message board. You know, the board is always the domain of certain people and nobody else unless they bow down to the glitterati. Yawn. I suspect I'll be getting a PM. Whatever makes people feel better. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rareair Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 just let it go. the album is great. you dislike capitol city. people think you are being obnoxious and you disagree. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hoodoo Man Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 I really enjoy this song and don't find it cheesy at all. For me it comes across as another fine example of Jeff's ability to turn a song's mood on a dime. The song starts with upbeat music as the narrator describes life in the big city without any opinion as to whether this place is good or bad. Then just as he says "I wish you were here with me. Better yet I wish I was there with you," the mood changes completely both lyrically and musically with "You wouldn't like it here..." And I don't mind competent musicians exploring different musical styles. Especially if they can pull it off. That's one of the things that made groups like The Beatles and Kinks and The Who so essential. At this point Wilco has proven they can take on just about any musical style and come up with something enjoyable to listen to. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bart Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 I really enjoy this song and don't find it cheesy at all. For me it comes across as another fine example of Jeff's ability to turn a song's mood on a dime. The song starts with upbeat music as the narrator describes life in the big city without any opinion as to whether this place is good or bad. Then just as he says "I wish you were here with me. Better yet I wish I was there with you," the mood changes completely both lyrically and musically with "You wouldn't like it here..." . That's a great observation. The "better yet" really lays the ground work for change in feeling. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
augurus Posted October 1, 2011 Share Posted October 1, 2011 Pitchfork likened Capitol City to Hoagy Carmichael's music and I can see it.I've also had several friends say it reminds them immediately of The Beatle's When I'm Sixty Four and For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite. I think that this song is one of the strongest maneuvers Wilco has made, even more so than placing Art Of Almost on The Whole Love. Not only does the nostalgic show-tunes/carnival quality bleed through beautifully, but the schizophrenic mind-changing attitude comes through too. The song plays wonderfully on the contrast of the words and the music. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
helicopterday Posted October 6, 2011 Share Posted October 6, 2011 I love it. Have I missed any info/links about where the field recordings come from? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
i'm only sleeping Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 I've just discovered where exactly the inspiration for Capitol City may come from: "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo" by Steely Dan, a cover of Duke Ellington in 'Pretzel Logic'. Lazy and deaf music journalists! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mpolak21 Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 I've just discovered where exactly the inspiration for Capitol City may come from: "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo" by Steely Dan, a cover of Duke Ellington in 'Pretzel Logic'. Lazy and deaf music journalists! Hmmm... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-al-Emb9TY Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Autumnteeth Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 Hmmm...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-al-Emb9TY Wow, listened because it made sense, close to home,and I figured there would be a connection, but after hearing this a couple of times there is definetely a rhyme and reason for this being the inspiration. Great detective work. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Autumnteeth Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 Upom further review, was written by Duk Ellington and is a classic jazz song from 1926. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rwilson580 Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 I don't understand at all the equation a couple people have made of "Capitol City" to "For the Benefit of Mr. Kite." There may be some thematic similarity, and, I don't know, maybe there's some structural similarity that I'm not smart enough to completely appreciate. But the overall vibe of the songs...hmm, hard for me to imagine two songs that are more different. I'm always found Mr. Kite to be one of the more sinister songs I've ever heard. Capitol City...anything but. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest McGuffin Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 I don't understand at all the equation a couple people have made of "Capitol City" to "For the Benefit of Mr. Kite." There may be some thematic similarity, and, I don't know, maybe there's some structural similarity that I'm not smart enough to completely appreciate. But the overall vibe of the songs...hmm, hard for me to imagine two songs that are more different. I'm always found Mr. Kite to be one of the more sinister songs I've ever heard. Capitol City...anything but. The comparison is that they're both whimsical, odd and throwaways. I don't find Mr. Kite to be at all sinister. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sweet Papa Crimbo Posted October 9, 2011 Share Posted October 9, 2011 I don't understand at all the equation a couple people have made of "Capitol City" to "For the Benefit of Mr. Kite." There may be some thematic similarity, and, I don't know, maybe there's some structural similarity that I'm not smart enough to completely appreciate. But the overall vibe of the songs...hmm, hard for me to imagine two songs that are more different. I'm always found Mr. Kite to be one of the more sinister songs I've ever heard. Capitol City...anything but. Interesting term. But upon reflection, I could buy off on dangerous. Lennon's song weren't whimsical for the most part. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ih8music Posted October 9, 2011 Share Posted October 9, 2011 60+ replies and not a single mod has changed the thread title? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Magnetized Posted October 9, 2011 Share Posted October 9, 2011 What's wrong with the thread title? It's Capitol City now (7 PM EDT). Did it used to be Capital City? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jcroach Posted October 10, 2011 Author Share Posted October 10, 2011 What's wrong with the thread title? It's Capitol City now (7 PM EDT). Did it used to be Capital City? Yes. I take full credit for the misspelling. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Stewart Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 Reported. I suggest others do the same if they've had enough of this poster.that's a wuss moveOh. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jff Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 It sounds like it could be part of a soundtrack to a children's movie. I get visions of the candyman in Wiilie Wonka, for example. Candyman is one of the best melodies in the history of pop music. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
calvino Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 When I got in my car this morning and turned the car on, Capitol City was playing on my radio (XM, Outlaw Country station) - nice way to start the day. Good tune. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LouieB Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Candyman is one of the best melodies in the history of pop music. Hey Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse are no slouches. They have written some of the greatest songs ever. This includes "Pure Imagination" which is also from Willie Wonka, which is often still covered by rock bands. Both of the musicals they did "Stop the World I want to Get Off" and "The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd" are two of my faves from my youth. Meanwhile Capital City is pure Randy Newman but I am sure someone else said that already. LouieB Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The Inside of Outside Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I like this song. I don't see it as a throwaway or odd, just another side to the band's sound. I think it fits in well with the rest of the record, though I realize I may be in the minority on this one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Jesus Etc Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 With all of the comparisons made about Capitol City I can't believe I have yet to read the Grateful Dead. When the group sings 'Breathe in that country air' all I can hear is Garcia and Company. This is definitely a song that sounds like Sgt Pepper's (the album) as well. I thought it was a throwaway at first but I have come to love this song. I also like how the tracks on the album are lined up in terms of fast and slow. Art of Almost is a palate cleanser and then the songs alternate between fast tempo and slow tempo. Well done as it is designed to keep your attention throughout the entire album. One Sunday Morning is the masterpiece on this album IMO though. The song is remarkable in every way. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LaughingDog Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I really like this song. Alot. I wasn't too hot about it when I first listened to it, but I really, really like it now. Open Mind > Capitol > Standing are where TWL sags for me, though. Only a teeny tiny little bit. But Rising Red Lung > The Whole Love > OSM are there to pick the album up and lift it to legendary status. Well, legendary behind YHF and GIB. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stooka Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Sounds like Jeff is trying to convince someone that he isn't loving every aspect of city life. "Maybe we should break up"? Oops! Did I say that out loud? HahaI really like this song! Plenty going on lyrically and musically. Easily, the most interesting song on the record for me! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
-seven Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I suppose if it actually was written for a soundtrack that might change my view of it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.