Jump to content

Dallas 11/29/2011


Recommended Posts

  • Replies 93
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I kind of go with the flow when it comes to sitting/standing. My preference is to sit more than stand, but if the rows in front of me stand, so will I. But if there's one guy standing in a section of sitters, that guy's probably just being obstinate.

 

I didn't really notice the low room energy, but I haven't been to a Wilco show for about five years, and my last one was at an outdoor festival-type setting. But looking back, I think the venue contributed a lot to it with the classy-yet-modern opera house decor, muted lighting, sound dampening construction, padded/reclining seats, etc.

 

And Nick Lowe, despite playing a very enjoyable set, doesn't really get the pulse racing either.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I was in the left section that was standing throughout and didn't really notice any issues with crowd rudeness (other than a farter who thankfully left about halfway through the show). But I was surprised that only one section was standing for the whole show. I definitely think the band noticed the lack of energy. At one point, which I think was during the opening of Hummingbird, when someone was clapping along, Jeff directed his attention to her, perhaps wishfully.

 

I enjoyed hearing the new songs much more than the older ones, which seemed a bit predictable. It seems like the band really enjoys playing One Sunday Morning and Art of Almost. I really like OSM as an opener, even though it's long. I think it builds throughout the song and leads nicely into the rest of the set.

 

I was surprised by the short encore too. I figured it was a curfew thing, but that seems strange for an indoor venue. But I drove back to Austin afterwards, so it was nice to get out a little earlier than I expected.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, we were dying to be in that far left section. It was, left to right, everyone standing to about half to almost none when it got to us. What was great was when the show was almost over, we turned around and now our section was mostly all standing, the same people that were throwing things and kicking our chairs. I guess they deemed it okay to stand at that point. But as I said we were able to just walk down to the front of the stage and stay there the rest of the show which was nice, and I explained our situation to venue staff when we were questioned and they were nice about it and let us stay there.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I was in the rear orchestra so I had a view of most of the crowd. I kept thinking to myself throughout the show that it was like the majority of the crowd didn't want to be there. There was just no energy and no connection between the band and the audience. It also seemed like there was a mass exodus during One Wing. I do hope they come back to Dallas as I would love to see the band again. I'm a relatively new Wilco fan so it was nice to hear some older songs that were new to me. Overall, I'd have to still say it was a good show as it left me wanting more after my first Wilco concert :) Not sure if the weirdness was due to the venue or what? Maybe people thought they should sit since it was in a music hall?

 

Band hit the stage after 9:00.

 

Cash bar with liquor.

 

Ushers escourting people to their seats.

 

That, plus the cocaine and boob job set has apparently discovered the band.

.

One of these days, I want to see the band where half the audience isn't sloshed or there because it it the 'in' place to be.

 

However, all that being said and done. My son and I had a grand time.

 

By the way, lest this get lost in the bitch fest this thread has turned into...the lighting show is really impressive. My son and I sat close to the lighting guy and he played that freaking lighting system like he was a member of the band.

 

Very cool

Link to post
Share on other sites

By the way, lest this get lost in the bitch fest this thread has turned into...the lighting show is really impressive. My son and I sat close to the lighting guy and he played that freaking lighting system like he was a member of the band.

 

Very cool

 

I was equally impressed with the lights during the show. And as I said earlier, the band at least sounded great. But you could tell from the short encore combined with Tweedy's reluctant, nonexistent banter that there was no energy there to play off of.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I was equally impressed with the lights during the show. And as I said earlier, the band at least sounded great. But you could tell from the short encore combined with Tweedy's reluctant, nonexistent banter that there was no energy there to play off of.

 

I am a bit conflicted here. My son and I had a really good time, loved the music, loved the light show, loved Nick Lowe (glad my son got to see a living legend in full force). Now, I read that the band cut their set short and read that the band was feeling the crowd wasn't 'into it'. Do I get a refund for the portion of the planned show that the band cut in a fit of petulance. (JUST KIDDING HERE FOLKS!!!)

 

In the old days, bands didn't expect the crowds to automatically love them and fawn over their every move. Bands used to expect to come out and EARN it. You think Springsteen ever cut a show short in 1974 because the crowd wasn't in to it? Now, Wilco certainly has a wonderful track record as a recording entity and a good reputation as a live band; HOWEVER, they may be getting a different crowd these days. A Crowd that may not be fully familiar with every nuance of the Wilco cataloge and one that may actually need to be won over a bit. The band is without peer and the long time fans know it. But some people, new to the Wilco scene, need to be won over. Moving in to the larger venue means exposure to a new audience.

 

Now, I'm not saying the boys acted petulantly at the lack of some perceived lack of love from the crowd, but sometimes a band has to actually kick it to 11 and GET THE CROWD INVOLVED, GET THE CROWD OFF THEIR COLLECTIVE ASSES. It's not the crowds responsibility to be entertained. The audience is there to be entertained and the band is paid to do said entertaining. It wasn't as bad as some shows I've seen where there were people with arms crossed and heads tilted with a 'show me' attitude. You think the band would storm off the stage in a huff if they ran into that kind of crowd? I don't. And I don't expect them to cut it short because they aren't feeling extravagenlty accliamed.

 

And since when is standing for every stinking moment of the show a sign that the crowd is into it? My son and I did the appropriate dance, sit where it felt right...stand when we were moved to. Yeah...we sat duing Black Moon and we really liked the moment. We stood for part of OSM, sat for part of it and didn't feel that we were giving off some vibe of 'not being into it'. I also tried to be respectful of the people behind me. We were far enough back where I didn't have to worry about pissing off rows and rows of sitters, but it is always a factor in whether we decide to sit or stand. Now...the guy in front of he who spent half the concert getting booze stood every moment. Who was more 'into it'?

 

The band has material in their repetoire that can get it going on. (Monday, Standing O, Outtamind(Outtasite), War on War, Casino Queen, Kicking Television, I'm a Wheel...you know teh geetar rock). But if the band is upset/worried/not feeling the vibe, then Jeff probably needs to make an audible and play something different in the Jesus, etc., Capitol City spots.

 

As I have said previously, my son and I loved every minute and had a wonderful time. The people who were there to get a drunk on and hear a few tunes didn't really bother us; the older couples who were there because they were a part of the 'cocaine and boob job' set didn't bother me; It's all a apart of the Dallas scene. I'm sorry I dived into this thread, because now I feel I am totally out of touch because I had a great time.

Link to post
Share on other sites

The sitting standing thing is interesting from the fan perspective.

 

From Wilco's perspective, however, i think it is pretty clear - when the crowd is "into it" the band sounds more "into it."

 

I've seen three shows this Fall (Ryman Night 2, madison, and Berlin). Ryman Night 2 and Berlin - the crowd was heavily into it and the band responded with, in my opinion, exceptional performances.

 

On the other hand, Madison's crowd was seated mainly and seemed not into it (e.g., "lets go brewers, lets go brewers") and the band's energy didn't seem to be there to me...and as a result the show suffered into lethargic performance.

 

It is really not something that can be controlled. Either the crowd is into it or not.

 

Cutting the encore is interesting. While the 11:00 curfew is the likely answer, it is plausible that the band got sick of the show and cut early. The Berlin show's encore was extended by three additional songs per the printed set list.

 

I saw both Ryman shows, and the Houston show just before the new album came out, and it definitely makes a difference in the crowd interaction. The Ryman shows were top-shelf, even though they opened one of them with OSM - this is a true favorite of mine, and I have a hard time sitting down even on this.

 

Heading to Austin for the show tomorrow - I expect them to have a very lively crowd. Anybody have any idea if there might be an Autumn Defense sighting in Austin? They played in Nashville (outstanding), and I saw they played at this year's SXSW.

Link to post
Share on other sites

 

As I have said previously, my son and I loved every minute and had a wonderful time. The people who were there to get a drunk on and hear a few tunes didn't really bother us; the older couples who were there because they were a part of the 'cocaine and boob job' set didn't bother me; It's all a apart of the Dallas scene. I'm sorry I dived into this thread, because now I feel I am totally out of touch because I had a great time.

 

Don't be..I don't think you are the only one who had a great time..I had a great time as well..and am very happy that I went...I felt the music go through me and everything sounded so good. Seeing Wilco for the first time was a treat and I thought the band was solid. I'm a new fan and don't know their entire catalog and even heard some songs for the first time last night and loved every second of the show. With that said, it is hard to not notice certain things like the overall crowd not being too into it and some of the other things people have noticed. Doesn't mean that we didn't have a great time..but something still felt "off" hope that makes sense :-D

Link to post
Share on other sites

Just wanted to comment on Nick Lowe. I had seen a couple of recent TV appearances, and was kind of put off at the mellower tone he's adopted in later years, and his voice being much softer and less snarly than in his 80s radio heyday. In hindsight I was a jerk, because last night he put on a very tight, entertaining show. He worked the crowd like a pro, sang and played with feeling, and blended new stuff and old favorites. (In short, everything we're accusing Wilco of not doing...). And the good acoustics meant you could hear and understand all of his witty lyrics.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Don't be..I don't think you are the only one who had a great time..I had a great time as well..and am very happy that I went...I felt the music go through me and everything sounded so good. Seeing Wilco for the first time was a treat and I thought the band was solid. I'm a new fan and don't know their entire catalog and even heard some songs for the first time last night and loved every second of the show. With that said, it is hard to not notice certain things like the overall crowd not being too into it and some of the other things people have noticed. Doesn't mean that we didn't have a great time..but something still felt "off" hope that makes sense :-D

 

Well...I am concerned. Apparently, I was cheated out of six songs in the encores because the band wasn't feeling enough love from the audience.

 

What the fuck? I;m being held hostage because the band doesn't think the audience is appreciative enough?

 

I gotta leave this thread. The more I read, the angrier I get at the band.

And I wasn't unhappy at all until I read about the encore being mutilated.

Link to post
Share on other sites

 

 

Well...I am concerned. Apparently, I was cheated out of six songs in the encores because the band wasn't feeling enough love from the audience.

 

What the fuck? I;m being held hostage because the band doesn't think the audience is appreciative enough?

 

I gotta leave this thread. The more I read, the angrier I get at the band.

And I wasn't unhappy at all until I read about the encore being mutilated.

 

Sorry, didn't mean to ruin anyone's experience by posting about other songs in the encore that were cut. If I hadn't, someone else who got one of the printed setlists surely would have.

 

Fact is, this happens all the time (though I can't remember the last time quite so many songs got cut). Most times it's due to curfew reasons and that very well could have been the case last night as well. We don't know all of the machinations that are involved, so if you had fun, that's great for you. The band always puts on a good show and last night was no different. Could the crowd have been a little more engaged up front? Sure, but that happens at a lot of seated shows.

 

Anyway, apologies again if I did anything to rain on someone's parade...

Link to post
Share on other sites

Aw, I feel bad for anyone who's feeling bad. Y'all should all still be floating on a cloud of post-Wilco live show bliss.

 

I can understand maybe feeling a little cheated if you look at it in the harsh light of what might have been, but honestly, every show has its own special memories, and most of them don't have to do with exactly what lick Nels played or if Pat made eye contact with you or Glenn stood on his drum kit or Jeff made a clever diss or. . . you get the picture. Every show can't be the transcendent, once-in-a-lifetime one for the books, but you just got to see the best band in the world playing a damn good show. How can that be bad?

 

True fact: As I'm typing this I'm listening to the YHF Engineers Demos "I Won't Ever Let You Down". Wilco never does.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Not trying to hate on Dallas (or maybe I am) but out of the 5-6 shows I've been to in Big D, only one had a decent crowd and that was at Club Dada for a Middle Brother show. I remember seeing MMJ at Palladium and shocked at how nobody in the crowd gave a shit.

 

 

Excited to see Wilco in Austin tomorrow for sure.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Not trying to hate on Dallas (or maybe I am) but out of the 5-6 shows I've been to in Big D, only one had a decent crowd and that was at Club Dada for a Middle Brother show. I remember seeing MMJ at Palladium and shocked at how nobody in the crowd gave a shit.

 

 

Excited to see Wilco in Austin tomorrow for sure.

 

What's so funny about this thread is, out of the 2 or 3 HUNDRED shows i have seen in Dallas over that last 35 years i have never given a shit about how the crowd reacted during the show. Who gives a fuck about the crowd if your enjoying the performance? Those that require the majority to react a cretin way in order to enjoy the show are the same as the posers that are there to be social to have a good time.

Link to post
Share on other sites

What's so funny about this thread is, out of the 2 or 3 HUNDRED shows i have seen in Dallas over that last 35 years i have never given a shit about how the crowd reacted during the show. Who gives a fuck about the crowd if your enjoying the performance? Those that require the majority to react a cretin way in order to enjoy the show are the same as the posers that are there to be social to have a good time.

Well...apparently some bands get their feelings hurt and cut the show short...(I promise I'll stop. I just need to vent)

Link to post
Share on other sites

Jeez. All this whining over a phantom encore. Any day with some live Wilco is better than just about any other day anywhere else.

 

Nobody has mentioned what a beautiful transition "Poor Places" made from OSM to the rest of the show.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Jeez. All this whining over a phantom encore. Any day with some live Wilco is better than just about any other day anywhere else.

 

Nobody has mentioned what a beautiful transition "Poor Places" made from OSM to the rest of the show.

 

And the subtle inclusion of One Wing there too.

 

But look at what Austin got for a freaking Television Taping.

And You'll know when I'm whining bub.

Link to post
Share on other sites

What's so funny about this thread is, out of the 2 or 3 HUNDRED shows i have seen in Dallas over that last 35 years i have never given a shit about how the crowd reacted during the show. Who gives a fuck about the crowd if your enjoying the performance? Those that require the majority to react a cretin way in order to enjoy the show are the same as the posers that are there to be social to have a good time.

 

That's great. Guess you just get used to different types of crowds, different types of energy.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Not trying to hate on Dallas (or maybe I am) but out of the 5-6 shows I've been to in Big D, only one had a decent crowd and that was at Club Dada for a Middle Brother show. I remember seeing MMJ at Palladium and shocked at how nobody in the crowd gave a shit.

 

 

Excited to see Wilco in Austin tomorrow for sure.

are u talking about the show when Erykah Badu got up on stage for a song? If I remember correctly, the crowd went apeshit for that and most of that show. Also, the last Palladium show was prob the best Wilco show I've ever seen. Only been to 4 tho

Link to post
Share on other sites

are u talking about the show when Erykah Badu got up on stage for a song? If I remember correctly, the crowd went apeshit for that and most of that show. Also, the last Palladium show was prob the best Wilco show I've ever seen. Only been to 4 tho

 

The thing I remember most about the last palladium show was the guy passing out right on my feet. That and the sound was just a bit too loud (I didn't get my hearing back for about a day and a half). It was epic, but some folks need to learn how to act in public and not get so stinking drunk.

Link to post
Share on other sites

also read this:

 

http://blogs.dallaso..._music_hall.php

 

there was no curfew issue, they band just wasn't feeling it from the crowd and I don't blame them

 

Wilonsky doesn't say that the band wasn't feeling it from the crowd.

Maybe Jeff got a bad taco and had to hit the bathroom. Maybe Nels owes somebody money and he saw them in the crowd. Maybe they had to get back to the bus to catch the latest episode of Craig Ferguson.

I hate to think they didn't want to work it harder to get the crowd up.

Yep...I blame it on Ferguson. But didn't they know it was a rerun?

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...

×
×
  • Create New...