why wilco is my favorite band

[SarahC]

 

today at work I caught a lot of flack from a co-worker about my choices when it comes to music. particularly my choice of #1 favorite band of 10+ years (crazy that it's been over 10 years now!) they proceeded to tell me that i need a "real hobby" besides spending money on a band that "doesn't even get played on the freakin' radio, and no one's ever heard of". they told me that my "zealousness was tiresome" and that "people at the lunch table make fun of my wilco stories when i leave the room". this person's words hurt me so much i broke into tears at work. what's worse, and they really didn't give me much of a chance to defend myself, which I guess, is why I'm passively doing it now through the internet.

 

wilco cares about their fans. i have personal experiences to vouch for this that i won't go into now, but they're moments i'm gonna have to tell my grandkids about when i'm old (sure they'll roll their eyes and go "wil-who?") but those moments are gonna be with me forever. many fans of this band have special memories too. sometimes i think wilco go a little farther than a lot of bands in how they appreciate us. wilco knows we love them, and they makes sure we know they love us to. they embrace our criticism instead of writing it off. they hang around before and after gigs, and always take a moment to sign autographs or say hello. they also created their very own music festival where we can congregate and listen to they music. they genuinely give a shit what we think! and that's awesome!

 

wilco is my favorite band because they write great songs. lyrics, music, arrangements, it's all there. it's cohesive. it's relatable to my life in that many of the songs touch upon love and the struggles associated therein with a person's struggle to attain and hold on to such relationships. the band creates beautiful moments in song. they're also not afraid to create catharsis, which i think, a lot of bands these days shy away from. wilco openly embraces the ability to release emotion through music, to aurally rid oneself of demons, to allow sounds to have space and to speak for themselves, to allow the listener to actively participate in the music's creation. a lot of bands strive to do that last one. wilco is the only band that i know of who achieves it.

[Sweet Papa Crimbo]

Sometimes, you just have to do this

 

[GtrPlyr]

besides spending money on a band that "doesn't even get played on the freakin' radio, and no one's ever heard of".

 

That comment right there tells me all I need to know about this person. Definitely not someone who's opinion is worth a damn. Their comments are probably masking some deep-seated jealousy I bet.

[Sweet Papa Crimbo]

Why does this person even venture his/her opinion about what you do?

 

Two word description for this person: Arrogant Asshole.

 

Do not give their opinion any creedence or importance.

 

And...tell them you don't give a rat's ass what they think.

[SarahC]

their own personal opinion doesn't bother me so much. it's when they said the bit about how other people laugh at my wilco stories when i leave the break room. i know it shouldn't bother me, and i know i shouldn't expect every single person to appreciate the band in the way i do.

 

if anything listening to them rant about made me reaffirm my admiration and sort of love for the band.

[Sweet Papa Crimbo]

their own personal opinion doesn't bother me so much. it's when they said the bit about how other people laugh at my wilco stories when i leave the break room. i know it shouldn't bother me, and i know i shouldn't expect every single person to appreciate the band in the way i do.

 

if anything listening to them rant about made me reaffirm my admiration and sort of love for the band.

 

Why do you believe them when they say "other people laugh at (your) Wilco stories?"

It really amazes me that a person would be so rude to you in a work situation.

You know...this might actually deserve a trip to the human resources office for a 'hostile workplace' complaint. (JK...but the person you are dealing with sounds very immature and even more unprofessional).

[Byram75]

I always tell people that Wilco is the best band that nobody's ever heard. It's hard to believe that because on Friday night at the Metro about twenty of us stood in line in the cold six hours before doors. It was worth every minute! Wilco also bought us all Starbucks! Wilco does care about us fans and I wish I had all night to list my Wilco experiences. Besides my wife and the extended Wilco family that I meet at shows I have no one the share the band with. Screw them people suck... Wilco rules!

[The High Heat]

If this person is the same one you caught engaging in illegal activity on the job, rat them out!!!

 

Just kidding. Eff'em! I know my family, co-workers and 99% of the town I live in are only interested in the flavor-of-the-day music. When I wear a Wilco t-shirt and somebody aks what's that, I say it's a gas station.

 

A person either gets Wilco or they don't. Perhaps you should invite your more likeable or open-minded co-workers to a show, or make a mix tape as a gift. Otherwise, you may as well argue politics with them because they have no clue about how great Wilco is.

[Magnetized]

All I can say is that I relate completely to your story. I've posted here before about how my friends and family just roll their eyes (or worse) when I mention anything related to Wilco, and the only reason my co-workers don't do that--yet--is because I don't tend to socialize with them. Although at my part-time, "fun" job, my obsession is well-known and bemusedly tolerated.

 

If the ridicule bothers you, I'd suggest keeping the Wilco stories to yourself when around the non-believers, or sharing them only with people who can relate to what you're talking about. At least that's the approach I've started to take. If I mention Wilco in conversation, the only time I let loose with "the whole love" is when I have gotten back a spark of interest from the other person.

 

You know, it hits me as I write this that this is probably what evangelical Christians feel all the time. Like they've got this wonderful secret they're dying to share with everyone, and it will be good for everyone to know about it, because they know about the best thing there is! They can probably keep their mouths shut most of the time because they have a community they get to share their zeal with on Sunday mornings.

 

So let's be glad we have concerts, VC, Solid Sound (sometimes), Facebook groups, and the occasional real-life friend who share our passion. We can consider these our church, where we get to let our freak flag fly!

[Papillon Parade]

I really feel your pain. I am from a small island off the coast of Nova Scotia where open-mindedness is low on the totem pole of values. I find that when I talk about Wilco, people get jealous. As if I've found something that they want, but are too close-minded to look for, so they tear it down. I say if they want to be dicks about Wilco, then screw 'em. Who cares what a bunch of radio-lovin' co-workers think aboutcha. Let your Wilco flag fly high!

[remphish1]

Pay no mind to those fools! I think it is great liking a band that is not as popular or known. One of the benefits is you don't get as tired of the hits because there are none. Most of the bands I like couldn't fill up a 500 capacity venue in NYC but I don't care. It is more like a private concert when i do see them. I am a huge fan of the Charlatans UK and very few people know who they are. They did an instore in NYC and 25 people where there....it didn't bother me one bit because I got to hang with the band and get my request in.

 

People constantly don't know most of the bands that I like..but the ones that are into music and open mind get curious and ask questions and then I try and convert them by taking them to a concert or making them a mix cd. I get great pride out of converting fans to my little secret band. I have converted a few of my friends to Wilco over time and it is great becuase I have people join me know when they swing through town. Wait am I still on topic???

[lazy locomotives]

Wow - you clearly work with idiots. Your beautifully written post resonated with me, so I had to join in. IMHO, Wilco is, hands-down, the most significant, creatively relevant American band of the last 40 years and their legacy is astonishing (including UT).

 

It may sound like blasphemy to some, but I put Wilco in the same category as The Beatles and have to really clam up in mixed company. The 'evangelical' reference above is very accurate and I usually choose to simply 'enjoy' my passion and share when the subject comes up, but I avoid pushing it. Many people don't even know who they are, and frankly, I prefer it that way - but I'll gladly 'educate' if requested...LOL!

 

When it comes to music, it's sad, but the vast majority of people really don't get it - the music business knows this and force-feeds pablum (Katy Perry, GaGa, Beiber, Swift, Rihanna, blah blah etc etc ad nauseum) to the point that, most of it all sounds the same.

 

Wilco is an American treasure and their fans are a rare breed - be proud.

[thingfishp]

There's a kid from Ireland who works with me in the summer who laughingly tells me, "There's more to life than Wilco. All Wilco makes Georgie a dull boy" if I'm overplaying it, but it's only in gest. Hey, your an intelligent adult, you don't need to justify your tastes to anybody. I've often said that one of the liberating things about becoming middle-aged is that I don't feel the need to explain my loves to anyone. Fuck 'em.

[Sir Stewart]

I know Crow said he was just kidding, but if I were you, I'd seriously consider a trip to HR. That shit is ridiculous.

[bleedorange]

Between this story and catching someone using illegal substances, I would hit the job boards if at all possible.

[ih8music]

This guy was clearly a rude asshole and undoubtedly said those things to intentionally hurt you. Uncalled for and indefensible -- and yeah, definitely would fit my definition of a "hostile workplace."

 

That said, I think the comparison to Evangelical Christians is appropriate, and you might want to consider toning down your Wilco evangelism if it's gotten to that degree -- that is, repeatedly talking about your experiences with the band (i.e. trying to convert) to people who don't have the same, shared interest level.

 

I used to work with a few born-again types and while I generally liked them otherwise, their incessant attempts to 'share the good news' with me was really fucking annoying. At a certain point, it becomes counterproductive and people will dislike whatever you're trying to "sell" solely because you keep doing it.

 

My advice -- share your Wilco love with only those co-workers who also "get it" and give up trying to convert others. If it hasn't happened yet, it ain't gonna happen. (I learned this a long time ago as a fan of the Replacements (the best band no one else heard of) -- speaking of which, you'd probably relate to this movie a lot; I know I did. )

 

Just remember - Wilco (and VC) loves ya, baby.

[lamradio]

My advice -- share your Wilco love with only those co-workers who also "get it" and give up trying to convert others.

 

This.

 

But that co-worker is still a douche-bag..

[Sweet Papa Crimbo]

This guy was clearly a rude asshole and undoubtedly said those things to intentionally hurt you. Uncalled for and indefensible -- and yeah, definitely would fit my definition of a "hostile workplace."

 

Isn't it interesting that we assume Sarah's co-worker is a guy. I caught myself doing it and did the he/she thing.

 

Either way, I think bleedorange might be on the right track.

[radiatortunes]

Your co-workers are morons. Perhaps none of them has anything in their lives that they are half as passionate about. You know, the old "put-someone-down-so-I-can-feel-better-about-myself" thing. Pathetic if this is the case.

 

their own personal opinion doesn't bother me so much. it's when they said the bit about how other people laugh at my wilco stories when i leave the break room. i know it shouldn't bother me

 

I'm sorry this happened. I'm not sure why your co-worker felt he/she needed to tell you this. This is simply hurtful and insensitive.

 

Fortunately, I had a friend at my office (where I no longer work) who is also a huge Wilco fan. He also has a graduate degree in music so he's a great guy to talk to. Interestingly, our many conversations didn't stop several of our co-workers from telling me that he's a "weird dude". Whatever. I'm sure these same people have said I'm a "weird chick" behind my back, too.

 

Chin up. As many others here have commented, screw your co-workers.

[Guest Jules]

Hey, Wilco's my favorite band too!

[uncool2pillow]

You should hire her!

[IRememberDBoon]

whats a radio?

[IRememberDBoon]

I remember when I was 17. There used to be a phone number 1 800 CAL DEAD where you could call after Grateful Dead shows and get the setlists. It was charged to your phone bill.

My dad opened up the phone bill and there might have been $50 worth of these charges on there. His head turned redder than shit.

 

I thought he was going to cry.

 

He said: "I can understand you going to see some damn band in concert. I dont really get you seeing them multiple nights in the same place and then again in the next town, but WHY THE FUCK DO YOU WANT TO FIND OUT WHAT THEY PLAYED AT SOME CONCERT YOU WERENT AT????!!!!!"

 

 

Never could fully explain why and probably never will be able to

[howdjadoo]

[Autumnteeth]

Couldn't agree with you more, Sarah C. It isn't Wilco that is the problem, it is the workplace, and this type of harrasment is pathetic. First, I kind of like the idea Wilco isn't played on the radio much. The quality stations get it, and do play Wilco. I think I would have to relisten to the Wilco catalogue if I heard Art of Almost right after the extended Dance Mix version of I've Got a Feelin and right before the Bieber Fever segment. (This did happen, by the way, but when i was in Owen Sound Ontario a month ago where the mix that kicks plays the most eclectic mix I have ever heard. Since that is the norm, no harm no foul). Over time I have gone from loving Wilco's music to cherishing the fact that a band like this exists and I was born into the right era to experience the movement. So few bands care about their fans. Those that do certainly don't go so far as to get involved in day to day ticket sales to ensure their fans get top priority. I like a lot of different types of music and different bands. There is only one band that I have the utmost respect for and feel that I owe a debt to. Any other show I go to I feel at best I may have gotten close to my money worth. I walked away from the Wilco shows this week thinking I owed them money each night. Wear your Wilco lie a badge of honor.