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What is your favorite two-song sequence on Wilco records?


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Many of Wilco's records are wonderfully sequenced from start to finish. Within those records there are great pairings of songs that pack an extra punch when paired together. The exercise is this: go through each proper Wilco studio record and name your favorite two-track sequence. Share a little bit why you like that sequence, if you wish. I'll go first.

 

AM: Blue-Eyed Soul à Too Far Apart

 

I love how the drum pattern that kicks open Too Far Apart sounds like a continuation of Blue-Eyed Soul. Great way to finish off a humble debut.

 

BT: Say You Miss Me à Sunken Treasure

 

End of side 1 and beginning of side 2. Say You Miss Me just sounds like a tune that would cap off an album, but when that first strum of that D chord opens up Sunken Treasure, it's such a great way to kick off a second side of great music.

 

ST: My Darling à When You Wake Up Feeling Old

 

While there are many songs on ST better than My Darling, the way it builds up to that huge, swirling conclusion and then washes out is pretty great. Then the sweet-sounding chords of When You Wake Up Feeling Old come in and seem to wipe away that grand, orchestral feeling from the previous track.

 

YHF: War on War à Jesus, Etc.

 

I've always liked the way those last few blips and weird noises poke through at the end of War on War. Such an uptempo, rockin' tune and then it all comes right back down to mellow territory with that soft and dark minor-chord opening of Jesus, Etc.

 

AGIB: Handshake Drugs à Wishful Thinking

 

I definitely prefer the live version of Handshake Drugs to the studio version, but the way it fades out with that crackling feedback is awesome. Things get quiet for a moment, then the crackling noises and strange sounds come back, slowly fading in to open Wishful Thinking. When Jeff starts singing that first line and the band kicks in, it's just a breath of fresh air after the chaos of Handshake Drugs.

 

SBS: You Are My Face à Impossible Germany

 

You are My Face is wonderfully arranged and I like all the sections of the song. I think the calm fade-out with the droning D chord in You Are My Face and the serious, bell-like sound of the harmonized guitars opening Impossible Germany make a terrific juxtaposition.

 

WTA: One Wing à Bull Black Nova

 

A big guitar crescendo with beautiful interweaving parts goes into an ominous, frightening song with really creepy, dissonant high-pitched guitars.

 

TWL: Art of Almost à I Might

 

Another song with a great big climax with messy guitar work, with a terrific palate cleanser of a pop song.

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I don't have any real logic behind my picks, other than I just really like the songs I guess:

 

AM: Casino Queen -> Box Full of Letters

 

Being There: Monday -> Outtasite (Outta Mind)

 

Summerteeth: Via Chicago -> ELT

 

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot: Poor Places -> Reservations

 

A Ghost is Born: Hummingbird -> Handshake Drugs

 

Sky Blue Sky: You Are My Face -> Impossible Germany

 

Wilco (The Album): One Wing -> Bull Black Nova

 

The Whole Love: Whole Love -> One Sunday Morning

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