bböp Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 Wow, I'm genuinely surprised that not a single person has posted about this one yet. I guess I'll do my duty. (For the record I won't say what I was writing, but it was probably the setlist...so I guess my getting "busted" should serve some purpose...haha. ). Anyway, to start off, I should say that I see bands at Lincoln Hall all the time but for some reason I always forget just how intimate it can be. It's hard to describe, but you really can hear most everything in there and if you're standing close to the stage, it can feel like you're on the stage. There aren't too many venues where I've seen a Tweedy-related performance when you can genuinely say you feel almost too close, but this is one of them. That said, it was great to be able to see this band and connect with its performance on such a unique level. Maybe not everybody felt that way, but seeing their interactions with one another really made this show for me. For instance, seeing Jeff come over at the end of California Stars, take a guitar slide off an amp and hand it to Liam Cunningham and basically will him to use it on one final solo was priceless. Let me backtrack a bit, just in case people were wondering how the show went down. To start, Jeff and Spencer came out did a fairly lengthy interview segment with Sound Opinions hosts Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis sitting in chairs on the stage. I won't even try to recap everything that was discussed but obviously they talked about Sukierae quite a bit (including how the album title came about and how Susie got that nickname — it was apparently related to her childhood crush on Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits — and she even chimed in from the balcony at one point to clarify that she was nine when the moniker came about). There was actually a fair bit of discussion about the future and past of Wilco and where the band stands as it celebrates its 20th anniversary this year (way too much to recap off the top of my head, but Jeff basically said Wilco is fine and that they'll probably have a record out next year and that his goal has always been to be able to "do this" as long as possible; I'm also remembering some interesting discussion of how things started out after Uncle Tupelo broke up and how he and Jay Farrar both got identical record deals to continue on their own and Jeff and Tony Margherita negotiating the ability to make at least two records, etc.) Spencer continued to show great poise for an 18-year-old, more than holding his own during the interview portion. At one point near the end, when the hosts asked both Jeff and Spencer to name a single "desert island jukebox" record — Spencer named Paul McCartney's Ram, while Jeff hedged a bit but ultimately cited the Stooges' Fun House — Spencer even gave a little guff back to DeRogatis when he suggested that Spencer might prefer McCartney to Lennon. (Of course Spencer almost immediately apologized, though he said he loved both equally.) To DeRogatis' credit, he did bring up Susie's illness toward the end of the interview and got Jeff and Spencer to talk a bit about how that affected the making of the record. I don't recall either of them speaking as candidly, at least in public, about this until now. Again, I won't try to recap everything but basically Jeff said that the songs for Sukierae had come together during the last six months or so and that had simultaneously been the "worst six months" for the Tweedy family with a long, agonizing diagnostic process when they didn't know what was wrong with Susie and then subsequently deciding on and beginning treatment. Jeff said that, while taking care of his family, making the record had allowed him to "disappear" a bit as well. He also specifically wanted to let people know that the prognosis for Susie is good and that the family is staying very positive about everything (as are we all). :cheekkiss After the interview concluded, there was a short break and then the full band came out and played a whole set. From what I understand, they were initially planning only to play six songs, but after the Taste of Chicago show last weekend got canceled, they decided to do a full show (minus Jeff's solo portion). So those able to attend were treated to a special performance... For me personally, because I was standing pretty close to Jim Elkington, I could really hear his guitar playing extra well and though I already knew he was a big part of the band's sound, I don't know if I fully realized how much he was adding — or that he was playing as well as he is — until last night. Alternating between a Gibson Les Paul, a black Fano Alt de Facto (I think) and a pink Telecaster, Jeff really has entrusted him with most of the leads and fleshing out the band's sound. So, right on Jim! And of course, you can really see how much Jeff enjoys playing with Spencer (who continues to grow, along with Darin Gray, into a very solid rhythm section). Liam is having a great time as well, judging by his smiles in the back. Jeff mentioned how they had played something like 15 shows now and that last night's was "definitely in their top 15." On a personal note, just wanted to say it was great to see so many familiar faces. Many "stars" of the Chicago music-going community turned out, as did a number of friends from out of town (and I hope that a certain Brazilian VCer chimes in here at some point). Here was the complete setlist as played entirely by the full TWEEDY band (the last three songs were listed as an encore on the printed setlist, but the band never left the stage; Jeff said they weren't going to go through that ritual because "we already know each other too well"): Down From AboveDiamond LightFloweringSummer NoonHazelHoney CombedDesert BellWorld AwayNew MoonHigh As HelloWait For LoveLow KeyNobody Dies AnymoreYou Are Not AloneGive Back The Key To My Heart [Doug Sahm]California Stars Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Magnetized Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 Wow, I just woke up and am thrilled to see your post, Paul (after staying up far too late last night waiting for someone to give us the scoop.) Thanks for all the details, especially concerning the interview portion. About how long did the conversation last, and do you know whether they usually broadcast pretty much the whole thing or edit it down? And did they give any indication of when this will air? I'm guessing closer to record release date but am hoping for sooner. And yes, even I know several other people who were there last night. Chime in, you guys!! Thank you for doing your duty, sir. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Albert Tatlock Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Be-Ah Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 "What are you writing, Paul? Nevermind. It's none of my beeswax." I was scribbling a bunch of notes during the interview portion and Jeff said that the lyrics for the songs on Sukierae came together during the last 6 months. Listening to the songs post-interview made them THAT much more poignant. It was interesting to hear Jeff talk about the next Wilco album and what goes into getting all the moving pieces of Wilco together and though he didn't give us a timetable for the next release, it sounds like they should be getting together soon to get the process started. I was along the ramp on the floor and everyone came through loud and clear but I felt Darin's bass really thumping back there. Liam Cunningham's solo during California Stars kicked @$$. The interview portion was a little under an hour and things started a few minutes late. IIRC, Sound Opinions is about an hour long with commercial breaks so I'm curious to see if the interview gets cut down or if we have a special longer episode. I'd gladly pay a few bucks or donate to WBEZ to have the full interview and show recording in podcast form. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Be-Ah Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 and there was a mention of Spencer's age and "Cougar" fans... that got weird but Spencer handled it well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Madcap Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 Great show, really fortunate to be able to attend this after the taste show got cancelled so I could still see the new band (although it made the taste show getting cancelled even more annoying since I would love to see a full show from these guys). I really liked the new songs, but the highlight for me was easily give back the keys to my heart. On an unrelated note, for a sold out show, I was surprised at how pleasantly roomy it was inside the venue. Guess they sell a few more tickets when it's not a free show haha. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
theashtraysays Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 He also specifically wanted to let people know that the prognosis for Susie is good and that the family is staying very positive about everything (as are we all). :cheekkiss Best news of the day.... thanks for the report as always, but especially this. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cold as Gasoline Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 I started and deleted a thread twice last night. Honestly, my memory is super-spotty and I don't take notes at these things. Luckily others do! I'm also at Lincoln Hall a lot, but I usually head straight for the balcony, since I am height-challenged and can usually get a seat along the rail up there where I can see very well. Yesterday, was right up front next to the stage right in front of Darin Gray. Jeff was facing my direction during the interview. There was a little kerfuffle about cameras after the first song and both Darin and Jeff asked two photographers not to take any photos. The interview was actually really good, and surfaced some nuggets. Clearly, there is an intention to keep Wilco a going concern, but Jeff indicated that it can be slow going getting an album started when they just kind of mess around with songs to see what sticks, and said it's easier with just one collaborator. Thought it was also interesting that he doesn't make a mental distinction between the solo songs and Wilco songs, but the ones on the album are kind of what "stuck" during this session and that others that didn't make the album could definitely turn up on a future Wilco album. About the AM/Trace thing, Jeff seems to think the record company basically put out AM as a teaser for Trace, which sold better. Hadn't heard him say that before. Another impression I'll keep is that when Spencer was talking about how his family is dealing with his Mom's illness, Jeff kind of put his hand on the back of Spencer's chair to show support. Very sweet. It was the first time I got to hear the new songs live and I have to say they sounded great. The "top 15" Tweedy band performance was surprisingly good as well. Though they may be in the infancy stages of working together as a band, each member individually showed real proficiency and musicality, and was especially impressed with Liam Cunningham. When Jeff literally tossed him a slide right in the middle of California Stars and he grabbed it and immediately did a solo with it, you know the kid is talented. Diamond Light was definitely a highlight. Like some of the other "noisy" Wilco songs, the live version doesn't sound quite the same, but both the live and recorded version are uniquely interesting. Someone commented above on how roomy it still was even though it sold out. I've been to several other sold-out shows at Lincoln Hall that were much more crowded, so they either didn't give away tickets to fill the whole capacity or they had a lot of no-shows. It is probably my favorite venue in the Chicago area (maybe second to Space in Evanston), and has pretty much everything you want in a music venue. When the Taste of Chicago show got cancelled last weekend, I was so disappointed. But honestly, this was a far, far better way to appreciate the new songs and band. It will be interesting to see how they edit this all down to a single one-hour podcast. Probably little of the musical portion will make the cut, which is a shame. But we'll always have (that recording of) the Ryman! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bböp Posted July 18, 2014 Author Share Posted July 18, 2014 I really liked the new songs, but the highlight for me was easily give back the keys to my heart. Not to be a noodge, but I think I'm contractually obligated whenever I see this (even though in most cases it might just be a typo) to correct it and say...there's only one key! Anyway, just wanted to say that my friend Robert just posted to his blog about last night's show with a short piece and some of the few photos that were allowed, so I figured I'd link it here. He didn't mention it in the blog post, but I think he might have been one of the photographers at stage left that annoyed Darin and/or Jeff toward the beginning of the musical portion of the show (although in his defense, I'm pretty sure Robert did have a legit photo pass from the Sound Opinions folks). There was one other person either shooting or filming that Jeff went over to and asked who they were shooting/filming for and, whatever the response was, said, "Oh, they didn't tell us (about it)." Of course, Jeff subsequently apologized a song or two later.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Be-Ah Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 I really liked when Jeff talked about the reasons behind Sukierae being a double album: how touring with 20 songs vs 10 is more fun and how Jeff likes the idea of having smaller/shorter portions on vinyl. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smells like flowers Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 and there was a mention of Spencer's age and "Cougar" fans... that got weird but Spencer handled it well.That's kind of creepy considering Spencer still looks way more like a kid than a grown-up! When we've got Josh for eye-candy, we cougars are satisfied. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Preferred B Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 When the Taste of Chicago show got cancelled last weekend, I was so disappointed. But honestly, this was a far, far better way to appreciate the new songs and band. ...for a tiny fraction of the people who were supposed to attend Taste. But thanks for the reportage, everyone - the interview stuff is very interesting, and I'm glad the show was good. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cold as Gasoline Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 ...for a tiny fraction of the people who were supposed to attend Taste. But thanks for the reportage, everyone - the interview stuff is very interesting, and I'm glad the show was good. You're totally right, of course. Jeff commented that the peeps in the room were the ones "with the fast computers" since the tickets went so quickly. Really wish everyone who really cared could have been there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mariana neri Posted July 19, 2014 Share Posted July 19, 2014 Wow, I'm genuinely surprised that not a single person has posted about this one yet. I guess I'll do my duty. (For the record I won't say what I was writing, but it was probably the setlist...so I guess my getting "busted" should serve some purpose...haha. ). Hi Paul! Sorry but you know how my english is... I couldn't write as well as you do.It was really cool... I can't believe how lucky I am! I felt very happy to be there with new friends and my friends from Brazil. So great Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bböp Posted July 19, 2014 Author Share Posted July 19, 2014 Hi Paul! Sorry but you know how my english is... I couldn't write as well as you do.It was really cool... I can't believe how lucky I am! I felt very happy to be there with new friends and my friends from Brazil. So great Ah, Nana...you know my Portuguese is far worse than your English! But I'm glad you and your Brazilian "gang" were all able to make it to the show; they must have some fast computers down in São Paulo... I was remembering this morning one part of the interview with Jeff and Spencer that surely won't make it to air, when they were asking Spencer about his future plans, whether he was going to pursue music, etc. Somehow Northwestern (my alma mater) came up — I think maybe they had done a previous taping of Sound Opinions with Jeff/Wilco there or something — and they were kind of gently poking fun at the school. Spencer said he wasn't going there or anything, but then DeRogatis accidentally blurted out the name of a city in which a school Spencer might be considering going to down the line is located. And Spencer was quick to shush him (in a nice way), since I don't think he really wants that broadcast publicly yet — or at all. Certainly not on a nationally syndicated radio show. Anyway, it'll be interesting to see what direction Spencer chooses to go with music — whether he pursues it as a career or just does it more casually — but I certainly don't think he's made any final decisions on that at this point. Another interesting tidbit from the interview, which I don't think has been mentioned here yet (though I think Jeff also mentioned it on the XRT interview last week) is that Spencer's younger brother Sammy was, for all intents and purposes, the executive producer of Sukierae since he had to listen to the songs constantly as they were in development and was candid with his opinions. I don't know if he'll actually receive a formal EP credit on the record, but Jeff did say that he has the best musical taste in the family. For me, it was cool to understand further how this really has been such a family project for the Tweedys and I'm sure it helped them get through what's been an extraordinarily trying time. I think sometimes it's helpful in such situations to, in a way, try and keep things as normal as possible and keep busy. And making music is basically how this family does that. So it's a record that I'm sure that not everybody will "get" or even like when it finally comes out, but I think it's been very real therapy for all of the Tweedys during this challenging period. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
blureu Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 The session is featured on the next podcast of Sound Opinions: Tweedy LiveJoin us for an interview and performance from Tweedy, the new solo project from Wilco singer Jeff Tweedy featuring his son Spencer on drums. This session was taped live in front of an audience at Lincoln Hall in Chicago. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Albert Tatlock Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Several Official videos available Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cold as Gasoline Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 These are great quality! The sound is surprisingly good. And I can play "Where's Waldo" looking for myself (bottom right in front of Darin). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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