Wilco — 8/12/15, Vancouver, BC (Orpheum Theatre)

[bböp]

From this observer's perspective, tonight's gig at the Orpheum featured some of the ingredients for the dreaded "professional show." It was the eighth straight day for the band and crew with a performance, and a much-needed off day beckoned. On top of that, Wilco hadn't played in Vancouver in about three and a half years, so an eager crowd probably would have accepted just about anything — certainly less than a 31-song set with special guests and an acoustic encore.

 

But to its credit, the band delivered a wide-ranging show and achieved what Jeff said was the goal of "trying to cram as much music in your ears as we can. That's all we're here for."

 

First off, I have to say that seeing Star Wars played indoors for the first time — this was actually the first time it had been performed indoors, at least electrically – gives me a lot of hope for the fall tour and beyond because it sounded awesome. Nothing against the outdoor shows and festivals at which the band has rolled out the new record, but it just seemed to have a little extra juice tonight. And I attribute that to the acoustics of the venue (and to Stan's excellent FOH work, as always).

 

On top of that, we got a little bit of setlist variety with such songs as Muzzle Of Bees, At Least... and Secret of the Sea. The latter led to Jeff's only real Banter Corner moment of the show when he told the crowd afterward that its lyrics had been written by Woody Guthrie and then, as one of the techs was carrying off Nels' white, double-neck guitar, joked, "That was Woody Guthrie's guitar." When the crowd didn't really respond, he sort of looked at Glenn sheepishly and said, "That's why I don't talk that much."

 

What didn't fall flat was the rapport that was apparent between the members of Wilco and Jenny Lewis' band. I was starting to think maybe another guest turn on California Stars wasn't going to be in the cards, but Jeff once again said what an honor it had been to share the stage with the JLB — I reiterate that he doesn't say that about every opening band — and invited them all out for a goodbye-for-now jam. (For her part, during her set, Jenny said Wilco's songs were some of her favorites ever.) Afterward there were hugs and smiles all around, so I hope this is a collaboration we'll see more of somewhere down the line.

 

Here was the complete Wilco setlist, as played (didn't get a glimpse of a printed list tonight, so can't confirm if there were any deviations from the plan...but I suspect not):

 

More...

Random Name Generator

The Joke Explained

You Satellite

Taste The Ceiling

Pickled Ginger

Where Do I Begin

Cold Slope>

King Of You

Magnetized

Handshake Drugs

Camera

Muzzle Of Bees

Art Of Almost

At Least That's What You Said

Hummingbird

Secret of the Sea

Heavy Metal Drummer>

I'm The Man Who Loves You

Dawned On Me

Via Chicago

Jesus, etc.

Born Alone

Impossible Germany

The Late Greats

-----------------------------

Misunderstood*

I'm Always In Love*

It's Just That Simple*

War On War*

California Stars* (with Jenny Lewis Band — Jenny Lewis, Megan McCormick and Mike Bloom on acoustic guitar and backing vocals, Tristen Gaspadarek and Macey Taylor on tambourine and backing vocals and Josh Adams on shakers)

A Shot in the Arm*

 

*— performed hootenanny style with Jeff and John on acoustic guitars, Nels on dobro, Glenn on percussion, Mikael on melodica/acoustic guitar and Pat on banjo/glockenspiel

[TCP]

Just got back, drove down from Prince George to Vancouver to see this show, so sorry if this post sucks, I'm pretty exhausted. Jenny Lewis was pretty good, though a large portion of the audience just waited in the lobby during her performance, which was weird. Wilco was great, I'm happy I haven't been paying attention enough lately to know what their setlists were like beyond opening with Star Wars. Star Wars sounded good, and every song featured three guitars (or two guitars and a lap steel) which is always my favourite version of Wilco. After that everything was a surprise. Every number was great, and I was pretty happy the band played a large portion of A Ghost Is Born. Those songs sound so great live. This is my second time seeing Wilco, the first was in 2007 at The Malkin Bowl. I recall Impossible Germany being fantastic that night, but Nels tore the roof off the place tonight. My god Nels. My god.

The big surprise for me was the acoustic set at the end, I didn't see that coming. I've been listening to the acoustic Solid Sound roadcase while doing kitchen renos this summer but it was really something else to hear these songs in person. Misunderstood was definitely a highlight and featured Mikael on guitar (!!!). The crowd seemed to love John seeing It's Just That Simple, not a surprise, it's a great song and he does a great job singing it (and Nel's solo in it was top notch too). I could have used more singing from the crowd on some of those songs though, come on Vancouver.

California Stars with Jenny and her band was awesome, Jenny's voice was a good fit with Jeff. I kind of figured they'd do something together, that was a good fit.

The other star of the night was The Orpheum, that place and the staff were just top notch.

Spent way too much at Zulu Records today, and then way too much at the merch table. Oh well. Anytime you can get Wilco gear without having to pay Kung Fu the huge shipping prices, is good with me.

[blindgonzo]

Hello old friends 

 

What a night! I think tonight was my 12th time seeing Wilco live and I was excited to bring my best friend along for her first Wilco experience. I love seeing shows at the Orpheum Theatre. The sound is always really good and the place is just beautiful, head to toe. I am not very familiar with Jenny Lewis' music but I thought her set was really great and she played 2 quiet songs (no clue what their names are) with just her guitar and voice along with some backing vocals and you could hear a pin drop the audience was so enraptured. What a voice! I was actually really happy with the crowd at the Orpheum tonight. Even if the theatre wasn't full for Jenny's performance everyone was certainly paying attention to her and not chatting. 

 

I haven't given Star Wars too many listens yet so I was excited to hear the new songs in person to see how it all sounds live. The standouts for me were Random Name Generator, You Satellite, and Cold Slops>King of You. The audience was on their feet from the start and seemed pretty enthusiastic with all of the new songs to start things off. The rest of the main set just blew me away. The band just sounded SO GOOD ON EVERY SONG. I love me some Muzzle of Bees, Art of Almost, Secret of the Sea (I think this is the first time I've heard this one live...I'll have to double check), Dawned on Me, Via Chicago, and Impossible Germany. Oh Impossible Germany. Every time I've seen this song performed live I feel like it has to be the BEST performance of it that's every happened. It was no different tonight. I think this has become one of my top 5 favourite Wilco songs and I just feel it deep down in my core. Nels killed it. Absolutely. Crushed. It. 

 

I was totally surprised with the acoustic set up for the encore. I loved the contrast from the main sets wall of sound to this striped down folky set. Everything was perfect for me. I loved Pat's banjo flourishes, Nels' lap steel, and getting to hear Misunderstood, I'm Always in Love, and It's Just That Simple was amazing. I didn't see exactly when the band came on, I think it was 9:05 pm, and they played until 11:20 pm. Jeff didn't do much talking at all...it might be the quietest show from him I've ever seen, but he said they were just trying to fit in as much music as possible. I'll take it. 

 

I feel so grateful to have seen this amazing band again and to have shared it was a great audience!

[bböp]

I am not very familiar with Jenny Lewis' music but I thought her set was really great and she played 2 quiet songs (no clue what their names are) with just her guitar and voice along with some backing vocals and you could hear a pin drop the audience was so enraptured. What a voice!

FYI, pretty sure the two songs you were referring to were With Arms Outstretched (a Rilo Kiley song) and Acid Tongue (the title track of her second solo record).

 

For anyone interested, this was the complete setlist for Jenny Lewis' opening set, as played:

 

Silver Lining

Head Underwater

Slippery Slopes

With Arms Outstretched (with Megan McCormick and Tristen Gaspadarek only)

Just One Of The Guys

The New You

new song-Red Bull and Hennessy (live debut?)

She's Not Me

Acid Tongue

[bböp]

I could have used more singing from the crowd on some of those songs though, come on Vancouver.

Personally, I'm with you. I sort of wish the hootenanny would develop into more of a singalong-type thing, but it definitely didn't in Vancouver. Canadians aren't much for the crowd participation, I guess (except for the occasional clapping)?

 

Then again, I know there are people who never want to hear singing along. I saw a guy in the row in front of me put his fingers in his ears whenever a little singalong would break out. Like the standing vs. sitting debate, I don't know if there will ever be a solution that satisfies everyone...

 

But for the love of God, people, California Stars at the very least should be a singalong (as long as you know the correct lyrics)! Personally speaking, it's kind of the only way it's tolerable night after night.

[Albert Tatlock]

Personally speaking, it's kind of the only way it's tolerable night after night.

I get the same feeling from a single performance of Walken.

[The Inside of Outside]

I get the same feeling from a single performance of Walken.

Ditto.

[sonnyfeeling]

This seems like a good opportunity for someone to break out a "Will they please retire that song already?" thread.

[I'm braggin']

Really hope they continue with Muzzle of Bees this stretch. Haven't seen it once in 8 Wilco / 4 Jeff shows! Nels' playing at the end sounds kickass on Kicking Television.

[H.Stone]

Personally speaking, it's kind of the only way it's tolerable night after night.

I officially give you permission to take a night off! (You're welcome... )

[bböp]

I officially give you permission to take a night off! (You're welcome... )

Never! Battle of attrition, baby...

[elaho]

Another wonderful set from the boys. Love the Star Wars material, preformed excellent for the setting. This being the third time I have seen them at the Orpheum I noticed Jeffs vox was cranked from my seat (stage right - Nels). Some great gems, loved the Ghost material and lack of IATBYH. Nice encore great to see them go acoustic. Misunderstood was excellent nice change from the electric version which I think they had preformed at every previous Vancouver show from 1997 to now. Still 10 out 10 they are just so gooood...