knotgreen Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 And so begins the Ode to Joy USA tour! What a treat to have the band back in town and at one of our nicest theaters. The last time Wilco took the stage at The Wang was in 2011 in support of The Whole Love (and featured one of my very favorite show posters to date - Ode to Citgo). The band took the stage at 8:30 and as they had done across Europe launched into two new ones: Bright Leaves and Before Us. I will say that one of my favorite parts of seeing this band on a tour in which they're supporting new material is to experience how the new songs integrate with older material. That was what I was thinking about anyway as they followed up Before Us with IATTBYH, a transition that felt... harmonious? In that context, I'm always so taken by how these songs feel so compatible and yet there's a tremendous range song-to-song, stylistically, tonally, etc. I'm thinking specifically about the four-song run: How to Fight Loneliness, Bull Black Nova, Random Name Generator, and Reservations, but you could easily say that about several different segments of the evening's set. There was very little in the way of banter, and even less when you account for the fact that one of the few times Jeff took to the mic to chat the majority of us couldn't hear what he was saying. Something about Glenn visiting a cymbals factory? And a reply to a heckle about "USA!" There were a couple of technical difficulties which started (I believe) during Box Full of Letters. I was standing pretty far to Nels' side and was two rows back from the pit. The speaker in front of me cut out during part of the song and then came back. I assumed that the band noticed, but they made no comment and soon launched into Everyone Hides. This is when the sound really dropped out and the song stopped. A quick scramble and Jeff requested a larger acoustic guitar and opted to play New Madrid without amplification while the crew worked to make things right. To start, he was joined only by Glenn who played his kit softly with brushes behind him. Not long into New Madrid did things fall back into place and with the full band in tow they finished the song and returned to Everyone Hides. Per Jeff: “When life gives you lemons... play New Madrid.” Presumably due to "lost time" Wilco never left the stage after the main set's finale, I'm the Man Who Loves You. “Let’s pretend we went off stage, you guys cheered, and we came back.” I thought for sure that Misunderstood would be the last song of the night, but the boys treated to a second and final encore thereafter with proper exiting and returning to the stage. Start time: 8:30"Encore" break 1: 10:15Encore break 2: 10:25End: 10:40 Bright LeavesBefore UsI am Trying to Break Your HeartKameraIf I Ever Was a ChildHandshake DrugsOne and a Half StarsHummingbirdWhite Wooden CrossVia ChicagoHow to Fight LonelinessBull Black NovaRandom Name GeneratorReservationsWe Were LuckyLove is Everywhere (Beware)Impossible GermanyBox Full of Letters (sound cut left speaker)Everyone Hides (aborted due to sound failure)New Madrid (Jeff w/o mic, then full band once sound returned)Everyone HidesHeavy Metal DrummerI’m the Man Who Loves You-------------------------Hold Me AnywayMisunderstood-------------------------Red-Eyed and Blue >I Got You (At The End of the Century)I’m Always In LoveI’m a Wheel Quote Link to post Share on other sites
u2roolz Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 Amazing show! I have the same set & times written down. That PA issue scared the shit out of me. I thought the show was over. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Atticus Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 Killer encore Quote Link to post Share on other sites
u2roolz Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 Killer encoreThat was a fucking killer old school encore! So amazing! I always expect the amazing, but the show is so well paced & fresh. Can’t wait for night 2. Staying in Boston over night 10 minutes from the venue. Came back in time to catch 4th quarter of Patriots’ game @ 11pm. Edit: Everyone stood the whole night right from the moment that they came out. And I could tell. I was in the last row in box seats. Had 2 people to the right of me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
worldrecordplayer Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 Loved the show! The OTJ tunes were intense. Like someone said, very well paced setlist. Every time I see Wilco I come away absolutely marveling at Glenn and tonight was no exception. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bböp Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 Looks like a good ‘un! Crazy about the PA going out, but sometimes that makes for an even more memorable show... Thanks for the quick reports, and a special shoutout to knotgreen for following the titling “protocol.” It didn’t go unnoticed! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jbray Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 I’d say that “New Madrid” wasn’t solo then full band. All of the amps were on and the band was playing incredibly quietly as not to drown out Jeff’s voice. I could absolutely hear John’s bass following along and Glenn has his brushes out. The had just gotten Mikael a melodica when the system came back up. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
worldrecordplayer Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 Not to be overlooked is how much I liked the backdrop and lights. Great work! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
knotgreen Posted October 11, 2019 Author Share Posted October 11, 2019 Looks like a good ‘un! Crazy about the PA going out, but sometimes that makes for an even more memorable show... Thanks for the quick reports, and a special shoutout to knotgreen for following the titling “protocol.” It didn’t go unnoticed! The very least I can do in your absence! I’d say that “New Madrid” wasn’t solo then full band. All of the amps were on and the band was playing incredibly quietly as not to drown out Jeff’s voice. I could absolutely hear John’s bass following along and Glenn has his brushes out. The had just gotten Mikael a melodica when the system came back up. My vantage point was such that I really only heard Jeff and a little of Glenn. It was certainly more stripped down than a proper "unplugged" rendition, and closer to a JT solo rendition. At least that's probably what most of the venue could hear, if they could hear anything at all. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Madcap Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 I was excited to see New Madrid in the setlist, hopefully that wasn't just a one off due to technical difficulties! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jbray Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 My vantage point was such that I really only heard Jeff and a little of Glenn. It was certainly more stripped down than a proper "unplugged" rendition, and closer to a JT solo rendition. At least that's probably what most of the venue could hear, if they could hear anything at all. From the balcony, it was clear that the whole band was trying to contribute with Pat and Mikael kind of struggling (it's hard to describe). The amps were still on, just unmic'd. It was extreme due to the fact that their amps overpowered his voice quite a bit (think about how "Everyone Hides" take 1 sounded. They knew it and they were trying to accommodate. I was excited to see New Madrid in the setlist, hopefully that wasn't just a one off due to technical difficulties! It was completely unscheduled. As Knotgreen wrote, they cut out the encore ritual to compensate for the lost time. It was pretty clear that they did not plan to add an additional song and had improvised. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rjhesq Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 Loved it. FOB audience up on etree (see "In A Future Age"). I won't be there tonight, hopefully someone else will record. If you bring gear, bookmark the Wilco taping policy on your phone, and be prepared to employ some misdirection and Jedi Mind Tricks. Here's one got me in the door: Security: You can't bring that in here.Me: They allow audience taping, I'm allowed.Security: You can't bring that in here.Me: Surely you don't think I'd bring all this stuff here if I weren't allowed to record....Security: Go check in at that next table..... at the "next table" further hi-jinx ensued, and I was directed to "check in "at the desk on the left, you need a wristband".another hint - don't do it. that's the photo pass desk, photographers need passes and wristbands, tapers don't (see Wilco taping policy) there was all kinds of hand-wringing and exercises of authority and abuses of power going on over there, I avoided it like the plague. I had to dodge at least one more suit before I got to my seat and set up. thought I was home free. after the show, I'm breaking down, anothersecurity guy wants to see my "note from the band". What? "you need a note from the band to do that". That's when I pulled my phone out, showed him the Wilco taping policy, and he walked off, somewhat disappointed he didn't make the big bust. Have fun kids! https://wilcoworld.net/photo-and-taping-policies/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
theashtraysays Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 Stellar review!!!!Soooooo glad that the Nova made it back across the pond intact and with another worthy running buddy (RNG). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sam224 Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 Went last night after having seen many shows since 2004. While, yes, the music was predictably professional, creative and amazing I found the whole experience to be a bit of a characiture of itself. It felt like being in a Disney world exhibit - "wilco: the concert experience." Perhaps it was the all white (albeit one), predominantly male, aging hipster makeup of the audience, an audience whose beards are now slightly more well kempt, whose clothes are slightly more expensive, whose lives are, one could imagine, more stable than than years gone by. My girlfriend helped elucidate how very Male the energy was in the place and it didnt help being surrounded by drunk bros having love fests with themselves in scenes that snl would have been hard put to improve.Or maybe it was the balding late thirties man in a plaid button down pogoing in the front row as if this was lounge ax c. 2000. I felt bad for the band having to play. For jeff standing in as a substitute for the chaos and creativity and defiance we subdue. But of course jeff himself has softened and calmed over time himself. Likely it was all my projections and personal losses and I sound like just another schmuck pining for the glory days when things felt edgier and hope could be scraped out of three hours with a band I adored. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SarahC Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 Went last night after having seen many shows since 2004. While, yes, the music was predictably professional, creative and amazing I found the whole experience to be a bit of a characiture of itself. It felt like being in a Disney world exhibit - "wilco: the concert experience." Perhaps it was the all white (albeit one), predominantly male, aging hipster makeup of the audience, an audience whose beards are now slightly more well kempt, whose clothes are slightly more expensive, whose lives are, one could imagine, more stable than than years gone by. My girlfriend helped elucidate how very Male the energy was in the place and it didnt help being surrounded by drunk bros having love fests with themselves in scenes that snl would have been hard put to improve.Or maybe it was the balding late thirties man in a plaid button down pogoing in the front row as if this was lounge ax c. 2000. I felt bad for the band having to play. For jeff standing in as a substitute for the chaos and creativity and defiance we subdue. But of course jeff himself has softened and calmed over time himself. Likely it was all my projections and personal losses and I sound like just another schmuck pining for the glory days when things felt edgier and hope could be scraped out of three hours with a band I adored.Why are you trying to squash other people’s fun? Pogoing guy was having fun...who cares how old he is or what he’s wearing? It sounds like it’s more a you issue than a band issue... if they didn’t wanna play shows, don’t you think they’d stop touring so consistently? They play cos they like it, they’re professionals at what they do, yes, but they obviously still get something out of it, too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
worldrecordplayer Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 Likely it was all my projections and personal losses and I sound like just another schmuck pining for the glory days when things felt edgier and hope could be scraped out of three hours with a band I adored.Well, you got something right! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
chisoxjtrain Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 Why are you trying to squash other people’s fun? Pogoing guy was having fun...who cares how old he is or what he’s wearing? It sounds like it’s more a you issue than a band issue... if they didn’t wanna play shows, don’t you think they’d stop touring so consistently? They play cos they like it, they’re professionals at what they do, yes, but they obviously still get something out of it, too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The Inside of Outside Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 I'm with knotgreen: this section - How to Fight Loneliness, Bull Black Nova, Random Name Generator, and Reservations - was really memorable. When they finished Reservations, I thought, "What a great run of songs there". I am not a huge fan of hearing How to Fight Loneliness at their shows, but last night's was definitely the best version I have heard. I thought the new songs fit really well with the older material. I like OTJ; I love it live. The new songs come off as much more muscular than the vinyl versions, generally due to Glenn's playing, and they played other songs that matched this forcefulness - Bull Black Nova (which has been tweaked), Handshake Drugs (also a bit different from past versions), and Misunderstood come to mind. They are firing on all cylinders. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
roadhse ma Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 Enjoyed last night performance immensely. So glad they are doing two in my hometown. It’s great to see many familiar faces from different places I have met over the years. Hoping for Dawned on me Almost Don’t forget the flowers California Stars * almost a Given Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Albert Tatlock Posted October 12, 2019 Share Posted October 12, 2019 I won't be there tonight, hopefully someone else will record. If you bring gear, bookmark the Wilco taping policy on your phone, and be prepared to employ some misdirection and Jedi Mind Tricks. Here's one got me in the door: I'm not a great one for listening to show tapes, but appreciate the work done by the likes of yourself when I do hear something that is available that I was particularly interested in. On behalf of all of us, thanks to you and others for your efforts. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dagwave Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 Went last night after having seen many shows since 2004. While, yes, the music was predictably professional, creative and amazing I found the whole experience to be a bit of a characiture of itself. It felt like being in a Disney world exhibit - "wilco: the concert experience." Perhaps it was the all white (albeit one), predominantly male, aging hipster makeup of the audience, an audience whose beards are now slightly more well kempt, whose clothes are slightly more expensive, whose lives are, one could imagine, more stable than than years gone by. My girlfriend helped elucidate how very Male the energy was in the place and it didnt help being surrounded by drunk bros having love fests with themselves in scenes that snl would have been hard put to improve.Or maybe it was the balding late thirties man in a plaid button down pogoing in the front row as if this was lounge ax c. 2000. I felt bad for the band having to play. For jeff standing in as a substitute for the chaos and creativity and defiance we subdue. But of course jeff himself has softened and calmed over time himself. Likely it was all my projections and personal losses and I sound like just another schmuck pining for the glory days when things felt edgier and hope could be scraped out of three hours with a band I adored.. Hmmmmm......never mind. I’ll save energy for spreading love. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
theashtraysays Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 . Hmmmmm......never mind. I’ll save energy for spreading love.See, you're growing into a fine, upstanding adult now.And they said it would never happen....Cheers bro! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dagwave Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 See, you're growing into a fine, upstanding adult now.And they said it would never happen....Cheers bro!Ha! Definitely a work in progress Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sinko25 Posted October 14, 2019 Share Posted October 14, 2019 I have a love/hate relationship with Boston audiences ... people yelling shit like "Go pats!" when there's a moment of silence/downtime is embarrassing. On the other hand, there's a certain energy a lot of Boston crowds bring that can elevate the experience at times. (Shows in Portland ME, for example, tend to have a more subdued audience). This duality was on full display at this show. Loved the show, nice to see the band in a great-sounding theater after consecutive Solid Sounds. Props to the crew for dealing with the PA issue fairly quickly, and to the band for doing their best to play through it. Bull Black Nova kicks so much ass these days. Huge highlight every time. Most of the new material is fitting in well and has begun to evolve a little now that they've been playing it for a bit. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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