Monday, August 25, 2008

Wilco

I just saw Wilco for the second time. The first time was at Bumbershoot in 2002, and it is one of the two best concerts I've ever seen (the other was a Costello show, also at Bumbershoot in 1996, when he was playing with the Attractions, I think for the last time ever).

This Wilco show (the first time they have ever performed in my fair city), at what locals still prefer to call the Opera House, will not crack the top two, but it was definitely top ten. First of all, they played for two hours, while most modern concerts have a hard time breaking the 1.5 hour barrier. Second, they played a great selection of material--at least one song off each of their albums, I think. Third, they were mixed very well. I could hear every instrument clearly, and the sound was so true that I didn't even need to put in earplugs like I usually have to because of my terrible tinnitus. Fourth, the band was very, very tight. They're just crack musicians, all of them.

The best part about the Wilco show in 2002 is it made me love Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, a record I wasn't fond of at the time. The same happened at this show--because of the concert, I like Sky Blue Sky a lot more now.

In the end, this show solidified my feeling that Wilco is probably the best band working today, and one of my favorite musical acts of all time.

Take a look at the setlist here.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a cool concert and good setlist-they played a lot of my favorites.

How about the new Sedaris?

And what do you think of Mad Men, my personal favorite TV of the moment?

Anonymous said...

Remember that scene from I Am Trying to Break Your Heart where the band is constructing a setlist backstage and Jay wants to throw in a couple "easy-rockers" like Casino Queen or Monday? Jeff gives him a sneer and says they don't play songs like that anymore.

Well, I'm sorry I didn't run into you, but I was glad to see Wilco play an awesome show and even more glad to see Jeff being unafraid to have some fun (no one should aim for complete emotional catharsis everynight--it just ain't gonna happen... unless maybe you're wacked out on painkillers).

Eric said...

Pat:

The new Sedaris is good, but I have put it aside for now. It's easy to read in fits and starts.

As for Mad Men, it's funny how closely the characters and relationships mirror The Sopranos. Don as the troubled Tony, Patrick as the acolyte Christopher and so on. I'm only three episodes in, but I really like it.

Lane: Were you in town and you didn't call me? Jerk. I agree with your comment that Tweedy seemed to be having fun. It made me miss Jay Bennett less.

Anonymous said...

So, a review of Wilco, but not a single mention opening act Fleet Foxes. I couldn't believe it when I found out they were opening for Wilco AND they were actually playing a show in Spokane, and of course I wouldn't be there. Glad to hear it was good though.

Eric said...

I really wasn't impressed by Fleet Foxes. The mix was really muddy. I like them on CD better.

Anonymous said...

Whoops, sorry I didn't see you. I just figured I would. Next Time. Anyways, you might find this interesting: http://jeffpearsonpacrim.blogspot.com/