Rock Out With Your Blog Out

What a get for Indy. Radiohead and Wilco on back-to-back nights. Our proud city was the unofficial site of Lollapalooza Jr. this year.

While I waited in line for a beer during the one song during Wilco’s set that didn’t really do anything for me (“Remember The Mountain Bed”), the guy in front of me pitched his Coors Light can into a trash receptacle positioned a few feet away, eschewing the recycling bin sitting adjacent. Normally, I wouldn’t have even noticed since I’m no Greezo or anything. But this guy (a hipster to the core) was wearing a vintage shirt with a cartoon bear and the edict “RECYCLE” printed on it. Of course, the person in front of him called him out for the hypocritical act, and the trendy bastard reached into the trash and righted his wrong.

Why am I sharing this anecdote? Well, first of all, it was hilarious to watch it unfold. But more importantly, it made me think about Wilco. Unlike the fashionable fool in line, Wilco never tries to be something they’re not. Critics (including yours truly) complained about Sky Blue Sky reversing the direction and momentum built up by Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost Is Born. But it’s important to remember that the boys from Wilco are as much an alt-country outfit as they are an indie rock band.

This was particularly evident during Monday night’s show, as the setlist was heavy on songs from Being There and even included “Casino Queen” from A.M. Wilco does whatever they want, and they do it quite well.

I’m reminded of the beautifully tacky Nudie suits that the band wore for their Lollapalooza performance. I don’t know many bands that could pull off that look. But it fits Wilco. They’re one of the most fun and eccentric groups I’ve ever seen.

My friends and I had a lengthy conversation trying to figure out what the song “Impossible Germany” is about. Does it matter? Not really, the lyrics are memorable and it just rocks live.

So did all of the other songs they played from Sky Blue Sky, which was quite a relief. I saw Wilco during the A Ghost Is Born tour and they melted my face with renditions of “At Least That’s What You Said” and “Spiders (Kidsmoke)”. But quite honestly, this show was even better. “Via Chicago” was probably the best opener I’ve heard from any band at any show this year. ”Pot Kettle Black” and “Forget The Flowers” were sweet mid-set surprises. “Hoodoo Voodoo” was equal parts insane and awe-inspiring. And the all-Being There second encore featuring a horn section served as a giant exclamation point. As in, I will never miss another Wilco concert ever again!*

* Keep in mind, I hate exclamation points. But the show was that tremendous.  

SETLIST

Via Chicago
Side With The Seeds
You Are My Face
One Wing
I Am Trying To Break Your Heart
Remember The Mountain Bed
Company In My Back
Handshake Drugs
Pot Kettle Black
Impossible Germany
Forget The Flowers
Jesus, Etc.
New Song (Kids Are Still Cool?)
Walken
I’m The Man Who Loves You
Spiders (Kidsmoke)
—
Hate It Here
Heavy Metal Drummer
Shot In The Arm
Casino Queen
Hoodoo Voodoo
—
Monday
Outtasite (Outta Mind)

Here’s the only video I could find of the show. Not a bad song to have A/V for. Credit to Amy Schramm.

“I Am Trying To Break Your Heart”