Venue: The Fabulous Fox Theatre, Atlanta
Support: None needed
In the Company of: Peter & Shazia
Wilco (The Experience)
The Wilco experience is something to anticipate and savor. Jeff Tweedy leads a group of musicians who are dedicated to making excellent music. From back in his Uncle Tupelo days, Tweedy has weaved his craft, balancing alt-country with alt-rock on the high wire of everything in between. Touring in support of their latest album, Wilco (The Album), the band played an inspired two hour and fifty minute set at the sold-out Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta.
As the lights dimmed, fans heard a robotic voice discussing “What we don’t want you to do” (pictures, video) and “What we do want you to do” (audio recording, sing along, song requests). Shortly afterward, on came the Price is Right theme song and Wilco took to the stage to screaming fans. The band began the evening with – what else – “Wilco (The Song)” (“Are you under the impression / This isn't your life / Do you dabble in depression / Is someone twisting a knife in your back / Are you being attacked / Oh, this is a fact that you need to know oh, oh, oh, oh / Wilco, Wilco, Wilco will love you baby”). Between notes as the song ended, that robotic voice introduced each member of the band.
During one of Tweedy’s numerous exchanges with fans, some guy down front complained that his friend was kicked out for taking a picture. Tweedy said, “He took a picture, was warned, and took another one, right? Isn’t that how it happened? (all the while smiling and nodding his head.) Well, I can’t help you, buddy.” As the guy continued his complaining, Tweedy said, “Okay, I don’t want to hear from you anymore. It’s not all about you, ya know!” When the crowd erupted in laughter and applause, the guy threw his ticket in the air and stomped off. He later returned, and Tweedy said, “Did you get everything worked out? I thought you were gone. That was quite a tantrum. I’m glad you worked everything out!”
Moving on, one of the evening’s highlights had to be “Impossible Germany.” This song stood out particularly due to the guitar wizardry of Nels Cline. He blew away everyone in the house with his style and sonic power. Incredible. Even more incredible was Cline’s transition into Wilco’s acoustic set. Lamps were brought out on stage, drummer extraordinaire Glenn Kotche had a mobile drum kit set up right in front, and all guitars were acoustics. The boys played about eight songs acoustically, including a nice version of “Casino Queen.” “This is the way we like to play,” Tweedy informed. In between songs, he called out names of some lucky fans who had placed song requests on the Wilco World website and handed them gift certificates to local restaurants. Nice touch.
“Passenger Side” tells the story of riding with someone less than sober (“Hey, wake up, your eyes weren't open wide / For the last couple of miles you've been swerving from side to side / You're gonna make me spill my beer if you don't learn how to steer”).
Before the beautiful “Jesus, Etc.” was performed, Tweedy asked the audience to sing along. Then he said, “Why don’t you just sing it on your own?” So, the crowd of Wilco fans sang every word as if they had been rehearsing for this. It was a glorious sound. Afterward, he exclaimed, “That was really good…that was exceptional…that was ground breaking!” The band went on to dedicate another song to the future wife of their drum tech (she was in the audience). “I could have done it tonight,” Tweedy said, “because I’m an ordained minister.”
As the evening progressed, the fans remained standing. The lush padding of the Fabulous Fox Theatre’s comfy seats was never utilized. The Crowd stood the entire show (even much of the balcony). Tweedy recognized this and was impressed.
After they said their thank yous and goodnights, there was one encore. “This is for Alex Chilton,” Tweedy announced, and proceeded to play Big Stars’ “Thank You, Friends.” Most of the band took a shot at singing a verse or two, to honor the late Chilton. There was no opening band, as no one else could really live up to this night.
Set List:
Wilco (The Song)
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
Bull Black Nova
You Are My Face
One Wing
A Shot in the Arm
Side with the Seeds
Deeper Down
Nothing'severgonnastandinmyway(again)
Wishful Thinking
Impossible Germany
California Stars
Poor Place
Acoustic Set:
Spiders (Kidsmoke)
Far, Far Away
You and I
Laminated Cat
War on War
Hesitating Beauty
Casino Queen
Passenger Side
Airline to Heaven
Via Chicago
Handshake Drugs
You Never Know
Heavy Metal Drummer
Can't Stand It
Jesus, Etc.
Theologians
Hate It Here
Walken
I'm the Man Who Loves You
I'm a Wheel
Encore:
Thank You, Friends
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