Thank you Jeff Tweedy
(Re)discovering WILCO about a year ago has had a bunch of positive effects on me. Apart from the pure enjoyment of devouring the rest of Wilco’s remarkable catalog, I’ve gradually become interested in pop music again..! Meaning (for me), a lot more catching up to do, finally discovering artists like Stephen Malkmus, Ron Sexsmith, Feist, Golden Smog, The White Stripes, Interpol, Ryan Adams, and Ray Lamontagne. It’s been a great year. I even started writing some music reviews for the Owl and Bear site.
My hats off to Tweedy: through many lineup changes, label difficulties, personal issues, and the demands of a young family, he’s not only continued to bloom as a songwriter, but along with remaining founding member John Stirratt, has maintained Wilco’s ethos and vision- while allowing the band to grow. I truly believe Wilco is the finest American rock band since The Band. They’re at the top of their game, and have a rabid following of devoted fans. Wilco have also been forward-thinking in encouraging show taping and music sharing/downloading….leaking their last few records to fans in advance of their release (what a concept). They’ve also supported vinyl by releasing most of the albums on LP.
If you don’t know their music - all of their albums are streamed in decent quality on their web site. I’d suggest starting with the stunning live disc Kicking Television, which features the current lineup, or with their seminal 2003 release Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.
Wilco’s insanely gifted lineup now includes guitar virtuoso Nels Cline, and avant garde percussion whiz Glenn Kotche - both very accomplished musicians with vibrant solo careers of their own. Wilco just wrapped up a 6 month world tour in support of the excellent Sky Blue Sky, and after a 3 month break will finish the loop with shows in Japan and Australia. Let’s hope they tour here again in 2008.
‘The finest rock band in the world.’ Independent On Sunday
‘One of the best live bands in existence.’ Q
‘Wilco are among the best live acts in the world. When this band are on stage, wonders really do never cease.’ Financial Times
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