Wilco: Album by Album

Discussion in 'Music Corner' started by Parachute Woman, May 11, 2020.

  1. Parachute Woman

    Parachute Woman Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    In addition to loving transitional albums, I am a double album fiend. I love double albums. I'm a lover of the deep cut and that's what the true art of a great double album is. I love listening to an artist stretch out and explore, getting into more personal places, often weirder places. Many of my favorite albums are doubles, Being There among them.
     
  2. Zeki

    Zeki Forum Resident

    Quick aside: between A.M. and Being There, Jay Bennett and some of the others provided backing outside of Wilco. Wilco’s manager called it ‘whoring out the Wilco sound’ (or something close to that).

    This is from 1996 release, Rocking Horse Head. No Depression magazine review: “Recruiting Jay Bennett, Ken Coomer and Max Johnston to back him on Rocking Horse Head all but guaranteed that wouldn’t happen this time out. The band’s sympathetic backing on everything from yearning ballads (“Dear Lord”, “Open House”) to crunching rockers (“Don’t Stop”, “Good Planets Are Hard to Find”) is never less than inspired. Indeed, the record’s uptempo material would have fit nicely onto either Crazy Horse’s 1971 debut or the “Rockin’ Side” of the long-lost Nils Lofgren/Grin LP 1+1. Forbert’s lyrics are sometimes a bit formulaic (“Moon Man”, “Good Planets”), but on the whole, his latest may be his best album since his first.”

     
  3. Rockford & Roll

    Rockford & Roll Forum Resident

    Location:
    Midway, KY

    Thanks for posting this. I'm a big Forbert fan and had no idea these guys played on the record.
     
  4. awsop

    awsop Forum Resident

    Location:
    Netherlands
    "What's The World Got In Store"
    The highlight of this song for me is at 0:48, when after a lullaby-like intro of voice and banjo, the full band sets in. But so gentle, as not to disturb the one he's singing to (his newborn child?).
    Since reading this thread from Being There on, I've started seriously listening to Wilco and it feels like I've entered a goldmine. Amazing melodies, amazing songs.
     
  5. HenryH

    HenryH Miserable Git

    I considered using that word, but then I realized that it might be a bit too harsh. However, I certainly can see this as a "transitional" album, and in a good way.
     
  6. NettleBed

    NettleBed Forum Transient

    Location:
    new york city
    Here's a thread: what are the deepest deep cuts on double albums that are favorites?

    I might go with Turd on the Run and Supernatural Anaesthetist. Those are about as deep as it gets, but I love both.
     
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  7. Knox Harrington

    Knox Harrington Forum Resident

    Hello all. I am loving this thread, big fan of Wilco. Thanks Parachute Woman!

    Just wanted to mention a few things re Being There.

    The instrumentation of the first few songs is so different in each of the first five songs and yet I never get the sense that this is a different band from song to song. You've got the solid rhythm section of Coomer and Stiratt and on top of that you lay the vocals/lyrics/main melody of Tweedy and the counter melodies and multiple instruments of Bennett.

    I think that both Tweedy and Bennett are comfortable in the music, they each have distinct musical voices (one vocal, the other instrumental) and a lot of the magic of the album is the counterpoint between Tweedy (main melody) and Bennett (counter melody). As the album progresses through different musical styles and instruments, the through-line is that rhythm section and the melodic interplay between Tweedy and Bennett.

    Monday is this Stonesian rocker but is very thoughtfully constructed. Ken Coomer has a great feel on this one and lays down a powerful drum part. The instrument that pushes this into classic territory for me is Bennett's use of the clavinet (I think that's the keyboard he's playing--he definitely uses it on Kingpin). It's the instrument Stevie Wonder used on Superstitious. It's not something that you'd hear any other 90s band use, and it works perfectly--doesn't sound like a novelty item or a gimmick. The clavinet paired with the open G Keith Richards lick really is an inspired combo. It both conjures the 1970s but seems very unique.
     
  8. HenryH

    HenryH Miserable Git

    Weird. I would never consider ...and then there were three a transitional album. :sigh:
     
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  9. frightwigwam

    frightwigwam Talented Amateur

    Location:
    Oregon
    I was just listening to 1995-09-10 First Avenue, Minneapolis. At the end of a tour leg, just before they would begin recording Being There.

    Some moments of interest:

    After the opening song, Jeff announces, "This is our first all-ages show, I think. Well, first special show, second day, just so the kids could come, kind of show. But you guys don't look like kids. Sure are quiet, though." (crowd cheers)

    After John gets to sing "It's Not That Simple," Jeff says, "Try another new song, if that's alright. We played it last night, we'll play it again. It's called, 'Don't You Honey Me.'" He must have liked this song quite a bit, at the time, but for some reason it didn't make the album cut, and I don't think it was released until Alpha Mike Foxtrot came out. (The "B-sides" on the "Outtasite (Outta Mind)" CD single were "Thirteen" and "Blasting Florida.") Later in the show, they also try out, "Outtasite (Outta Mind)"; the second guitar part is a bit countrified, but otherwise it sounds similar to the album version.

    After "Box Full of Letters," Jeff takes issue with some guys who aren't getting into the music, sufficiently. "Did your parents drop you off here, and like, you didn't really want to come or something? Okay. I mean, I don't care if you're not digging it, you know, it's cool. I guess, you know... Get a little pumped up or something. Both of you, all night long, it's been like... (presumably Jeff mimics them) Sh--, man. We're workin' hard, pal." (crowd cheers) The band follows this with "The Long Cut," one of Jeff's Uncle Tupelo songs.

    The fiddle and guitar interlude in "Casino Queen" kind of breaks down, sort of like the deconstruction on some of Being There, but I'm not sure that they're doing it on purpose, here. "That's jammin'!" Jeff calls out in the midst of it, perhaps ironically.

    After singing "Watch Me Fall," Jeff says with a bemused tone, "You're throwing, not tomatoes, but packaged ketchup. This guy eats gallons of ketchup. Literally." Was someone actually throwing ketchup packets on stage?

    Before the last encore, "We'd like to invite some friends up to play with us. Jayhawks dudes. And Craig. Gary. Gary, I think you owe me some money... this shirt." Jeff must have been repping the Jayhawks by wearing their merch, I guess.

    Before the final number, "You don't get an opportunity to play a song when somebody who wrote it is right across the street playing the Enormodome, every day. So, we're gonna go ahead and play it." (Technically, the Metrodome was not across the street from First Avenue, but we'll allow him some poetic license.) As they're wrapping up "Listen to Her Heart," Jeff shouts, "Take that, Tom Petty!" And the song and concert ends in feedback.
     
  10. Parachute Woman

    Parachute Woman Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    This is wonderful to hear! That's the absolute best thing that can come out of a thread like this. Welcome to the fandom. :wave:

    Cool thread idea! You should start that one.
     
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  11. Parachute Woman

    Parachute Woman Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    Thanks for the breakdown. Very interesting. The 'ketchup packet' eater was Jay Bennett. Jeff Tweedy basically introduces him in his book by talking about the insane amount of ketchup Jay ate. :)
     
  12. mark winstanley

    mark winstanley Certified dinosaur, who likes physical product

    Me either, but that's the popular opinion :)
     
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  13. wavethatflag

    wavethatflag God is love, but get it in writing.

    Location:
    SF Bay Area
    If you don't pay enough attention to the band, it bothers Jeff. If you pay too much attention, it bothers Jeff. I guess he wants everyone to enjoy the show, but somehow silently or unobtrusively.

    Dad rock!
     
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  14. John C Bradley Jr

    John C Bradley Jr Forum Resident

    Location:
    Columbia, SC
    One of the sort of underlying currents of Wilco from Being There through Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is the dynamic and the musical relationship between Jeff and Jay Bennett. It seems incredibly complicated and I would not start to understand it, but I am fascinated by it. I have read the Kot book (but a long time ago), seen the movie and read Jeff's memoir and I don't even start to understand that relationship. I am certainly not in the camp of those who say Wilco's best music was made when Jay was part of the band (although I have fellow Wilco fans who totally feel that way - we have argued in a good spirited way) and reading Jeff's book I certainly understand that Jeff felt there were personal/well being reasons why Jay had to go and certainly there was a feeling that the relationship from a creative standpoint had certainly run its course. And I totally get and understand all of that.

    I've been thinking about this a lot today. I listened to Being There again last night (3rd night in a row) and it really just seems to me that Jay is all over a lot of it. Or it seems to be that way to me and it kind of made me a bit sad for some reason.
     
  15. frightwigwam

    frightwigwam Talented Amateur

    Location:
    Oregon
    When listening to Wilco, I often recall one show where Jeff says something like, "Let's get this party started... with more mid-tempo rock!"

    Listening to "What's the World Got in Store" now, my quick take is, "Big Star with banjo." I was going to say, it's no wonder that they were invited to contribute to a Big Star tribute album, but I don't know whether they recorded "Thirteen" during these sessions or after the album came out. (Well, "Thirteen" is on the "Outtasite" CD single, so I guess they just had Big Star on their minds during the sessions.) It is a lovely lyric and recording, in any case. I'm sure that it must be addressed to Jeff's wife and baby; thanks to Parachute Woman and others for your insightful comments on that point. I hadn't thought of it, myself, but you've given me a greater appreciation for the song, now.

    I was thinking last night that if I were the producer working under orders to trim the album down to 14 songs, this one might have to be one of the tracks on the chopping block. Now, I don't know. I'd kinda hate to lose it.
     
  16. Parachute Woman

    Parachute Woman Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    A very complicated relationship indeed. I love all Wilco (as this thread should prove with time) but Jay and Jeff did have a very special musical chemistry. They seemed to bring out the best in each other. Artistically. Personally, it may have been just the opposite.

    I believe the midtempo rock comment is actually on Kicking Television! I love it. I think Jeff's feelings towards the crowd are definitely marked by his anxiety. You swing back and forth between seeking approval and love, and worrying that in paying too much attention to you other people will notice your flaws more easily.

    He's sensitive, essentially.
     
  17. NettleBed

    NettleBed Forum Transient

    Location:
    new york city
    Ok, I can't resist... :)

    Possibly that's because instead moving in a particular direction it goes nowhere?
     
  18. gjp163

    gjp163 Forum Resident

    Location:
    Wamberal Beach
    What’s The World Got In Store.

    Now I know why am on this thread. I stated yesterday that after I Got You BT wavers in quality and I‘ve had my own BT playlist for a long time but I’d never included this track. I have corrected this anomaly now lol. Thanks Wilcoheads & Parachute Woman :righton:
     
  19. Lance LaSalle

    Lance LaSalle Prince of Swollen Sinus

    "What's the World Got In Store": "Big Star With Banjos."

    Pretty apt, @frightwigwam. But that's definitely a good thing.

    Some nice harmonies here, too. Great song.
     
  20. Parachute Woman

    Parachute Woman Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    Calling @rancher ! I know he was looking forward to this one:

    Hotel Arizona


    A major highlight of the album, 'Hotel Arizona' is a song all about that touring/promoting lifestyle but unlike a lot of rock songs covering that subject matter, this one isn't really about the debauchery or the fun. It's about the work (interviews) and the feelings of disconnect. 'Hotel Arizona' is even a marked contrast to 'Monday' earlier on this same album. Here we have lyrics that are more contemplative and touch on the difficulties of creating meaningful connections with other people while living a rock star lifestyle. This isn't something that comes easily to Jeff. It is something "he has to get used to." A hotel by its very nature is a transient place...just a stop on the way to your actual destination. Living in hotels means your entire life becomes somewhat transient. Never settled. It's very interesting to listen to a song that touches on the psychological damage of that kind of lifestyle.

    Musically, 'Hotel Arizona' is absolutely exceptional. Like a few other tracks on this album, it starts out one way but builds and shifts and turns as it grows. The arrangement is surprising and deeply satisfying. The drums have the pound and kick of a rocker, but the vocals are treated and detached. The backing vocals come in with poppy (but spectral) doo-doo-doos. And then the breakdown...oh goodness. Astonishing. Jeff cries out for connection (Hello? Can you hear me?) as the music swirls into that gorgeous keyboard break followed by a guitar solo I find honestly emotional and heartrending. It isn't flashy, but it hits just the right chords for me. And then things quiet down again at the end, as Jeff hears a worried whisper right in his ear...This song is only about 3:37 but it feels epic all the same. A brilliant collaboration between Jeff and Jay, who brings a fantastic composition to new heights. One of the best songs on Being There for me.

    (I suppose it's a Hotel California reference, but I think this is the better song!!)
     
  21. Parachute Woman

    Parachute Woman Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    There is a FAB live version of 'Hotel Arizona' on the deluxe version of Being There from the complete 11/12/96 show included on the set.



    This guitar solo is an exercise in the power of restraint. It just works.
     
  22. Zeki

    Zeki Forum Resident

    I can hear keyboards at the same time as the guitar, so this must be Jeff Tweedy playing that solo on guitar. Is that right?

    No matter, it’s brilliant. Pulled me further and further into the song.
     
  23. Parachute Woman

    Parachute Woman Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    Must be! Jeff's good on guitar. He's usually had better guitarists than himself in the band and let them handle most of it, but he can play with an awful lot of emotion and (as I say) restraint. Of course, A Ghost is Born is the best exploration of Jeff on guitar. But we'll get there!
     
  24. Al Gator

    Al Gator You can call me Al

    I'm probably going to be the exception for Hotel Arizona because I'm not a fan of the song. The melody isn't very interesting to me and it comes off as a bit repetitive by the end. It's got some interesting pieces but doesn't pull together as a whole for me. Oh well.
     
  25. Fortuleo

    Fortuleo Used to be a Forum Resident

    Good song. Though not really a highlight for me, it's clearly one of the defining songs on the album, thematically. Most of the time, I tend to make a distinction between "Wilco band songs" (the ones I'm happy to hear at a Wilco show) and "singer-songwriter Tweedy songs" (the ones that I pray he'll do whenever I have the chance to see one of his solo acoustic performances). Sometimes the distinction is not that clear, but this one definitely falls in the "band songs" category, and an excellent one at that.
     

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