December 8, 2008 at 3:01pm
Wilco at the Auditorium
PHOTO BY FRANK DE BLASE
I'm constantly trying to re-invent my concert-going experience. I've never really had a particular ritual, but finding new ways to dig, without getting too abstract, can be tough. I always liked Uncle Tupelo, and its spin-offs, Wilco and Son Volt. I think initially I was more on the Son Volt side of the street, if for nothing more than the anger in the guitars. But with Wilco, you could hear something epic brewing; a band that needed to be around long enough to get what was in, out.
But instead of digging out the Wilco discs I had buried somewhere, I kept myself in the dark until show time Saturday night, opting to catch the concert as a body of work, a moment in time, rather than wait for my pre-approved and chosen favorites. Well, it worked. I was blown away - and so was the sold-out crowd. Rochester loves its Americana.
Let's start with the sound. I've heard some of the worst shows at the Auditorium Theatre from bands that simply overpower the room. However, Wilco filled the room majestically with dynamics and depth.
And I got two words for you: Nels Cline. Ho-ly shit. Cline's lead guitar made the night for me as he shifted from soundscapes and shades to full-throttle alt-country twang that busted cobwebs in the farthest reaches of the joint. This cat was incredible. I was enthralled.
And though I kept a soft focus throughout, a few gems stuck out for me, particularly "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart" and "Handshake Drugs." It was fun to listen to the show orchestrally, as though it was one body of work. And Wilco is the perfect band to pull it off.
Why can't we call this pop?
I'm not sure if this is "tongue in cheek", but let's assume so (I'm referring to the "No Wave"...
That drums bass band was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!
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Comments for "CONCERT REVIEW: Wilco" (8)
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Mary Lou Mattle said on Dec. 08, 2008 at 4:32pm
HOT, HOT, HOT, Not only the musicians, The music was HOT too. I have never heard of Wilco before, I went with my sister-in-law. We had a great time. I have to go buy some CD's
liffy said on Dec. 08, 2008 at 9:53pm
Thank you to the City Newspaper and Frank in particular for a great alternative to the main newspaper. A live music review that talks about live music, intelligently I might add, fancy that. Great job!
stanley said on Dec. 08, 2008 at 11:15pm
The show sounded great in a room that I've only heard sound terrible... The crowd loved it and hopefully they come back! Nels Cline takes this band to a whole new level. Tweedy's words and Cline's guitars - granted they are one of my favorite bands ever - but this show totally blew me away. It started out iffy but built to such an undeniable crescendo.... amazing!
jimpe said on Dec. 09, 2008 at 9:27am
You mean "Son Volt", as in progeny- not photovoltaics...
Nils Cline's guitarorama reminded me of how much I miss Television & Richard Lloyd/Tom Verlaine. He is amazing! But before we cannonize the man, recall in fact, that he missed several "lead" opportunities with a few songs from the back-catalog (notably "Pasenger Side" from AM). Really, the percussion of Glenn Kotche shouldn't be overlooked. The man is FREAKING amazing (as evidenced by Tweedy's flower-laiden overtures having lost the drummer the previous night, opening for Neil Young inToronto) to Kotche's obligation to perform at some place called Carnegie Hall with some group called the Kronos Quartet... Pick up an album by Loose Fur, "Born-again in the USA" which features Kotche, Tweedy and Jim O'Rouke (a sonicist you might know) in a sarcastic tribute to the evangelic/political fervor witnessed during the BUSH years (ugh). The album is a proto-prog-rock wet dream and features another branch of the Wilco/Uncle Tupelo family tree.
The show at the Auditorium theatre was one of the best I've seen in a decade. I hope someone snuck in a DV camera- cuz I want to see and hear it again and again...
Kellie Scott-Reed said on Dec. 09, 2008 at 9:54am
Right on the money. I have loved Wilco for years, but never made a trek to see them. To see them in Rochester at first scared me. I feel sometimes Rochester is a little inhibited when it comes to live shows. But the crowd got on its feet and STAYED on its feet. I was for the first time 'proud to be a Rochesterian' I thought the show was the best I've seen in my life..and I've seen a lot. The energy was incredible and Nils is almost supernatural in his playing. A few solos brought me to tears. Yes, cheesy..but hell, if he doesn't make you cry, what will?Great Review Frank! You make me cry sometimes too.
scott said on Dec. 09, 2008 at 10:39am
nice review.
Ive seem wilco 3 times and this was the best so far. really great atmosphere in the room this night. i too felt proud of this town. i think the band could feel the love. the venue sounded great. been going to shows there for 20 years and i have never heard a good sounding show in this place. i was amazed at the fantastic sound...
some photos of the show
http://flickr.com/photos/scottoneeleven/
Steve said on Dec. 10, 2008 at 1:45pm
Great show. I caught them in Pittsburgh several months ago. This performance had that "something extra." So glad I was able to see them again.
liffy said on Jan. 17, 2009 at 3:52pm
relive the magic:
http://wilcoworld.net/roadcase/rochester.php
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