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| My coffee after the first of Wilco’s three show run at The Cap never tasted so good! |
Seeing back to back Wilco shows is a treat, especially when they play such an intimately spectacular venue as The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.
I left the first night (Tuesday, Oct 28) of the three night run, raving about the performance to whomever would listen. I was delightfully excited to see the second show.
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| I took this shot on the way to the great brew pub at the train station…a nice alternative to El Tio’s next door. |
The only thing I somewhat grumbled about was that Wilco were a little pop-ish for my tastes.
Maybe it was the small venue, maybe the band used the first night to get familiar with the place and crowd…but the set was a little too fuc@#ing mellow.
Hence the memo!!
_____________________
MEMO
Oct 28, 2014 (11:00 am)
TO: Wilco band members
FR: Thunderbird Ranch Ramble
———————————
Gents:
Turn up the volume and show the crowd why you are one of the best rock bands today.
Last night was too fu@#ing mellow.
Thank you.
(end memo)
_____________________
Nonetheless, Nels Cline (my favorite part of Wilco) and Company got the the memo. All amps were dialed to “11” on night two (October 29, 2014) and Wilco rocked hard.
Relix/JamBase did a story on the shows and included a video of their emotional “Ripple” during their acoustic-no PA encores. The good folks at Relix graciously counted the 89 different songs Wilco played over the three show run. “Take Back They Key to My Heart” was the sole repeat song.
Impressive. They have a robust catalog of great songs.
One of my show mates (Villanova Joe) wasn’t as familiar with their songs as the rest of my Wilco-fanatical crew, but loved them all…
As I always say, a sign of great music is when people love it without ever hearing it before. When you hear something that first time it should speak to you.
Good for them; and good for Villanova Joe.
I have been writing about music since before I was could vote and drink (legally)… and I can safely say that I have never ever noticed or written about maraca playing before.
WELL, there is a first for everything…. the maraca rhythm part during “Heavy Metal Drummer” was sophisticated and cool, giving the song, which I have heard many times…a fresh new “hairdo”. It reminded me how pretty the song’s “face” was.
A weird highlight indeed, and very Wilco-ish.
In fact many of the arrangements were deliberately updated and championed the great musicians in the band. I heard that “The Band-sound” a whole lot. The organs on “Jesus, etc.” was very Garth Hudson when he would play The Band’s funky tracks.
The country alt rocker version of “Someday Soon” was one of my surprised highlights. Tweedy was fantastic!
Here is the set list from Tuesday, Oct 28
Here is the set list from Wednesday, Oct 29.
If you don’t know Glenn Kotche, Wilco’s drummer… take notice now. He’s one of the best playing the game today. I loved seeing him up close. He is a powerful steam engine for this band.
This run of shows at The Cap was a real treat. I am thankful to have seen it and shared it with so many.
Peace,
Flap your wings. (F.Y.W.)
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