Show Review: Wilco

Wayne Blogged The...Show Review: Wilco
Tanglewood. August 12, 2008
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You'd think that after my five previous Wilco shows, it would become almost routine. But last night's show at the beautiful Tanglewood Theater in Lenox, MA was anything but routine. Tweedy and company, dressed in glimmering suits, ran a musical marathon with a two and a half hour set that acted as a collage of their career. The usuals were all there (I Am Trying To Break Your Heart, Heavy Metal Drummer, Jesus etc), but they were in good company with rarely played Summerteeth songs (Pieholden Suite, Can't Stand It, Summer Teeth) and a mixed-bag of other noteable rockers (Monday, Pot Kettle Black). The band seemed to be in good spirits, and seemed humbled to be playing at Tanglewood.

The Total Pros horn section joined the band on 10 of the 26 songs. The only surprise was that opener Andrew Bird didn't join the band onstage like he has in the past.
Speaking of the Birdman, he opened the evening with style. His 10 song set was polietly-received by the crowd, who were still filing into their seats (or scattering themselves on the lawn). Watching Andrew Bird perform is actually a bit uncomfortable. His stage-presence is a mix of Morrissey and Dave Matthews...but with a violin and in a shirt, tie, and slacks. For as good as Bird's set was, I couldn't help but feel it didn't really fit the mood of the evening.

Wilco's set was very well received, and the crowd seemed to be having a great time. A special night in the heart of Western Massachusetts.



Set List:

Either Way
Hummingbird
Remember The Mountain Bed
Muzzle of Bees
You Are My Face
Impossible Germany
IATTBYH
A Shot in the Arm
What Light (w/Total Pros horns)
California Stars (w/TPs)
Pieholden Suite (w/TPs)
Handshake Drugs
Pot Kettle Black
Summer Teeth
Jesus, etc.
Poor Places>
Spiders (Kidsmoke)
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Can't Stand It (w/TPs)
Hate It Here (w/TPs)
Walken (w/TPs)
I'm The Man Who Loves You (w/TPs)
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The Late Greats (w/TPs)
Heavy Metal Drummer
Monday (w/TPs)>
Outtasite (Outta Mind) (w/TPs)
I'm A Wheel

Thanks to Abbie Rickard for the photo.