Wilco On Colbert tonight

[Original_Fire]

A lot of fans here, figured I'd let ya know in case ya didn't. Word.

[teleman65]

Thanks for the heads up. Just watched it.

[Original_Fire]

No problem. I never really listen to them, but I know I see them mentioned a lot on here, so I figured I'd let everybody know.

[theinteriorleag]

A carr mercury and carr rambler on stage!

[Elmer]

I saw the Carr amps... anyone know what else Nels was using to get that tone? I really liked it.

[ScottB]

Did anyone catch Yo Yo Ma earlier in the week?

It was pretty interesting. He did this kind of Americana-Klesmer thing.

Funny guy, too.

[Original_Fire]

Originally Posted by ScottB

Did anyone catch Yo Yo Ma earlier in the week?

It was pretty interesting. He did this kind of Americana-Klesmer thing.

Funny guy, too.

Yeah, I watched it (it's safe to say I watch every single episode of it and The Daily Show). I thought he was hilarious, really didn't expect it. The song didn't really do a whole lot for me.

[mtlin]

I thought Wilco was very good. I know that Nels is a big time Fuzz Factory user.

[jamess]

I watch Colbert all time but last night was the first I had heard Wilco's music. They are mentioned here on TGP regularly. Was last night representive of their sound and what they play? Jeff Tweedy (?) seemed like a very cool guy, but I found their music lacking. Am I missing something?

[jamess]

So if a new-to-Wilco listener wanted to pick up a representive Wilco CD, what would you recommend? I like discovering new music.

[skillet]

Their style has changed a fair amount over the years (started as kind've an alt-country band as Uncle Tupelo, then Tweedy and Jay Farrar [co-writers/singers] had a falling out, so Farrar left and started Son Volt and Tweedy and co. became Wilco).

The best all-around representation would probably be their live album, 'Kicking Television'. It covers a lot of their history but is played by the current line-up (they've changed line-ups quite a bit as well; Nels Cline on lead guitar being the newest and biggest edition). If you find certain songs you really like, then check their discography to see which albums they appeared on and you'll probably like the whole album in question as they're pretty good about maintaining a consistent feel/theme for each album but can also come out of left field with any given album given style changes/shifts so it isn't safe to assume if you like one album you'll like them all (some do, but many don't from all the 'Which is the best Wilco album?' threads I've read over the years).

[soli528]

Originally Posted by jamess

So if a new-to-Wilco listener wanted to pick up a representive Wilco CD, what would you recommend? I like discovering new music.

Get the live release "Kicking Television." It has songs from all their albums and it captures how good of a live band they are. You'll want to catch 'em next time they're in your area fo' sho'!

EDIT: Beat me to it skillet

[wishus]

Originally Posted by jamess

So if a new-to-Wilco listener wanted to pick up a representive Wilco CD, what would you recommend? I like discovering new music.

The quintessential album is probably Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, but if you're looking for mind-blowing guitar, you need Sky Blue Sky or Kicking Television (the two with Nels Cline, the latter being a live album).

Actually, Kicking Television would be a great place to start - you'll get a taste of the Yankee/Ghost era songwriting and noise experiments with great guitar.

EDIT: wow, you both beat me to it!

[jamess]

Thanks for the tips guys! I'll be checking these out.

[skillet]

LOL, at least he got a clear recommendation, very rare for something on 'the internets'. heh.

I second soli528's recommendation to see them live if you ever get the chance. You might not get into every song (unlikely though) and they don't really go for the 'disco dancin lights' visual show, but you will be completely awed at how tight this band is live; they're all amazing musicians. (And if you're big on GAS, they will keep you grinning from ear to ear, they have some serious vintage hardware and love to use all of it.)