Wilco @ The Joint, June 19, 2009

Write-up I did for Neon Streets, Thirry Harlin's new web magazine:

Wilco played The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on Friday June, 19th. The show was epic. Comprised of 17 songs with a 9 song encore, even hardcore Wilco fans were a hard pressed not to get a little tired. Don't get me wrong, I was ecstatic to be there. I became a fan in 2000 when I friend played Misunderstood for me and when they sang that song on Friday I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Their tight performance combined with their live improvisation and the audience yelling along, "nothing, nothing, nothing....nothing at all" was one of the best moments of my live show life.

They played with a mixture of rehearsed polish and spontaneity; I particularly enjoyed the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot songs as they lend themselves to the psychedelic improv style that Wilco first pioneered on that album, which is truly a sight to see live. Tweedy gave one of the best guitar performances I've ever seen and needless to say his trademark gravelly voice continues to hit that perfect spot. They're definitely aging, but it felt more like they're coming into their own than slipping out of their sweet spot.

The one odd moment of the night for me was when Tweedy told the audience that he had to play a song because the web vote was cast overwhelmingly in its favor, but only 1% of the audience would enjoy it. This song was Box Full of Letters, a classic track from their first album. It was great to hear the song, but the disclaimer left me feeling out of place as someone who appreciates the breadth of their work and highlighted the comps around me.

They played some of their best songs (Jesus, Etc., Hummingbird, Shot In The Arm, etc.) littered with new tracks, but their encore was hit and miss with a few too many new songs to keep the energy alive towards the end. I know, they're allowed to make new music and I'm sure I'll fall in love with the album, but I haven't yet and it got a little weary at the end. If they just ended with I'm The Man Who Loves You, which was mind blowing live, an absolute masterpiece, I think it would've made the show stronger on the whole. However, all in all, it was a fantastic night at The Joint.