Wilco brings a theatrical flair to their grounded American rock stories. The weather was perfect for Wilco’s first sold out night at Central Park. Rich lighting accompanied hanging paper ornaments with a montage playing in the background. The band has a rich dynamic and a no frills approach that is much greater than the sum of its parts. In short, it was a performance expected of Wilco and the reason why Wilco fans are so dedicated.
Wilco’s fan base is rabid due to this very personal connection with the band. It’s a great and well-educated fan base who have been with the band from the start. The merchandise was going quick and most fans were already wearing their support. Phones and cameras were not the focal point, it was the six individuals making music on stage, as it should be. There was a homegrown connection that drew everyone together.
Read more of the review including a gallery from the night and the setlist after the jump
Wilco have been humbly crafting music that’s human and emotionally raw at its core. Jeff Tweedys rough voice weaves through the performance, a gritty anchor to the vibrant sonic landscape around him. Starting off with “Almost Ready,” the seven-minute opener of their soon-to-be-released The Whole Love was a sonic broadside, announcing their presence and proving yet again that Wilco are up to the task of delivering great music.
The band is powerful even its most vulnerable of moments. A quiet song like “Misunderstood” carries weight and gravitas to what normally may be a bathroom break or a song getting drowned out by audience disinterest. Wilco’s strengths as a band really come through in the extremes in their catalog. The introspective acoustic songs are as every bit as strong as their hard charging rock singles.
The respect and importance Wilco have found in its fans is a very midwestern tale, with its fanbase in Chicago being their staunchest supporters. Albums like Summerteeth, Yankee Foxtrot Hotel, Sky Blue Sky or Wilco (The Album) feature stories, characters and expressions that explore Americana in a fresh and engaging way. The band reminds of rock from a bygone era where guitars and storytelling were the driving force instead of indifferent cool.
Let’s not pretend that managed superstars are a modern invention as the manufacturing industry has been around for as long as records have been pressed. Instead, Wilco feel genuine, a trait that is seemingly harder and harder to find. This adherence to the past only enhances the legacy and appeal of the band, constantly succeeding despite being on the fringe, never truly in fashion but never out of touch.
It takes close to an hour before Tweedy says “Hello” to the audience before the band gets into “Born Alone.” The thing is, Wilco have been speaking to the audience since the first note. Tweedy is a earnest and charming despite his seemingly gruff demeanor.
Observational musings and poignant insights come easily to Wilco. Songs can be taken at leisure or carefully picked apart. What matters is Wilco can stand up to the scrutiny and seemingly without a care for nearly two decades. After two hours and twenty-five songs, Wilco close the night at Central Park with the upbeat “outtasite (Outta Mind),” a proper send off with enough bombast to elevate any fan’s already elevated heart rate. It’s what fans have come to expect from Wilco and with The Whole Love, it looks like Wilco are not going to stop delivering any time soon.
Wilco Central Park Set List – Night 1
Art Of Almost
I Might
Ashes of American Flags
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
One Wing
Bull Black Nova
At Least That’s What You Said
One Sunday Morning (Song for Jane Smiley’s Boyfriend)
Shouldn’t Be Ashamed
Born Alone
She’s A Jar
Handshake Drugs
Standing O
Rising Red Lung
Impossible Germany
Dawned On Me
A Shot in the Arm
Hummingbird
-Encore-
Via Chicago
Whole Love
War On War
Jesus, Etc.
I’m the Man Who Loves You
Monday
Outtasite (Outta Mind)
