Wilco – Live @ Lollapalooza

August 22, 2008

I decided that instead of risking serious injury at the Rage Against the Machine, I’d stick around at the Bud Light stage to see Wilco.  Turns out I was right, not only are Wilco fans some of the nicest, most non-agressive people in the world but the band was at the top of it’s game.  The band stepped out on stage with some old-fashioned Nudie suits, noting later that Radiohead was great but they didn’t look like they did any sewing beforehand.   My favorite thing about Wilco’s set was that is was completely different than the last time I saw them (which also was at a big festival).  I can probably count the number of songs that they played at both on one hand.  They even busted out a new song called “One Wing” which ended with a killer Nels Cline solo.

The band played a good mixture of tunes, picking a few highlights from all their album as not to disappoint fans of any Wilco era (early fans had a lot to be happy with with three Being There songs were played and even a track from A.M.).  Nels Cline was on fire, which was especially showcased on “Impossible Germany”, “Handshake Drugs”, and the unbelievably magnificent (and over 10 minute long) “Spiders (Kidsmoke)”.

One track that I was pleasantly surprised to see was “Pot Kettle Black” one of the many wonderful tracks on Yankee Hotel Foxtrot that doesn’t seem to get it’s due.  One of the set highlights occured after a trademark Nels Cline shredding session, when someone from the crown yelled “Nels…. Adopt Me!”.  The band’s superb performance, plus the fact that it was a beautiful Chicago evening, and they played in front of a diehard, hometown crowd made it a very special night.

MP3 Wilco – Pot Kettle Black

Follow the jump to see some more Wilco pictures (or check them all out here).

Posted by Taylor in Festival, Live