The first time I heard "I am trying to break your heart," track #1 on the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot album, I was dumbfounded. I have seen Wilco at ACL Fest in 2002 and 2004 (but I missed last year's amazing Sunday performance while I was camped out up close for Coldplay). I think their shows have gotten significantly better since Jeff Tweedy got sober. And not only do I just love their sound and lyrics, they are one of the best bands to watch as the sun sets. Everytime I hear "Jesus Etc." I remember the colorful sky behind me at the 2004 show.This weekend was the first time I've seen them at a venue other than Zilker Park....and appropriately at SUNSET Station in San Antonio. ; ) But we should have done some research of this venue before arriving. It seems like a great concept (modeled after Stubbs), but this 19th Century Western themed neighborhood is plopped right in the middle of Ghetto-ville in San Antonio. The security was tight...using the wand metal detectors and confiscating ballpoint pens as potential weapons. I mean, a plastic bic pen? What was I gonna do, grafitti my neighbor's arm? Regardless of the generally peaceful, fun loving audience that attends Wilco shows, this particular neighborhood apparently houses some ruffians that would literally use a Bic pen as a dagger. Glad I heard that AFTER I got back safely to Austin. Elaine however was pissed on the principle of confiscation, so she took her pens back to the car, whereas I told the lady to just pitch it (although I really wanted to tell her where to shove it).
So we finally get into the "safe zone", only to find that the restaurant inside the fence was booked for a private party. WTH? great planning. So we had no options but to go to the shoddy tent by the gate for sausage or brisket po-boys or a turkey leg. I could only fathom putting the brisket in my mouth, so of course that's what they ran out of. I said "can I just get the bread then?" And surprisingly, the rough meat head guy gave it to me for free. So with this roll of bread being the only thing in my stomach since noon, I immediately felt the effects of my first rum and coke. Atleast drunkenness could temporarily distract me from my hunger pangs.
Since we didnt encounter much traffic on I-35, we had a lot of time to kill before the band started. But we were chatting at the bar and inside the after-party room, so I didnt pay attention to the openers, therefore I have no comment on them, sorry.
As for this Wilco show.....it was my favorite set list of all time. Compare my wish-list to the actual set:
Mine (no particular order): Heavy Metal Drummer, I'm Trying to break your heart, Reservations, California Stars, Shot in the Arm, War on War, Theologins, Hummingbird, Muzzle of Bees, Company in my Back, Jesus Etc, Handshake Drugs, I'm the man who loves you, Kamera, Wishful Thinking, Hell is Chrome, Outta Mind,
Actual:1. Hell Is Chrome 2. A Shot In The Arm 3. Handshake Drugs 4. (new song) Impossible Germany 5. I Am Trying To Break Your Heart 6. Muzzle Of Bees 7. Company In My Back 8. Sunken Treasure 9. Forget The Flowers 10. Airline To Heaven 11. At Least That's What You Said 12. Jesus, Etc. 13. Walken 14. Theologians 15. I'm The Man Who Loves You
Encore 1: 16. Hummingbird 17. California Stars 18. War On War 19. The Late Greats
Encore 2:20. Misunderstood 21. Heavy Metal Drummer 22. (new song) Let's Not Get Carried Away 23. Kingpin
Cj and I had been saying it would be cool if they played Heavy Metal Drummer, but during the 1st encore, i wasnt feeling the vibe. I said, "unless they come out again, which is unlikely, i dont think they'll play it." But when they had a 2nd encore and Drummer did come on, I was separated from the group, so I texted CJ "HMD!!" and he responded "fuck yeah!". Great end to the night. Then we had to drive home to the safety of ATX (and Elaine had to be at the airport in 5 hrs, glad I wasnt her).
I HIGHLY recommend WILCO to everyone.
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