Wilco Happens

Well, another day, another Wilco post. Lots going on in Wilco World as the band revs up for their 2005 tour.

From Filter Magazine (via Mansion On The Hill) comes word that Wilco is re-releasing A Ghost Is Born with a bonus disc. The new version will be released March 7 with five new tracks, including a previously unreleased outtake and a b-side from their initial recording sessions, as well as live renditions of original album tracks taken from an October 2004 performance in Madison, WI.

Fans who have bought the original album will be able to download the new tracks for free. Very cool, fellas.

Here's the track List:

1. Panthers
2. At Least That's What You Said (live)
3. Late Greats (live)
4. Handshake Drugs (live)
5. Kicking Television

Reaction to the new Wilco disc from Frank at Chromewaves who calls the re-release trend "obnoxious".

"I don't care how you try to justify it, it's a cash grab and a slap in the face to the fans who would want the bonuses since they've almost certainly already bought the original issue. I hardly think there's anyone out there who were on the fence about getting the album, but now that there's a bonus disc they're convinced. It's flat out insulting to the fans, and any artist who goes along with such a marketing plan is diminished in my eyes for doing so.

How could it be that the band that had been so generous to their fans two years ago in giving away the More Like The Moon EP online was now going along with one of the most egregious music marketing tactics of recent times?"

But with the outrage comes redemption with the free download. Says Frank:

"We will never again doubt that Wilco is a band that does right by its fanbase. Amen."

Over on Blogcritics,(where, incidentally, Thrasher's Blog is the Blogcritic of the Day and this post is in The HOT 5!) Sydney posts:

"I think Wilco has to be careful. Their music is still pretty good, but it seems they learned a few lessons with the YHF saga; That is that their fans are fiercely loyal to the point where they care as much about the band as the music.

This is fine and is partly a testamant to the bands excellent track record, however it's dangerous in the sense that Tweedy and co. must avoid assuming that fans will always take their music making as serious as they do.

In other words: I hope they don't assume that everything they set to tape is worthy of release just because it is from WILCO. If they keep selling themselves in this fashion, fans might get a little tired of it. Afterall Wilco's not the only quality band out there.

That being said, they are one of the bands I look forward hearing upon release of a new album (not a collection of live songs and outtakes)."

Also, a MP3 download of "Ashes Of American Flags" from Wilco's recent Austin City Limits broadcast, posted on Via Chicago with a great Nels Cline guitar solo. (Thanks Frank!)

Speaking of Nels, there is an interesting interview with him on
J U N K M E D I A. Cline is asked about how fans have reacted to him as a new band member?

NELS CLINE: "I'm not sure exactly what's going on further back in the hall, but the uberfans (as Wilco calls them) seemed to accept my presence almost immediately. Jeff asserts that each new wrinkle in the Wilco saga alienates about a third of their fans, then they acquire other fans who take their place. I can tell you that I was nervous about being accepted - part of my personality - but that the power of the music seems to have put me in a pretty good light. What really matters is that the band has been inspired and excited about the sound of the new lineup."

In more Wilco news, Americana UK News has a report from Billboard that Wilco, Franz Ferdinand, and Interpol are among the artists that have contributed rare or previously unreleased tracks to a double-disc compilation that will raise funds for Asian tsunami relief. The 26-track set sprang from a partnership with Filter magazine and Urban Outfitters, which will on Feb. 28 begin exclusively selling the album at its retail outlets and Web site.

"The UNICEF Tsunami Relief Fund will receive 100% of the proceeds from sales of the collection. Among the notable inclusions here are Interpol's "Slow Hands" remixed by Spoon's Britt Daniel, Franz Ferdinand's "Matinee" remixed by Headman and previously unreleased tracks from Hot Hot Heat ("Apt. 101"), Rilo Kiley ("American Wife"), Clinic ("Fingers") and Earlimart ("Lullaby").

Live tracks have been turned in by Wilco ("Jesus, Etc."), My Morning Jacket ("The Bear"), the Futureheads ("Piece of Crap") and French Kicks ("The Trial of the Century"), while the Queens Of The Stone Age track "Hangin' Tree" is presented in an early version recorded as part of the Desert Sessions series."

And the last item is from SomeDepression which has a great Wilco podcast download. The performance is from April 15, 1995 at McCabe's Guitar Shop, Santa Monica, CA with some vintage early Wilco songs and a few Uncle Tupelo classics.

More Wilco happens.

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Randomly Blogged: Postal Service, Blitzen Trapper, Pearl Jam

The Postal Service's "We Will Become Silhouettes" video

Blitzen Trapper: Neil Young meets Pink Floyd

Pearl Jam Live in Concert MP3 downloads

Cowboy Junkies cover Neil Young's "Tired Eyes"

Neil Young's Entire Catalog Reviewed

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Jay Farrar Interview on Son Volt Reunion

So how's that Son Volt reunion coming along? An interview with Jay Farrar in Los Angeles Times (via Arizona Central) by Randy Lewis discusses the lineup changes for the studio recording sessions with new guitarist Brad Rice, bassist Andrew Duplantis and drummer Dave Bryson.

Farrar was asked about calling this a "Son Volt" effort:

JAY FARRAR: "The songs that are going to be on the record in a lot of ways are more melodic and up-tempo than some of the stuff that's been on the previous couple of solo records. In a way, I'm just getting back to that. The solo records represent an opportunity for me to do something different and experiment in different arrangements and instrumentation.

"Son Volt represent a certain spirit of songwriting with an emphasis on trying to capture what four musicians playing together can do."

More on Son Volt in studio. Thanks for the link from Some Depression.

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Arcade Fire on Fire

The band Arcade Fire seems to be metaphorically on fire these days to the point of being one of the most over blogged bands of 2004.

From More Cowbell (via Chromewaves) comes word of a stream from December 1, 2004 at the Jackpot Saloon in Lawrence, KS, with interviews and performance videos.

"The Arcade Fire is one of the year's most unexpected success stories. The Montreal-based collective's debut album "Funeral" has been both critically adored and dissected (the album's themes of reconciliation and mourning were inspired by the deaths of family members). Despite the solemn existentialist overtones, the band's music is quite uplifting. Like Broken Social Scene or The Walkmen, The Arcade Fire divides its efforts between soaring rock songs and sublime indie-folk."

Also, a positive review of the Arcade Fire's album Funeral on Better Propaganda. Writes Darren Susin:

" "Neighborhood #2 (Laika)" starts off quasi-Joy Division and I can see where the comparisons come in; but they add more than just the 80s to their song. They combine styles and instruments to create a gorgeous collection of sounds, bits, and noise. Hard thumping drums, distant screaming double vocals once again provide the back drop for a build up that really highlites the drumming."

More with an Arcade Fire in studio performance on KCRW Music: Morning Becomes Eclectic.

Concert photos of Arcade Fire on Chromewaves blog.

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Randomly Blogged - Tofu Hut, Blog Alive, Coverville

Tons of music blog links over on THE TOFU HUT.

Concert MP3 files over on BlogAlive.

The Coverville blog is a podcast featuring the best and worst of cover songs like Neil Young's song "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" covered by Juliana Hatfield.

Neil Young Guitar "Old Black".

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Wilco MP3 Download: 2004-05-20 at Otto's in DeKalb, IL

Glide Magazine currently has a Wilco MP3 downloads of their concert on 2004-05-20 at Otto's in DeKalb, IL.

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Tragically Hip Podcast

Over on Some Depression, a podcast of the influential band Tragically Hip from Glastonbury, 1993. The concert has been running in installments this week.

It seems that Podcasts are the next big thing -- if not already. No iPod for Thrasher as of yet but I suppose it's just a matter of time.

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Tsunami Aid Concert - Waters, Clapton, Madonna and others

Caught a little bit of the Tsunami Aid Concert last night. A worthy cause, no doubt.

Musically, it seemed to be a rather lackluster affair. The only real highlight seemed to be the Roger Waters and Eric Clapton duet on the Pink Floyd song "Wish You Were Here". An ironic selection, to say the least. Here's a video clip.

Madonna opened the program with John Lennon's "Imagine". One couldn't help but think about Neil Young's performance of "Imagine" for the 9/11 benefit. Oddly, Madonna's rendition didn't seem to be quite appropriate either for the cause. Or maybe it was just the way she sings....

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Son Volt in Studio

From Chromewaves (via More Cowbell) comes word of a clip from the Son Volt recording sessions.

The clip for the new song 'Afterglow 61' is featured on NPR's All Songs Considered: 2005 Music Preview. Sounds promising. Not quite the original Son Volt post-No-Depression sound, but more of a Farrar influenced by the band Canyon and their jams.

Also on NPR clips by Marianne Faithful, Bright Eyes, and M. Ward.

More on Jay Farrar and Son Volt in the Studio.

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Randomly Blogged: Over-Blogged Bands, BioWillie, Elliott Smith

Coolfer: The Most Over-Blogged Bands of 2004 includes The Arcade Fire, Ted Leo, Franz Ferdinand, Death Cab For Cutie. But no Wilco?!

BlogStreet: Most Blogged Music This Week

Neil Young News: Willie Nelson's Bio-Diesel Fuel.

RollingStone.com : Critics' Top Ten Lists for 2004 include Elliott Smith's From a Basement on the Hill

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Rush Pays Tribute to Buffalo Springfield

Over on Blogcritics, a review of Rush's album Feedback featuring a Buffalo Springfield cover of "For What It's Worth" and Neil Young's "Mr Soul". Other covers include Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues" and Robert Johnson's "Crossroads".

On the cover of Young's song "Mr Soul":

"Done in a voice eerily reminiscent of Neil himself. The theme is the price of fame, and the desire of the artist not to lose his 'soul' in the pursuit of success, a theme that Rush themselves are quite familiar with."

More on "Mr. Soul" lyrics and analysis and The Buffalo Springfield story.

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Indie Rock's Tipping Point

An interesting article on today's music scene titled "Indie Rock's Tipping Point" BY MARTIN EDLUND (January 11, 2005) in The New York Sun:

"It's not like emo, where you've got all these bands where there's a defining factor," says Jordan Kurland, manager for Death Cab for Cutie. "Arcade Fire, Bright Eyes, Death Cab: Aside from cheap records and depth of lyrics, there's nothing that ties them together. Not a divinable theme like grunge, where it's based around guitar and flannels."

On today's radio scene, excellent points:

"The same democratizing force has transformed radio in recent years. Even as ClearChannel continues its homogenizing march through commercial radio, Internet and satellite stations (XM and Sirius) have sprung up. Today, indie rock (along with jazz, blues, bluegrass, and just about everything else) is available in places that never had the benefit of a good, land-based college or independent radio station. Local independent stations like KEXP in Seattle and KCRW in Los Angeles have found a sizable national and international following for their programming over the Web.

These changes in rock are part of a broader cultural shift: the indie-fication of popular culture. Artists who traditionally appealed to narrow niches are gaining a mainstream following - or rather, they are seeing their niches expand, even as the audiences for "traditional" outlets like network television and radio stations radically shrink. And unlike pop culture of the recent past, which concerned itself exclusively with the lucrative 12-to-18-year-old age group, this culture appeals more broadly: to 20- and 30-somethings as well."

More on the decline of music due to corporate influence.

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Corporate Radio Continues to Kill Music

Washington's DC's long running "alternative" radio station WHFS died yesterday.

The station whose local influence and national impact far outweighed its consistently low ratings, signed off with Jeff Buckley's song "Last Goodbye." Here's a MP3 clip of the final moments of WHFS's broadcast.

Adding insult to injury, the format has changed to the Spanish language "El Zol," where they're "siempre de fiesta" -- always partying. Not that Thrasher is ever against partying per se.

It's kinda sad for many long time radio listeners in the area for what once was the only real true radio station. Dating back to the 1960's, the station rose to prominence playing album oriented rock by The Grateful Dead, Frank Zappa, and Little Feat.

Originally broadcasting in Bethesda, MD on Cordell Ave. across the street from the Psyche-deli, the programming was astonishingly eclectic. Thrasher can vividly recall his college days at American University listening to DJ's such as Weasel, Damian, and Cerphe who were legendary for their support of local artists like Ian McKaye of Fugazi and Minor Threat.

And where else could one hear Root Boy Slim & The Sex Change Band sing "Boogie Til You Puke"?

But it all started downhill when the station was purchased by Infinity Broadcasting, moved to 99.1-FM and relocated to Annapolis, MD.

From a front page (above the fold) article in the Washington Post "WHFS Changes Its Tune to Spanish" quoting Seth Hurwitz, owner of the city's 9:30 club, producer of the annual HFStival and former HFS DJ:

"Certainly this will have major ramifications for new music in Washington, D.C. They were always the forerunner for presenting new music and a vital fabric of Washington's culture."

Former DJ Damian Einstein discussing the long decline:

"There really wasn't that much creativity there. Having been there for so long and having done so many things there, of course it's sad. But I guess you gotta do what you gotta do."

Many, many memories of the original WHFS station are archived on WHFS 102.3 Tribute Page by Dave Hughes. Read it and weep. Learn that the call letters WHFS stood for Hi Fidelity Stereo.

WHFS's 1978 DJ's - Damian Einstein, John 'Weasel' Gilbert, David Einstein, Bob Showacre, Diane Divola, Tom Grooms

More on the day the music died from Richard Harrington, the Post's music critic, who sums up the sad state of music and radio today:

"Today, there are lots of ways for people to hear new music and a wider representation of older music. Young rock fans are more likely to find new music on their video-game soundtracks than on most commercial rock stations."

Not depressed enough yet? Here are a couple theories on the decline of the music industry, P2P myths and corporate radio destroys new music.

So what are you going to do? Last we checked, the online petition to save WHFS had 27,931 signatures. Looks like a few folks have been motivated.

In the meantime, I guess we'll keep listening to alternative/progressive radio wherever you can find it -- like on the internet on indie stations like Mansion On The Hill. Sort of the roll your own approach.

WHFS R.I.P.
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UPDATE 1/18/05: A protest was held on January 15 by a few loyal WHFS listeners in downtown DC.

Also more on the WHFS radio shutdown.

UPDATE 1/22/04: WHFS now online as Internet radio station.

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Built Like Alaska's Autumnland

Over on songs:illinois: Craig has the catchy name dropping elevator pitch for Built Like Alaska's new record Autumnland: "Mercury Rev channeling Flaming Lips doing Wilco Covers". Nice.

A couple of MP3's from Built Like Alaska including "Does Your Mother Make You Sick" and "A Happy Home" for your listening pleasure.

Also, check out Nathan Wiley who's latest High Low "stays close to his roots - Tom Waits, Bob Dylan and Neil Young". Some MP3 samples available for download on Nathan Wiley.

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Wilco on Austin City Limits

Last night on Austin City Limits, Wilco added its star to the program's prestigous roster. Certainly one of the great TV performance programs (what other program broadcasts in a letterbox format?!), Austin City Limits featured a half hour set of Wilco. Fresh off last night's David Letterman show, it's been a Wilco weekend. The setlist:

at least that's what you said
muzzle of bees
hell is chrome
ashes of american flags
i'm a wheel

Glenn Kotche's drumming and Pat Sansone's guitar pyrotechnics were on full display. Glenn's drumsticks were a blur and Pat was his usual Pete Townshend self, as the screen photos above show.

Over on Via Chicago, fans raved about the broadcast.

M. Christine: "That was a sonic sandwich piled high and tight with the finest ingredients."

viatroy: "I love dishevelled hat-hair Jeff, not ready-for-prime-time special hair Jeff."

too lazy to crow: "the last minute+45 sec of ashes of american flags was particularly sublime."

Also on the program were Bright Eyes who are on this month's Filter Magazine cover.


Along with Bright Eyes, Jim James of My Morning Jacket made a guest appearance for a few songs. Bright Eyes' lead Conor Oberst gave a great performance that hopefully will bring them some well deserved attention.

More on Bright Eyes and Conor Oberst.

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Wilco Music Videos

A couple of Wilco music videos on Rolling Stone for "At Least That's What You Said" and "Muzzle of Bees".

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Wilco on Letterman

Wilco performed "Late Greats" on the David Letterman show last night.

A great song which the band played really tight -- although they seemed somewhat restrained by the format. Nice piano solo by Mike Jorgensen and here's an overhead photo shot of the keys.

Tweedy didn't seem to be quite as goofy as his last Letterman performance of "Hummingbird" or the Jay Leno Show performance of "I'm A Wheel".

Looking forward to tonight's performance on Austin City Limits!

Here's a sneak preview clip of "I'm A Wheel" from the broadcast of ACL. Kick it!
And more on Wilco's A Ghost is Born.
UPDATE 1/10/05: Photos from Wilco's Austin City Limits show.

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Some Depression - Podcast Blog

Here's a cool blog called SomeDepression: A Daily Podcast featuring Wilco, Marah, Ryan Adams, Drive By Truckers, and more. Lots of great MP3 downloads for your 'pod ... and your head.

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Wilco's New Year's Eve Concert at Madison Square Garden, New York

Wilco's New Year's Eve Concert at Madison Square Garden, New York was their largest headline venue in the band's storied career. Along with Sleater-Kinney and The Flaming Lips, Wilco got 2005 off to a blast of a start.

Tweedy wore baby-blue pajamas adorned with cartoon bunny rabbits as he led the band through a varied setlist consisting of Ghost Is Born and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot songs.

The setlist also featured some eclectic covers like Judas Priest's "Living After Midnight", Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper", "Love Will Keep Us Together" by Captain and Tennille and Thunderclap Newman's "Something in the Air."

More on the show in a review by JIM DEROGATIS in Chicago Sun Times.

And from Large Hearted Boy, a link for Wilco's New Year's Eve torrent.

Still not enough Wilco? This Friday (JAN 07) Wilco will appear on LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN - CBS and Saturday (JAN 08) AUSTIN CITY LIMITS - PBS.

And more on Wilco.

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Blog Faves Top Rolling Stone Critics Lists

Over on Coolfer there's an interesting observation regarding Rolling Stone's Critics' Top Ten Lists:

Rolling Stone critics listen to the same music as bloggers. It's the same titles over and over. Franz Ferdinand. Modest Mouse. The Go! Team. Devendra Banhart. Blonde Redhead. The Killers. Joanna Newsome. TV on the Radio. A.C. Newman. Ray LaMontagne. Elliot Smith.

Could it be that the mainstream music press has turned the corner on corporate music and developed an ear for what's new and innovative rather than regurgitating press releases? This could be an omen for music blogs in 2005.

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Jason Molina and Magnolia Electric Co

Over on Mansion On The Hill a post on Jason Molina and Magnolia Electric Co. from a Pulse of the Twin Citiesreview by Rob van Alstyne:

"Jason Molina was born with the kind of high and lonesome tenor any Neil Young-ophile would kill for. Just like Young, it took Molina awhile to come around to embracing his voice (he spent his formative years as a sideman, playing bass in various heavy metal and classic rock cover bands around his native Ohio). For the last decade, however, Molina’s been front and center, unleashing a series of dark and dense albums at a dizzying rate under the moniker Songs: Ohia, and, more recently, The Magnolia Electric Company. In 2003 Molina finally assembled the stable backing band he’s always longed for, and has been indulging his classic-rock jones to full effect ever since."

The article continues on the Neil and Crazy Horse connections with Molina's homage to “Out On the Weekend”'s lyrics.

“[Neil Young] just happens to make music that everyone in the band likes. It’s the music I put on when I’m at home—whether that’s cool or not. I’m really used to the [comparisons with Neil Young] by this point, but I’ve never really gotten comfortable with it. It comes with the job unfortunately. It seems like I get compared to something different with each record. I’ve seen comparisons to both Lynyrd Skynyrd and Leonard Cohen before, and that seems like quite a leap to me. When critics have to make comparisons that wide-ranging I figure I must be doing something right.”

Jason Molina's album Songs: Ohia is what neumu's Michael Goldberg called: "the best Neil Young album since Ragged Glory".

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Happy New Year!!!

Let's hope that 2005 will get off to a better start than 2004 ended. Let us hope.

Thrasher is trying to get the year off to the right start by making a difference. Here's how you can make a difference too.

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