Wilco at the Ryman Auditorium
My post about this show is a little late, but here it goes…
We saw Wilco last Sunday night at the Ryman Auditorium. This was easily one of the best shows I have EVER been to. Definitely in my top 5, more likely in the top 3, and now that I really think about it, maybe even higher. The set list was incredible. As many have commented, their recent 5 night “Residency” at the Riviera in Chicago where they played every song they have released on an official Wilco album, plus some B-sides and Mermaid Avenue tracks, has led to some varied and exciting set lists.
March 2, 2008 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
Via Chicago
Blood of the Lamb
Pieholden Suite
California Stars
Company in my Back
You Are My Face
Side with the Seeds
Pot Kettle Black
Shot in the Arm
She’s a Jar
Handshake Drugs
Impossible Germany
It’s Just That Simple
Pick Up the Change
Too Far Apart
Nothingsevergonnastandinmywayagain
Jesus etc.
Hate It Here
Walken
I’m the Man Who Loves You
Encore 1
Someone Else’s Song (Jeff Tweedy without the PA)
Misunderstood
The Thanks I Get
Red Eyed and Blue -> I Got You
Monday
Encore 2
The Late Greats
I started listening to Wilco about 12 years ago when their Album Being There came out. It wasn’t until somewhat recently, however, that I have really begun to appreciate the subtle genius in the songwriting and performance. Many long time fans have said that Wilco has never sounded better live, and that the band has reached a new high point in their career. I don’t have any past shows to compare this one to, but I can say that they were unbelievably good last Sunday night.
On a side note, the night before we went to see Will Hoge and Jason Isbell. Jason Isbell was sitting just a few rows in front of us at the Wilco concert! I also saw James Haggerty, the bass player in Josh Rouse’s band. You know a band is great when there are other extraordinary musicians showing up to see them.
There was also a film crew during the show with tons of cameras. Supposedly they are filming a documentary of this tour to be out on DVD in the future. I can’t wait!
Despite the Ryman’s anti audio recording policy (even if the artist allows it), somebody managed to record the whole concert! Here are a few tracks from the show:
March 6th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Hey man. Great review. I was there too. My first Wilco experience ever. I’ve seems many, many shows at the Ryman and this was by far one of the best. They are a perfect band for this venue. What a set list! It’s diversity and length were impressive to say the least. Seems like most artists these days play their 90-minute set (or whatever is in their contract) and are out… but not Wilco. They gave a real performance and played the maximum amount of time allowed by the venue! I saw Hags there too… that’s always a good sign. Thanks for posting the MP3’s too.