He Always Seemed Like Such A Nice Kid

I don't know who I am anymore. Andy doesn't like Wilco? WHY NOT? Because they rock? Because Jeff Tweedy rights good songs that kick ass? Because they are consumate musicians with mastery of their instruments but also a subtle good taste?

Who DOES Andy like? I suppose we wouldn't be aware of his immediate influences. I suppose they're mostly German.

But why? I don't get it. This is like 9/11 to me.

The terrorists have won indeed.

I heard him mumble something about the Polyphonic Spree...

Not liking Wilco? I can only think of two possible reasons for not liking Wilco:

1) You've never heard of them (it's hard to fault these people, apparently they are unlucky in life and love).

2) A bad association. For example, you were repeatedly beat up by a bully in school whose last name was Wilco (this though is downright preposterous, so it's difficult to think this could actually be someone's reason for disliking a group of musical gods).

I mean, even Jay Farrar likes Wilco, even though he might never admit it. Not liking wilco signifies one thing...the terrorists have won.

Oy.

I shoulda known this was coming.

I had no idea my musical credibility, much less my credibility as a human being, (is there a difference?) was on the line when I made such a statement yesterday.

And in regards to said statement, I believe it was quite a bit more ambiguous than you're making out Q. I believe what I said was, "I'm not a big fan of Wilco." Now perhaps, in your mind(s), that's the same thing as not liking a band, but the point I was making in our conversation was that I wouldn't spend much money on going to see them in concert because... "I'm not a big fan." Make of that what you will.

Here's my (long-winded) take on Wilco for the record:

That one record they did, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, that was pretty hot. And before that, they had a few singles that were pretty good. And that Billy Bragg Volume 1 thing pretty much kicks ass. And I even like a song or two on the new album. But on the whole, I just can't get into them. I mean, the lyrics are pretty great but I never find myself thinking: "Hey, I should pop in a Wilco CD." (Well, actually, I do think that about YHF, but none of the others.) They're not coherent enough, and I can't really get into Jeff Tweedy's voice. And no, I don't even buy their albums. Don't get me wrong, though. I appreciate what they're doing - all the experimental, post-Beatles, uber-authentic approach to song-writing. That's great. Jeff Tweedy even seems like a pretty cool guy. I just don't get excited about his music.

So, yeah, maybe I don't like Wilco, or maybe I'm just not nutso about them the way most of my friends are. Either way, I'm not sweatin' it.

I understand (but don't totally agree with) what you're saying Andy.

That being said, I'll take this opportunity to make sure that everyone in Chatta Vegas is aware of the upcoming Wilco show down here in Athens, Ga. The show is March 9th and tickets go on sale this Saturday AM. I expect to the see all you hipsters down in the Classic City. Andy, your invited too; they do put on a good rock-n-roll show.

Andy,

I just read your comment and projectile vomited.

Your still my friend but people who aren't into Wilco should be shampooing my crotch.

i'm not sure how you can crown YHF as the lone great wilco album. Being There is not only a masterful and coherent double album - it remains one of the greatest albums made in my lifetime. admittedly, my love for wilco knows no bounds - i stood for four consecutive hours pressed up against the front of the stage when they played uptown mix here in nashville just so that i could shake jeff tweedy's hand as he left the stage. an event that changed both of our lives...it was the first time since 9/11 that i felt a genuine healing begin to take place.

physicalpants declined to mention the fact that he and Tweedy share another common bond.....the're Never Nudes!

(It was good hanging with ya last weekend.)