Wilco Live (6/08)

Wilco lived up to their legendary status at the Fox Theater Saturday night.

            Jeff Tweedy strolled onto the Fox Theater stage Saturday nigh in all black as he tried to hold back a knowing smile. The crowd stomped and screamed under a cloud of thick smoke and colored lights as the rest of the Wilco members took position on stage. As the alternative rock-band exchanged subtle glances they burst into “Wilco (the song).”

             Wilco is marked by poetic and ironic experiences that make for perfect lyrics. It’s hard to think of a more dedicated band. Wilco has hammered out six albums and gone through multiple band members. They sell out shows around the world yet seem unconcerned with fame.

            Drummer Glenn Kotche sat sweat-soaked behind a clear acrylic drum kit that seemed an inch away from shattered glass throughout their entire three hour set. During the song “I Am Man Who Loves You” Kotche climbed up to his drum kit like a man on a mountaintop with his drumsticks lifted above.

            Nels Cline pulled out a red double-neck guitar with a furry strap for the song “Radio Cure.” The band’s careful details added a bit of playfulness to the stage that provoked the crowd into cries of laughter. Cline commanded every screeching note as he effortlessly played his complicated guitar.

            A chocolate cake with sparkling candles was carried on stage for multi-instrumentalist Patrick Sansone’s 40^th birthday. The entire crowd sang, “Happy Birthday” as Tweedy acted as maestro.

            Tweedy swirled his microphone cord like a jump rope before it crashed with a boom on the floor. Tweedy smirked at his fumble and quickly carried into “A Shot in the Arm,” while shaking his head of wild hair.

            Wilco has a reputation for variation in their music. Everything from country to electronica filled the Wilco set. The xylophone rippled in like raindrops during “Radio Cure,” while gentle harmonies weaved into the background.

            Since their formation in 1994, Wilco has seemed obsessed with experimentation and musical evolvement. Each album is distinctly different from the next, marking a refusal to stay stagnant.

            Tweedy skipped with a smile along the stage while singing the existential lyrics of “Walken.” Wilco’s haphazard acts of silliness downplay their pure musical talent. Tweedy inhaled the harmonica during “Pick up The Change,” while John Stirrat vigilantly tugged at his bass’ strings.

            Wilco returned to the stage for two encores after the crowd pleaded with roars of applause and cheering. The song “Misunderstood” blew into a crescendo that inspired a sing-along. Tweedy closed his eyes and belted in repetition with the crowd, “I’d like to thank you all for NOTHING,” as if from the edge of a cliff.

            The Fox Theater exploded with guitar solos and vibrating overtones.  Wilco’s melancholy lyrics and layered instrumentation proved they had enough energy and inspiration to continue on for generations. And with any luck, they will.