Aside from a Wilco gig in the near future (not likely looking at their current tour schedule), watching them play live in America on DVD is the next best thing. Yesterday we bought Ashes of American Flags, recordings from a series of recent gigs in small towns across the US. Wilco is, as Jeff Tweedy tells us, a band who made their name on the road. We're treated to some insights about the band members... Pat Sansone's energy 'saved the band' through it's Yankee period of turmoil, but the band couldn't exist without John Stirratt. We also learn that Nels Cline periodically gives himself whiplash and Glenn Kotche puts his hands in ice after a particularly intense gig.
The set list is great, showcasing every album including AM and Being There. We are treated to a rare bonus John Stirratt vocal performance on It's Just That Simple and the rocking swagger of Monday and Kingpin. There's a poignant Ashes of American Flags recorded in a sound check in an empty wooden floored hall. From Yankee we also see War on War, always great live and Heavy Metal Drummer, the closest Wilco comes to pop. From Summerteeth there's Shot in the Arm and Via Chicago, two setlist staples. And from A Ghost is Born we see Wishful Thinking, Handshake Drugs and the feel-good tongue-in-cheek Late Greats (this time minus Neil Finn on piano!) There's a couple from their most recent album too, a beautiful You Are My Face and great guitar work on Impossible Germany.
The DVD also has plenty of bonus tracks including the John Stirratt song. But as far as I'm concerned, the best feature of the DVD is the fact that you can download all of the songs (including all of the bonus tracks) from the web for free! They're great live recordings, surpassing some of the versions that appear on Kicking Television.
This in itself would be enough to keep me happy, were it not for the imminent release of Wilco (the album) on June 20! They certainly keep their fans happy. Now for another Australian tour.
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