via Chicago

The Wilco show last night at Marymoor Park in Redmond was a really great experience. I hadn’t been to a show at Marymoor since WOMAD was staged there. They seem to be picking up the slack that the pier concerts used to do. I grabbed a bite to eat before hand from the Indian stand, and it was wonderful, they have about 10 microbrews on tap with plenty of quick lines, and they didn’t sell too many tickets, so it was always easy to get around or sprawl out.

Here’s the best part: the beer cups are made of corn! and are fully compostable. They have garbage stations with recycling, garbage, and a compost can all stationed by elderly people with badges deeming them, Recycling masters. Everytime I threw my beer cup in the compost I told the Recycling masters that they were really cool. I think I drank a few extra beers than I planned to, just so I could put my beer cup in the compost.

The band was spot on.

I just saw them two months ago at Bonnaroo and they played a very similar setlist. Nels Cline stole the show both times. He is a really great match to Jeff Tweedy. A commenter at the Lineout, The Stranger’s music blog commented that Nels Cline is the brawn to Jeff Tweedy’s brain. He finally has a soloist to match his lyrical prowess. That’s not to say that the other guys are slouches.

It’s pretty hard for that band to play a bad tune. They played some of my favorites; War on War, Handshake Drugs, Impossible Germany. I was slightly disappointed to not hear Heavy Metal Drummer. During Via Chicago I made a run to the bathroom and had the greatest time walking through the crowd listening to the Jesus, Etc.. With the Evergreens in the distance, the crystal clear sound system, and the stars showing themselves for the first time in weeks. That song was really overplayed, but fortunately for us, it never gets old. I’m glad I didn’t run into anyway, cause I kept on looking up at the stars, especially when I heard these lines:

You were right about the stars
Each one is a setting sun

During the first encore, Bill Frisell came out and played. I could barely hear him, but it was still cool to see one of my favorite guitar players onstage with one of my favorite bands. After Hummingbird, the crowd lights stayed off and I knew immediately that they were going to be back out. They came out and played Misunderstood and closed with Spiders (Kidsmoke). Great tune to finish with.

Towards the end of the concert I couldn’t help but think how alright I am with growing old with this band.

Here’s the setlist:
Sunken Treasure
You Are My Face
I Am Trying To Break Your Heart
Handshake Drugs
Pot Kettle Black
War On War
Side With The Seeds
A Shot In The Arm
Impossible Germany
Sky Blue Sky
Too Far Apart
Via Chicago
Jesus, Etc.
Hate It Here
Walken
I’m The Man Who Loves You

Encore 1:
What Light
Airline To Heaven
Hesitating Beauty (w/Bill Frisell on Electric Guitar)
California Stars (w/Bill Frisell on Electric Guitar)
Hummingbird

Encore 2:
Misunderstood
Spiders (Kidsmoke)