Live Review: Wilco, Low

Download: Wilco- "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart"

I've seen Wilco live four times, including Tuesday night in Duluth. And they were fantastic. They get better every time I see them. As I was watching the show, the thought "How can I write about this?" wandered through my head. I could list for you everything they did right, chastise the sound crew at the park and conclude that the evening was ultimately worthwhile. But honestly, no verbosity and emphatic hand-waving can really sum up how great the band was.

So, I'll make two observations:

1.) Wilco looks badass playing in the rain.
2.) There is no other band like Wilco. I have never been to a show (and I've been to hundreds), where everyone knew every word to every song. I've never seen an audience sing like they did in Duluth. I've never seen so many smiles on so many faces. Ever. Not at movies, not at shows, not at comedy shows. I think it's because Wilco is a band that really becomes a part of their audience. There's something so simple and transcendent about them that makes them incredibly engaging.

Low opened up the show. They were the perfect music for a 50-degree, foggy day. However, Alan Sparhawk doesn't know all the words to "California Stars," and I am therefore required to frown down on him. Just kidding. I've never been a huge Low fan, but I definitely recognize the epic, anthemic quality that their songs taken on live. They sounded much cooler than on album.

Wilco will be in town at the Northrop on October 10th. If you haven't seen them, go. If you have, go anyway. The new material sounds fantastic live.

(April Wright)