Wilco, Religion and the Human Experience

When I was going through my “Doors Period” like every red-blooded American teen who’s a fan of music is expected to go through, I did much more than just listen to the tunes of Jim and the boys. I read his poetry, watched old footage, and read every book about them I could find. I remember hearing constantly people describing a Doors concert experience as a “religious experience”. Their guitarist even described it this way saying, “It was a religious experience between us and the audience. We were all together. This sounds ridiculous, but we were all together, the audience and us. They just went crazy. Everybody was together – that was it. It was an incredible feeling of community.”

At the time this intrigued me, but I sure didn’t understand it. In my mind I pictured a bunch of stinky hippies passing a joint, along with a communion plate, singing “How Great Thou Art” after “Light My Fire”. That was as far as I could grasp this idea of “religious experience” at a rock and roll show. I loved the way it sounded, but just wasn’t sure what it meant. Fast forward 20 or so years. I think I can get it now. At least, I can a little. I’ve had a few of those experiences where I was at a show, and the crowd was singing in one voice, the band was passionately pouring out their emotions and it felt like we were all melding into one. It felt like something big was happening. It was as if I’d lost my personal identity and instead had morphed into some bigger existence…one of collective mind, heart, soul and love. Does that make ANY sense? If so, I think THIS was what was meant by the concert as a “religious experience”. I’ve experienced it a few times. Pearl Jam took me there 1st. U2 grooved me through it. Mumford & Sons drove it home. This past week, Wilco lit the fires again!

It was my first chance to see Wilco live. I’ve been a fan since I heard first “Box Full of Letters” in college many years ago. I’ve followed them from varying distances throughout the years. I’ve listened as they’ve grown, expanded and explored. I’ve been fascinated with their lyrics and the relationship they have with the music industry as a whole and with their fans. But, I’d never gotten to see them live.

So last week, at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, I finally got that chance. It did NOT disappoint. Mr. Tweedy and the boys came out and immediately went to work. There was so much to take in. The light show and simple yet lovely stage set was wonderful. The sound was mixed so clean. Jeff was singing with incredible clarity. Guitarist Nels Cline is a freak of nature the way he plays. His passion is so intense that you almost feel you’re viewing an intimate moment between a man and his lover that was not meant for your eyes. The glue of the band in my opinion, bassist John Stirratt was laying down incredibly heavy grooves and harmonic vocals. Everyone else was playing with fervor and passion. It was something special.

So why could I say that it almost felt “religious”? There are many factors involved. The show itself had a ceremonial feeling. The crowd is there and reacting in a reverent, and almost subjective manner. All of the fans in attendance acted like a “good congregation” and respected tradition as well as new material. We responded appropriately when we needed. We laughed at his “is pot legal in CO because it sure smells legal” joke (and boy did it smell VERY legal). We clapped when we were supposed to and whistled when it was our turn. We sang loudly when called upon. It felt like another place I go on Sundays ☺. Everyone was singing together, moving together. It was TOGETHER.

Jeff Tweedy himself has even felt this, once saying “I just find the communal experience of a rock concert, or any type of music performance, achieves a kind of transcendence that I associate with spirituality. It’s the closest thing to what I think people expect church to be like. Or maybe just what I’ve always thought church should be. It’s as close to it as I feel like I’ve gotten. You lose yourself, and at the same time come to the realization or understanding that you’re part of something bigger than yourself. That’s the main function of religion, in my mind.”

Towards the end of the night they played one of my favorites “A Shot in the Arm”. As the crowd and band found themselves screaming together “that maybe all we needed was a shot in the arm”, I got goose bumps. I’m not sure what this song is truly about. You could make an argument for heroin addiction. You could say it’s about an addictive, destructive love. Regardless, NO ONE could say it is not passionate. It was powerful! Something special was happening.

At that moment I felt like I was part of something bigger. God has created every one of us in his image. And we can live together, love together, create together and make beauty. God is in the whispers of all beauty. I truly believe this. And I think he can even be found in a beer soaked and smoke filled ballroom in Denver Colorado. I look forward to church this week……..

Top Ten Albums of 2009

The end of the year is time for inevitable TOP TEN lists. For some reason, I have always been drawn to these. I simply love them! So, in order to honor this tradition, I will be adding my own addition. I want to give you my “Top Ten Albums of 2009”. This is tough for me, and on any given day I could change the order . So…here you go!

10- The Dead Weather- Horehound
I sure miss the White Stripes. But as long as Jack White keeps putting out amazing side projects, I am ok with it. What a dark, weird and delightful debut. The era of girl rock seems dead, until you hear this one. It plain rocks.
Songs to hear: Rocking Horse, Hang You from the Heavens

9-The Swell Season – Strict Joy
Do you remember seeing Once and being rocked to your very core by the music???? The stars of the film record under the name The Swell Season. 2009 saw the release of their newest collaboration. It is a melancholy album, seemingly reflecting on the couple’s real life breakup. While not as raw as ONCE, it has stunning moments. It is a must have.
Songs to hear: Low Rising, Fantasy Man

8- Derek Webb- Stockholm Syndrome
This is what happens when a folksy crooner finds big beats. You get his most unusual and best release to date. You get fat bass lines, acoustic licks and solid crooning, all wrapped around spiritually deep lyrics that shake your heart to make you think. From start to finish it is totally solid.
Songs to hear: What matters More , Freddie Please

7-Wilco- Wilco
Throughout their career, Wilco seamlessly adds to and changes their sound with each new release. This self titled release finds a compelling middle course that will shake your very being. It seems that rehab makes you rethink life and acceptance. It is moving and gorgeous.
Songs to hear: Solitaire, You never Know


6-Neko case- middle Cyclone
I guess you could almost call it a “concept album” about nature and its’ power? Once again Neko croons pure alt country beauty on this new release. She portrays herself as an animal, a tornado, and a man-eater, yet all the while, exuding the soul and power of a true soul diva!
Songs to hear: vengeance is Sleeping, Middle Cyclone

5-Bruce Springsteen – Working on a Dream
Some things just get better with age. The Boss seems to have found his 2nd wind! This album has it all, long slow ballads, story tellers and arena rock. If you gave up on Bruce in the 90’s, PLEASE trust me and give this a listen.
Download: Outlaw Pete, The Wrestler, Kingdom of Days

4-Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear has been on the indie rock scene for awhile. Occasionally they would release a song that would rock my IPod with potential, but something was missing. NO LONGER! This album attacks your ears from every angle with a myriad of sounds. This is a definite must-have for the Pet Sounds loving fan!
Songs to hear: While You Wait for the Others, Two Weeks

3-U2 – No Line on the Horizon
I make no apologies for my unabashed love of Bono and the gang. History will show them one of the most important bands ever. While I have really liked their last few albums, No Line on the Horizon is, without a doubt, their absolute best since Achtung Baby (I remember skipping my homeroom period Senior year in HS to get that one). This record is full of the usual amazing lyrics, and perfect moments. A few songs actually rival for the “best U2 songs ever” award.
Songs to hear: Magnificent, Moment of Surrender

2-The Avett Brothers – I and Love and You
I don’t even know where to start here! I first became a fan after being recommended their Emotionalism album. For their major label debut, they teamed up with star maker Rick Rubin. The record has taken a different sound with much less banjo and much more piano. Don’t be scared by this. It is beautiful. I literally cannot stop listening.
Songs to hear: I and Love and You, Kick Drum Heart

1- Pearl Jam – Backspacer
This is a tough one for me, because I don’t want to be biased. But Pearl Jam was THE soundtrack band for the time in my life that impacted me the most! Although I never lost a love for them, age, time, kids, careers, and honestly subpar recordings have taken them away from me a little. So when I heard this, I was literally floored for days with emotion. I absolutely love it. It is listening to artists grow up in your ears, and touch your very soul with their reflections. From start to finish it is perfection. Get the ENTIRE record and put on repeat!
Songs to hear: You
The Fixer, Just Breathe, Got Some

Playlist Bliss!!!!

Itunes genius just put together an AMAZING little play list of Americana bliss……so good I wish you could all listen! Here are the 1st 15 songs….WOW

Portland Oregon- Loretta Lynn and Jack White
Passenger Side- Wilco
She Talk to Angels- Black Crowes
Far Away Eyes- Rolling Stones
All That Matters- Todd Snider
Blue- The Thorns
Wildflowers- Tom Petty
Lie to Me- Johnny Lang
Old Man- Neil Young
Shame- Avett Brothers
Somehow, Someday- Ryan Adams
Wasted Time- Eagles
There Will Be a Light- Ben Harper and Blind Boys of Alabama
Killing the Blues- Robert Plant & Allison Krauss
Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain- Willie Nelson