Wilco: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

February 23, 2016 by BOB BOILEN

Thousands of bands have made strong debuts, and many of those have made good second and third records — it's harder, but not unusual. It's truly rare to make your 10th album exciting and relevant more than 20 years on. For all that, I'd say Wilco is an American legend.

Though Wilco is basically a conventional rock band in form — guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, one lead songwriter — it defies expectations in so many other ways. In 2001, the group put an entire new album (the instant classic Yankee Hotel Foxtrot) online for all to hear; it's one thing to do that in 2015, as Wilco did with Star Wars, but it was virtually unheard-of in 2001.

This is a deeply imaginative band, with evocative imagery and relatable storytelling; drummer Glenn Kotche is one of the best around, while Nels Cline's crazy, textured guitar layers add adventure to everything he touches. I could go on, but let's just say that breaking my rule of never bringing a band back to the Tiny Desk — Wilco performed here back in 2011 — was easy once I heard Star Wars.

Wilco opened this set with "The Joke Explained" from that album, but then dug deep into its catalog, performing 1996's "Misunderstood" and two songs from the 1999 pop masterpiece Summerteeth. I'm thinking we make a date: When Wilco turns 25 in a few years, let's break more rules and bring back their magic once more.

Star Wars is available now:

Set List:
"The Joke Explained"
"Misunderstood"
"I'm Always In Love"
"Shot In The Arm"

Credits:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Kara Frame, Becky Lettenberger; Photo: Brandon Chew/NPR.

[ericalbertogarcia]

"The ashtray says you were up all night" is honestly one of my favorite opening lines ever lol

[joey.h]

“Something in my veins bloodier than blood” has to be one of the greatest lyrics ever put to paper

[AdamsMusicandFun]

Huge Wilco fan here. I think we can all agree that John's background vocals are an underrated and undiscussed part of what makes them great. Actually, every member in the group contributes to the greatness, but I've always thought John's vocals are overlooked.

[rmzzz]

Hard to stop listening to this. The sound quality of this natural mix is just perfect. Would love for Wilco to record a live album like this

[matthewbeach]

I’ve seen the whole love era one 1000 times but YouTube has never suggested this one to me. Had no idea it existed till now.

[Hayyden]

love that *Yankee Hotel Foxtrot* record behind Jeff.

One of his best.   Of the best.       Right up there with Physical Graffiti.

[BrohardBonesteel]

Always worth breaking a rule or two with Wilco. My goodness they sound good on Tiny Desk!

[terptek]

I never tire of watching Wlico live. Americana tour with Dylan and MMJ was music heaven

[HamCubes]

NPR's sound engineers really captured lightning in a bottle here. Bravo, dudes! 👌

[audioisgood]

Perfect song selection. This is Wilco.

[MrJohnnycasher]

This version of A shot in the arm is no doubts the best from them. Absolutely unbelievable. Wilco are my favourite band since I got on board of the train with Yankee Hotel Foxtrot to never ever leave it.

[joshappelbaum]

the best version of "I'm always in love" i've ever heard. truly perfect.

[BonemBoy]

When I saw Wilco back in September 2015, after Star Wars was released, they did an acoustic encore set just like this. Was phenomenal, as is this.

[jamesrawson]

Here is to hoping these guys get to grow old and continue to create pure American music . Full of soul and love .

[guinessfish]

Once Pat whipped out the xylophone, I knew the plan was to play a kick-ass set. Xylophones always signal the intention to completely dominate lesser musical performances.

[adders]

love the flexable nature of the musicians changing instruments at different gigs

[smeltedcheese]

Fuck, i'd pay good money to see Wilco play this kind of set.

[Homeinmygardenwithmydog]

Shot in the Arm has gotten me through so many hard relationship times. Love that song.

[smallships]

This may be sacrilege but I'd love Wilco to record Summerteeth again with these newer arrangements. Both Shot in the Arm and I'm Always in Love really shine here with the more acoustic treatment.

[Kerrybart.stone]

So we were at a Solid Sound event at Mass MOCA and in the museum playing in a sound installation experience gallery- I was playing the felted amped/ mixed balls - and or the fruit - yes !! Amped fruit - and the band came in with young offspring and my young offspring said later : Ma?! 😳do you know you were standing about 6”away fromNELS Cline ??!!
Yup - gotta be cool 😎
Can’t go oh Flipping No WaY I’m standing 6” away from Nels Cline