Our good friend Luke Sacks offers an out-of-towner preview of Wilco’s upcoming five-night stand at the Riviera in Chicago, which takes place on February 15-20
A previous commitment — okay, a work business trip — will prevent me from attending any of the five special Wilco shows in Chicago next week where the band will open up the vault and trot out a whole catalog’s worth of songs over the run at the Riviera. But not being in attendance shan’t prevent me from rooting for these forgotten tunes to be included in the mix…
1. Nothing’severgonnastandinmyway(again)
LAST PLAYED: 11-14-2005
A Summer Teeth tune that used to be played a lot, this song hasn’t seen the live stage in over two years. Very “poppy” sounding for a Wilco song, yet Nels Cline could slice and dice it into something special for the recent line-up.
2. Secret of the Sea
LAST PLAYED: 11-5-2005
Not to be confused with the H.W. Longfellow poem of the same name, this Tweedy favorite has made its way into his solo setlists. I’d like to see a full-band take, with some twangy Nels Cline (a la Airline to Heaven) adding a new dimension.
3. True Love Will Find You in the End
LAST PLAYED: 01-06-2003
Originally included on the single for “Shot in the Arm,” this Daniel Johnson-penned ballad has been sitting patiently on the shelf for more than five years. Time to re-invent and bring it back!
4. Ingrid Bergman
LAST PLAYED: 11-15-1998
This Mermaid Avenue gem named after the star of Casablanca has been played a grand total of twice…ever. And that’s a shame because it’s such a beautiful tune. Billy Bragg sings the somber lead on the album version, but Tweedy could certainly inject some energy and feeling into a live version. If there ever were a chance for this baby to come out again, it will be during these shows.
5. My Darling
LAST PLAYED: 11-24-1999
One of the most poignant tunes from the “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart” documentary would be a great addition to the lineup. Perhaps this Summer Teeth deep cut serves as too great a reminder of Jay Bennett after serving as his exit music from the film (and the band). But the lullaby feel would make for a great end-of-the-night placement.
Thanks to Luke for helping us preview these once-in-a-lifetime shows. What songs would you like to see Wilco play next week?
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