Concert Review: Wilco @ Greek Theater, Berkeley, CA 08/24/2007

With family in tow, I ventured down to Berzerkely to check out Wilco at the Greek Theater. We brought the kids knowing that the Greek has lawn seating where we imagined spreading out our blanket, opening our picnic basket and laying back enjoying some great music. What we didn't expect was how small and steep the lawn at the Greek really is. The only level spots were up at the very top where, although the view is nice, the sound is not. It was still comfortable and the sound improved when I stood up. Still, nothing could detract from that Wilco magic. Once again they show why they are, in my humble opinion, one of the best live bands around.

The setlist was varied, with songs from all phases of their career. They played a lot songs from Sky Blue Sky, which I certainly didn't mind. A highlight for me was Nels Cline's spirited guitar work; especially on Handshake Drugs, and Impossible Germany. Nels was hopping around like a jumping bean most of the night and at one point almost fell over his monitor.

Jeff Tweedy was his usual flippant self as he bantered between songs. At one point he pleaded with the audience to stop using the phrase "I love's me some...", like "I love's me some Wilco." He also made quite a few references to marijuana, saying, "You guys smell high" and adding that we still had a long way to go if we wanted to keep up with Portland.

Once again Wilco put on a great show, sound challenges notwithstanding. They are still one of my all-time favorites.

Setlist
Sunken Treasure
You Are My Face
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
Either Way
Handshake Drugs
Pot Kettle Black
War on War
Shake It Off
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
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Misunderstood
California Stars
Hummingbird
On and On and On
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I'm Always in Love
Outta Mind (Outtasite)
In A Future Age
Spiders (Kidsmoke)