Wilco at The National

After thirteen long years, Wilco returned to Richmond last night to play a sold out show at The National. They last stopped here in support of 1996's Being There. In the meantime they have released six records and gone from an alt-country underground darling to one of the most respected bands in modern rock and roll. And they know a thing or two about performing. Last night's performance was the most impressive show I've seen since my initial peak into the Bruce Springsteen carnival tent.

Although this was my first Wilco show, I have been a fan since I first learned of them following 2002's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot record. I am familiar with their entire catalog and have listened to several bootleg shows over the years. Yet I was unprepared for the show I saw. The biggest surprise was how well the songs from A Ghost Is Born and Sky Blue Sky worked live. Those two records never captured my imagination in the same way the band's earlier, and later, efforts have. They seemed overly atmospheric to me. But the atmospherics translated perfectly from the stage and those songs had a power and drive that I never expected. Meanwhile, the songs I expected to be great didn't disappoint.

Musically, Wilco has some serious chops. Leader Jeff Tweedy writes interesting lyrics and melodies, but when he steps out front on guitar he reminds me of Neil Young. The playing sounds a little dirty and imprecise. Yet it fits perfectly into the song and adds an aural element that increases the punch. What he may (or may not) lack as a guitarist is covered by Pat Sansone and Nels Cline. Sansone handles the more traditional guitar lines, while Cline appears a certified mad axman. He coaxes sounds and emotions from his instrument in much the same jaw-dropping manner as Jeff Bird (on mandolin) of the Cowboy Junkies. His work is as much a reinterpretation of the instrument as it is music. Glenn Kotche on percussion is another amazing musician who could easily put on a show by himself. With his work, along with that of longtime bassist John Stirratt, the Wilco groove is in solid hands. Those two set the foundation from which Tweedy's songs arise.

As a frontman, Jeff Tweedy is a surprisingly powerful and emotive singer. He also packs a very dry wit. One of his apparent pet peeves is audience chatter. As is his tendency, he made several comments about members of the audience talking during the performances. As luck would have it, I was sandwiched in amongst some of the worst offenders. From my perspective, which must be similar to Tweedy's, why pay good money to come to a show and not pay attention? Sing badly (as I do) and dance badly (which I don't), but acknowledge that the evening is about the music and only about the music. Otherwise, Jeff might call you out from the stage.

If Wilco comes to your town, and if you're not afraid of being reawakened by the power of rock and roll, do whatever you have to do and get to the show.