When the brain children of a band go their separate ways, it is always interesting to see how creative types will move on, into the future. For Jeff Tweedy and his former bandmates from Uncle Tupelo, Ken Coomer (drums), John Stirratt (bass), and Max Johnson (mandolin, banjo, fiddle), the decision was simple: move on with a new band called Wilco.
While the lineup has changed since their debut in 1994, this Grammy-winning American rock band will be rolling into the Merriweather Post Pavilion on Sunday (9/25), and we have a pair of lawn tickets burning in our back pocket!
With eight studio albums already under their belt, Wilco will release their ninth record in less than a week, titled The Whole Love. According to Rolling Stone, “the album includes a seven-minute track, ‘Art of Almost,’ which starts with shadowy electronics, gently turns into a haunted vocal section, then sprints into a Krautrock-style blowout. There are also two country-flavored songs.”
Because the band took more time off the road to really focus on this release, it appears that fans of this Chicago-based group can look forward to a refreshed sound of the band classified as the “American Radiohead.” The Whole Love will be released on the 17th via the band’s own label, dBpm. (That’s decibel per minute…)
Opening for Wilco this weekend will be London-based singer-songwriter, Nick Lowe. With roots stemming deep in the world of D.I.Y. and punk rock, you can only appreciate and respect a man whose 30-year career includes producing Elvis Costello’s first five albums.
If you are still sitting there wondering who he is, perhaps the song “Cruel To Be Kind” rings a bell—at least in some cover form or another. While Lowe may be considered one of the biggest influences in the punk scene, his music is hardly what you would expect. Hit up Merriweather early to hear his classic rock and roll style.
You can catch the ever-pleasing hippie rock sounds of Wilco and Nick Lowe live this Sunday at the Merriweather Post Pavilion, but if you want to catch these guys for free you’ll need to get creative.
I was recently introduced to the Jaydiohead mash ups (incredibly awesome if you ask me), and since Wilco is allegedly the “American Radiohead,” let us know which title songs from each band you’d put head to head. I’m thinking “Muzzle of Kid A” (“Muzzle of Bees” and “Kid A”)—musically it would be terrible, but the name makes me laugh, and that’s what matters. Let’s see what you’ve got TVD readers!
The winner will be chosen Friday (9/23) at noon and must confirm the tickets via email by 3pm.
