The Download Downlow
by Mike ConklinWilco: ‘At Least That’s What You Said’ (Live)
From the Tour EP (iTunes 99 cents)
You know a band places a pretty high premium on the fidelity of the music they release to the public when even their live recordings are best enjoyed on headphones. Such is the case with Wilco’s (have you heard about this Wilco?)
new Tour EP, which includes four songs recorded during shows in support of last year’s challenging and daring — ok, somewhat boring and a little bit annoying — A Ghost Is Born.
Just like it was on the studio record, ‘At Least That’s What You Said’ is the standout track. Accompanied only by his own barely audible electric guitar, Jeff Tweedy whispers a story about a man coming to grips with the consequences — or lack thereof — of a knock-down fight with his wife, when suddenly, the band lets loose a chaotic, full-volume assault driven by Tweedy’s squealing, expressive guitar solo.
The rest of the EP is strictly for the die-hards, of which I know there are many. ‘Handshake Drugs’ is a simple pop song that never really goes anywhere. (Don’t let the guitar freak-out at the end fool you.) ‘The Late Greats’ is catchy and at times refreshing, but ultimately just too goddamn repetitive. ‘Kicking Television’ is snotty and abrasive like the early Replacements stuff, but something about Tweedy’s nonchalant delivery seems disingenuous. The sole studio recording is the previously unreleased ‘Panthers’, which is, how do I say this… oh, right: somewhat boring and a little bit annoying.
Mike Conklin
