I've cannot wait to get this. Sounds like it's kicking everyones ass.

Yep, same here. It's really a shame the live footage didn't work out. I know Tweedy wanted something intimate, but I really would have been happy to have something visual to go along with it. What's stopping Wilco from having two live DVDs - Kicking Television and something recorded on the next tour the way he wanted it to be?

also, nels cline is the best thing to happen to this group.

um....maybe after jim o'rourke and jay bennett. i mean nel cline does good by the band live, but i'm gonna spend more time with the studio albums than i am with live albums or time spent seeing them live.

Yeah, Nels is great and all, but I think his playing can be a bit distracting at times - he comes really close to overdoing it on "Company in My Back," as an example. But, I haven't yet seen the evidence of how his creative gifts (songcrafting, songwriting, studio knowhow) really compare with Bennett or O'Rourke, so jury's still out.

I'm very much looking forward to hearing what Nels has to add to the studio version of Wilco, but I'm once again going to go with Gobbles and say that Nels has added a final, perfect touch to what I would consider to be the ideal lineup of this band. The man is an amazingly intense player and adds these beautiful nuances in exactly the right places.

Anyone with an adventurous ear is encouraged to check out Cline's solo material - but don't be expecting anything that sounds even remotely like what he's doing in Wilco (save for maybe the freak-outs in some songs.) The Giant Pin is a great place to start. As Jazz Times says on the sticker that came on the shrinkwrap (taped onto my desk next to a tiny Jack Black head,) "The world's most dangerous guitarist."

Oh, in no way would I want to take away from nels cline's abilities. I own and enjoy several of his albums...

I think the whole thing's worth it to hear Tweedy clearly say "I'm serious" at the beginning of "Kicking Television." After listening to the studio version a billion times, for some reason, it was just awesome to hear a clear vocal track on it (albeit with some screaming).

YSI please

Ok. I'm pissed now. I just got back from buying this and am listening to "The Last Greats." My problem's not with the music (it's great), but with the second disc. The clear plastic in the center of the cd is broken and seems to be cracking even more. I think the cd I bought was dropped at the store or factory because the broken piece was found under the tray. Now I have to make a trip back to try to exchange this tomorrow. I sure as shit hope they don't try to screw me on this...

Check your pm.

Two thumbs up! This album is great! Too bad about the DVD not making it out. I think I could understand a little clausterphobia to watch this set.

My hesitation in buying this comes from the fact that most of the songs are from A Ghost is Born and while I like that album, it's probably my least-favorite Wilco record overall. If there were more tracks from Being There and Summerteeth I'd buy it for sure.

I'd say it's one of the first vital live CDs released this decade and/or in a long ass time.

I've finally gotten to listen to this so I'll weigh in: It's pretty damn good. They sound like a psychedelic E-street Band at times. Tweedy's vocals sound really good. John Stiratt is John Stiratt=awesome. Glen Kotche (sp?) is such a beast-what a fun drummer. The two keyboard dudes and Nels Cline (an animal) round it out nicely. I've seen three different Wilco lineups (but not this one) so I can definitely hear how some of the arrangements have evolved or devolved with the various lineups. Two things though:

Still not floored by some of the songs from the last album though I do agree that the live versions spices them up a bit. I'm hoping that repeated listens will clear this up once and for all or not at all.

I agree that Cline overplays sometimes. Sometimes there is just TOO much going on with all the keyboard/synth stuff and him just freaking out. When its good, its awesome, when its not, its a little painful.

oh, people still like Wilco?

Further thoughts: The drums should kick in a LOT sooner on "Airline To Heaven"

The jam at the end of "Ashes of American Flags" is soooo sick. Kinda reminds me of Phish's "Harry Hood".

this is our live at leeds.

also, i can't wait to listen to this again with this in mind.

Yeah, its that and something else, just havent put my finger on it yet.

to continue along these lines, i've always thought that the end vocal melody of "hell is chrome" sounds like it could fit in perfectly on billy breathes or story of the ghost. (moreso the studio version than the live version)

added to my "list"

interesting....ok, the other song I'm thinking is, ya know the jam at the end of "The Plan" on the LIVE Built To Spill album? I'm kinda waiting for that to break out.

i've always thought that. good call.

...and all these years later, I was listening to something else dubbed the leak. Ah, yes.

Anyway, this is hitting vinyl soon. 8 extra tracks.



$70 seems way too high, but then again, their other vinyl usually retails for around $25-30 for 1 disc...

http://wilco.kungfustore.com/products/1930-kicking-television-live-in-chicago-lp-box-set-wil295