If used is not an issue, you'll be able to find a good guitar for $700-800.00. If and when the time comes, let me know if I can help.

Tell me more about this Esquire, and the 52 "Hot rod." That's not a term they used back then, that I know of. Are these yours, or borrowed? And what amps did you play through?

The Esquire is the pre-Tele, single pickup model which later became the two-pickup Broadcaster. I can't remember why they changed the name after that, but it soon evolved into the Tele. The neck is a little too round for my tastes, but still, it has that tone.

The Tele is the 'Vintage' Hot-Rod '52 re-issue. (Hot Rod = because of the humbucker)

All guitars listed are mine cept for the Martin Pre-War acoustic which belongs to John Cuniberti.

I own three amps which were used throughout and if we didn't like a particular sound later during mixing we would 'reamp' it, using a different amplifier.

'63 black face fender reverb, which is housed in a '58 casing with celestions.
'72 50-watt marshall plexi with celestions and a custom master volume. I've had it since 1976
...they're both beat to shit.

During the sessions I picked up a 15/30 watt Orange ampl with a single celestion which is very straightforward and easy to hump around. I ended up using it on the chorus of Rocket Man coupled with the '59 345.

The last ten years or so I haven't bought that much in the way of guitar/amps. Mostly microphones and mic-pre's.

Awesome. I wasn't very clear - apologies. I know what the esquire is, I was more curious if it's original and how you like it. I've got a good gigantic book about fender history. Love that shit. When you say 63 Fender Reverb I assume you mean an early Deluxe Reverb?

And did you see what I'm doing to my vibrolux reverb reissue in that other thread?

It's not a Deluxe. From 1963-1967 The "Black Face' Twin Reverb combo was introduced. My only modification was swapping out the Jensens for Celestions and my beat '63 casing for a lesser beat '58.

I'll head over to the other thread and check it out.

btw - thanks for the kind words about the record Squirrg. I really appreciate it.

Dude you earned it. You guys sound incredible together. I need to try to get Busty to hear this, I really think he'd be pretty inspired by it.

Much appreciated.

Finally got around to listening to this last night and this morning. Great job Mark. Not surprisingly, my favorite song is the original but that's not a knock on the covers at all which are all very well-done. I was a little skeptical that I'd like Waterloo Sunset because I'm such a fan of the original but you guys really made that song your own. The harmonies on "Sleeping With the Lights On" are especially great. I'm not familiar with that song or the names Bronleewe or Tassen. Who does the original? Am I missing out on a great artist? Definitely keep us abreast of your tour plans.

I knew going into Waterloo, I was heading towards territory I might want to consider just leaving alone. It would be like covering Strawberry Fields (another all-timer of mine). I actually thought about what your reaction would be cos I've known for years it's a favorite of yours. I'm happy to hear it passed the test.

As for the artist behind 'Sleeping' - Teitur (Poetry & Aeroplanes), it was a song John brought it that I initially had issues with both the lyric and the feel of the song. After spending a little time with it (changing up the feel & arrangement) we felt it was something we could work with. I'm not really crazy about the rest of the record but I'll send it to you if you want it.

The three of us agreed that no matter what song we tried, it had to work first with Al & I vocally, and if didn't, there was no point moving forward with it. We demo-ed about 30 songs before pairing everything down.

I'll let you know of any upcoming gigs.

Thanks again for your support Bill.

I bought this from iTunes the other day. Have listened a few times. Once I got over the fact that the songs were SUPPOSED to be very polished and the sound completely smoothed out, I really like it.

I think Hesitating Beauty is one of the best things Wilco has ever been associated with, and definitely enjoy the takes on Waterloo (a song I've always found a bit meh) and Rocket Man. Good job, MCap.

Thanks Gar. The support is much appreciated.

Album of the year for me, so far.

Are you guys gonna tour? I'll come and catch you in Chicago if you make it out here. I'll make it a point to do so.

Wow. I don't know what to say Todd, but thanks. Seriously, much appreciated!

As far as touring goes, there are a few things in the works to coincide with "physical" product in the summer. I'll let you know when things are firmed up and as it gets closer.

Thanks man.