|
|
Wilco
The Chicago-based band Wilco has been a favorite of indie rock fans since their debut album, AM, hit record shops in 1994. Their music mixes moody vocals with a commitment to instrumental skill that is unparalleled in an era of cutting corners in music. Performances at the Austin City Limits festival and the entire British festival circuit in the past few years have built their credibility among typically cynical music fans. On July 19th, 2007, Wilco took the main stage at the Benicassim International Festival with the sun going down on thousands of tanned revelers.
The crowd was a mixture of Wilco fans and newcomers who were looking to experience great music well into the night. The road crew utilized a smoke machine and other haunting effects to set the mood before Jeff Tweedy broke into the night’s first song, “Side with the Seeds.” Tweedy and his revolving band of musicians were able to draw in the audience with sing alongs, chants, and meandering patter that is endearing in a festival environment. While other performers at Benicassim seemed to suffer from the Spanish summer heat or a lack of innovation in their traditional sets, Wilco was able to draw on nearly 14 years of music and a new album during their concert.
The quick pace of the Wilco show at Benicassim was impressive for a band with deliberate melodies. A ten-song set moved along briskly without an encore demanded by the Spanish audience. While the crowd may have been disappointed by Wilco’s absence from the stage, they quickly realized the jewel of a concert they received. The set was a virtual history of Wilco’s progress from unvarnished indie band to popular rock group with an eye toward their image in the indie rock community.
Notable songs played by Wilco in Benicassim were “Handshake Drugs,” “I’m the Man who Loves You,” and the closing number “Spiders.” This last song was a perfect choice because it involved high power guitar licks mixed with faster paced vocals by Tweedy. The organizers of this Spanish festival were smart to place Wilco on the main stage on the first evening of the event. Wilco drew in large crowds, excited fans who needed a boost of energy for four non-stop days of music, and educated neophytes on their style of music. This performance is the type that will have attendees talking until next year’s festival and following Wilco to their next festival performance.
|
|
