I recently came across this clipping from an Uncle Tupelo show in London in 1993. I remember the night, but I never saw this review. I think it should always take 30 years for a critic’s words to reach one’s eyes. It’s nice. This Week In Wilco, Etc.
It’s a little breathtaking to read that review and think of all that is to come. You can stand in your shoes today and feel just like that guy and nothing like that guy.
Love it! One to discuss with the author Stuart Bailie when you hit Belfast. He runs the Oh Yeah music centre in town now…a great place doing great work for up and coming bands, providing rehearsal and performance space etc 🎸❤️
Always great to hear from you but I’m just thinking Jeff how proud you must be of Spencer and Sammy. Not only because of their musical contributions to this world but of the fine gentleman they are turning out to be. They both have a great sense of humor and are seemingly willing to offer it to this world freely. The thing that strikes me most though is how great they both are at communicating with fans like myself and each other, at least that is how things seem from this side of the ship. By becoming a fan of Wilco and you Jeff my world was expanded into stuff in our house with all that Susie has to offer and from there you were kind enough to share the rest of the family with us and I’ve been ever thankful since. Thank you so much for sharing carry on Captain my Captain.
Gosh I have rather mixed feelings about that review. Dour overload. Maybe spot on though …? I wonder if, when Bailie later heard Heavy Metal Drummer, he thought “ah, Tweedy was a teenager once after all!”
I have been a fan for years. Uncle Tupelo gives me a sense of comfort from a by gone day and Wilco makes me smile in a way that I can’t explain. The music is so “relatable” that I would feel weird without it. I worked as Chief Engineer at KYYS in Kansas City back in another life and saw Jeff in Uncle Tupelo and Wilco and Jay in Uncle Tupelo and Sonvolt...what talented yet diverse perspectives but beautiful none the less. I will admit there was a sadness to some
of the tunes but that was a reflection of the times. So glad you guys made music together and apart. Thank you.
You have to understand Northern Irish Ulster black humor to get this critic. It's a style: A mix of irony, satire, and love. The author is a prominent music critic, publisher, promoter and writer in Belfast. He posted this clipping Apr 30 on Twitter, with this comment:
'A year before Jeff Tweedy formed #Wilco, I saw him onstage in London with Uncle Tupelo. Himself and Jay Farrar were about to split but the music was fierce and fraught. Here's my NME review from 30 years ago...' ('fierce and fraught' is a great phrase; also, it's a more straightforward description of what he heard and clearly loved)
I saw Uncle Tupelo in Columbus while in college around this time. The Newport perhaps, or maybe Stache’s? (God, getting old sucks.) I think they were touring with Ween. So while this review was one person’s interpretation, mine was sort of the opposite. Yes those emotions and sentiments exist in the music, but the joy of a concert - especially one in a more intimate setting - is that collective experience of letting it all out, finding your tribe, knowing there are others like you, taking in the music and giving the band back our joy. Whatever. I’ll shut up.
The Greensboro show was amazing! Front row in front of Nels, took my 19 year old daughter and it was her first Wilco show. In a very reap-what-you-sow moment, she bought me a beer with her fake ID. Ah, college...
I agree with the 30 year pause on a review. I just received one today and could definitely have waited 30 years to hear it 🤣🤣🤣 Such is life. We’re a work in progress whether we choose to believe it or not. Thanks to all aboard who make this journey so inviting. Glad I’m along for the ride 😎😎😎
That’s actually a really well written review, but I wonder what the writer’s problem was with Uncle Tupelo’s physical condition? Buncha young skinny dudes—who could complain about that? Oh well, I’m just excited to hear how busy you are and looking forward to everything you’re cooking up! And of course can’t wait to see you next week at the Vic!!
Jeff, you quit drinking while in Uncle Tupelo…I had always thought your sobriety came after “A Ghost Is Born”…I assume you stopped drinking, prior to getting off prescribed meds? True?
Hi Jeff, my wife and I have got tix to see you in Boulder, CO when you're coming in July. Very excited about that show. Wasn't sure of the best spot to contact you so I thought I'd shoot my shot here. What the hell, right? I host a little podcast about Wilco and wondered if you'd have any time or interest in taking a short amount of time to record a little interview when you're in Colorado for one of your solo shows. If you're open to this at all or even just allowing me to get a selfie with you, I would be thrilled. No pressure. I know you're busy and you've got bigger fish to fry. If you're open, feel free to contact me at wilcothepodcast@gmail.com
Stuart has used Uncle Tupelo as a container for his memoir, screenplay and long-form poetry. That Tupelo honey moment is quite something. Still, I really see in this the <almost> pre-interwebs days. Priceless.
It’s a little breathtaking to read that review and think of all that is to come. You can stand in your shoes today and feel just like that guy and nothing like that guy.
Love it! One to discuss with the author Stuart Bailie when you hit Belfast. He runs the Oh Yeah music centre in town now…a great place doing great work for up and coming bands, providing rehearsal and performance space etc 🎸❤️
Always great to hear from you but I’m just thinking Jeff how proud you must be of Spencer and Sammy. Not only because of their musical contributions to this world but of the fine gentleman they are turning out to be. They both have a great sense of humor and are seemingly willing to offer it to this world freely. The thing that strikes me most though is how great they both are at communicating with fans like myself and each other, at least that is how things seem from this side of the ship. By becoming a fan of Wilco and you Jeff my world was expanded into stuff in our house with all that Susie has to offer and from there you were kind enough to share the rest of the family with us and I’ve been ever thankful since. Thank you so much for sharing carry on Captain my Captain.
Best young men out there. Jeff and Susie have done an incredible job!! And the boys, the boys keep on keeping on with all that....they are treasures.
I read this entire review in the voice of Trent Crimm: The Independent.
Gosh I have rather mixed feelings about that review. Dour overload. Maybe spot on though …? I wonder if, when Bailie later heard Heavy Metal Drummer, he thought “ah, Tweedy was a teenager once after all!”
Love this review of this review!!
I have been a fan for years. Uncle Tupelo gives me a sense of comfort from a by gone day and Wilco makes me smile in a way that I can’t explain. The music is so “relatable” that I would feel weird without it. I worked as Chief Engineer at KYYS in Kansas City back in another life and saw Jeff in Uncle Tupelo and Wilco and Jay in Uncle Tupelo and Sonvolt...what talented yet diverse perspectives but beautiful none the less. I will admit there was a sadness to some
of the tunes but that was a reflection of the times. So glad you guys made music together and apart. Thank you.
Everyone's a critic, but some are more critical than others! Acid Dollop would be a good name for a band.
You have to understand Northern Irish Ulster black humor to get this critic. It's a style: A mix of irony, satire, and love. The author is a prominent music critic, publisher, promoter and writer in Belfast. He posted this clipping Apr 30 on Twitter, with this comment:
'A year before Jeff Tweedy formed #Wilco, I saw him onstage in London with Uncle Tupelo. Himself and Jay Farrar were about to split but the music was fierce and fraught. Here's my NME review from 30 years ago...' ('fierce and fraught' is a great phrase; also, it's a more straightforward description of what he heard and clearly loved)
twitter.com/stu_bailie/status/1652756680386437128?s=20
I saw Uncle Tupelo in Columbus while in college around this time. The Newport perhaps, or maybe Stache’s? (God, getting old sucks.) I think they were touring with Ween. So while this review was one person’s interpretation, mine was sort of the opposite. Yes those emotions and sentiments exist in the music, but the joy of a concert - especially one in a more intimate setting - is that collective experience of letting it all out, finding your tribe, knowing there are others like you, taking in the music and giving the band back our joy. Whatever. I’ll shut up.
The Greensboro show was amazing! Front row in front of Nels, took my 19 year old daughter and it was her first Wilco show. In a very reap-what-you-sow moment, she bought me a beer with her fake ID. Ah, college...
Curious: Did you ever win over that Lemonheads fanbase?
😂
“Physical drabness”...it’s the name of my soon-to-be-assembled band.
I agree with the 30 year pause on a review. I just received one today and could definitely have waited 30 years to hear it 🤣🤣🤣 Such is life. We’re a work in progress whether we choose to believe it or not. Thanks to all aboard who make this journey so inviting. Glad I’m along for the ride 😎😎😎
That’s actually a really well written review, but I wonder what the writer’s problem was with Uncle Tupelo’s physical condition? Buncha young skinny dudes—who could complain about that? Oh well, I’m just excited to hear how busy you are and looking forward to everything you’re cooking up! And of course can’t wait to see you next week at the Vic!!
I was confused about his objection to their physical condition, too, but my guess is that he meant they were a little too drunk.
I had already quite drinking, believe it or not.
Jeff, you quit drinking while in Uncle Tupelo…I had always thought your sobriety came after “A Ghost Is Born”…I assume you stopped drinking, prior to getting off prescribed meds? True?
and yes, he did.
Sobriety is not solely defined by alcohol consumption by any means.
I don’t know why you’re schooling me, but okay 👌
Unsmiling and Forever Old in Rockville. What a compliment!
Hi Jeff, my wife and I have got tix to see you in Boulder, CO when you're coming in July. Very excited about that show. Wasn't sure of the best spot to contact you so I thought I'd shoot my shot here. What the hell, right? I host a little podcast about Wilco and wondered if you'd have any time or interest in taking a short amount of time to record a little interview when you're in Colorado for one of your solo shows. If you're open to this at all or even just allowing me to get a selfie with you, I would be thrilled. No pressure. I know you're busy and you've got bigger fish to fry. If you're open, feel free to contact me at wilcothepodcast@gmail.com
Stuart has used Uncle Tupelo as a container for his memoir, screenplay and long-form poetry. That Tupelo honey moment is quite something. Still, I really see in this the <almost> pre-interwebs days. Priceless.