Ten Dead (solo acoustic version)

Wilco’s new album is out now

Wilco played this song live for the first time in Dallas the other night. After experiencing this song with a full-house audience, I came to the conclusion that it might not make sense to sing this song in such a celebratory environment. Not because of its subject matter or the weight of its sadness—we play plenty of truly sorrowful songs. It feels good to share a tear or two and the unique and intimate bond Wilco seems to have with our fans feels sturdy enough to sustain our trust in each other, even into the most bereft corners of our repertoire (I’m looking at you, “On and On and On”). 

This song, “Ten Dead,” though… I feel it’s despondent and numb and unfeeling in a way that might only really make sense encountering one consciousness at a time. Which is really what a record is for. So I think that’s where this song will live. Track 2 on Cousin. And here, where I’m going to share my own solitary take on this discomforting composition.

Thank you to everyone checking out the album. I hope you enjoy. I hope you find something that makes you feel like a closer member of our universal family.

A gift from the incredible Wilco HQ team! Photo: Eric Frankhouser

By the way: Cate Le Bon. She produced the album. She’s my friend and she’s one of my heroes. That’s all. Carry on. OxO

Photos by Cate from the making of Cousin

Ten Dead (solo acoustic version)