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 Wilco |
 Nick Lowe |
 Wilco |
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Story and photos by Andy Argyrakis The last official night of Wilco's tour in support of The Whole Love (dBpm) also served as the start to its homecoming residency and the group couldn't have picked a classier venue. The Civic Opera House served as a grand launching pad for both new tunes and older material with lots of unexpected surprises and exceptional set list generosity that clocked in just under three hours.The sold out show may have started with the understated, dozen-minute folk narrative "One Sunday Morning (Song For Jane Smiley's Boyfriend)," but it built briskly come the moody "Poor Places" and the melodic "I Might." Other first half highlights included the perennial sing-a-long "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart," the easy going charm of "What Light" and the jazzy/alt-country concoction "Jesus, Etc." In fact, Wilco let all facets of its ever-shifting personality shine throughout the evening, intermixing alternative, indie and experimental rock with folk, pop and even a few prog rock moments. Later inclusions like "Dawned On Me" merged chunky bits of guitar distortion with front man Jeff Tweedy's pleading delivery, while initial set finale "A Shot In the Arm" exploded with surging electronics and insurgent delivery. Yet it was the encore that truly made this show unique from the others before it, with the band's jangly "Outtasite (Outta Mind)" serving as the perfect bookend to a duet with sophisticated opener Nick Lowe on his classic "Cruel To Be Kind." From there, Chicago's very own Mavis Staples stepped out of the shadows for a surprise take on her recent spiritual "You're Not Alone" (which Tweedy produced), followed by a soulful, full-cast rendition of The Band's "The Weight." Not only was it a once in a lifetime collaboration, but it set the tone for what promises to be one of Wilco's most eventful weeks in the Windy City to date. Wilco's sold out winter residency continues Tuesday, December 13 at the Riviera Theatre; Thursday, December 15 at the Vic Theatre; Friday, December 16 at Metro and Sunday, December 18 at Lincoln Hall. |
 Wilco |
 Wilco |
 Wilco |
 Nick Lowe |
 Nick Lowe |
 Wilco |
 Wilco |
 Wilco |