Wilco in Berkeley

Setlist: Wilco (the Song), Muzzle of Bees, A Shot in the Arm, I Am Trying To Break Your Heart, Bull Black Nova, At Least that's What You Said, Radio Cure, Deeper Down, You Are My Face, California Stars, One Wing, Impossible Germany, Can't Stand It, Jesus Etc, Handshake Drugs, Hate It Here, Walken, I'm The Man Who Loves You. Encores: You Never Know, The Late Greats, Box Full Of Letters, Misunderstood, Spiders (Kidsmoke), Hoodoo Voodoo

The World needs more Wilcos.

The better half and the Stoat drove down to Berkeley last night to see an old favorite, Wilco. We've probably seen them about ten times over the years, and even though they morph their style they never fail to impress. They played a mixed bag last night. The new stuff was really good and went down well, and classics such as "Shot in the Arm", "I am Trying to Break Your Heart" and "Handshake Drugs" were excellent. They're getting slicker in their maturity but I think that it adds to their ability to command large crowds.

Talking of which. Wilco have an amazingly diverse audience. They are one of the few bands that students, jam band fans, rockers, alt country dudes and indie folks can all relate to on a deep level. And yet, there's nothing fake about them. They are as true to their music as any act I can think of. They don't compromise or pander. They are true artists, who have something to say, and who are very relateable. Wilco should be a poster child for the music industry. They represent what is great about music today and deserve total respect for their approach.

9/10