Wilco: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

February 23, 2016 by BOB BOILEN
Thousands of bands have made strong debuts, and many of those have made good second and third records - it's harder, but not unusual. It's truly rare to make your 10th album exciting and relevant more than 20 years on. For all that, I'd say Wilco is an American legend.
Though Wilco is basically a conventional rock band in form - guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, one lead songwriter - it defies expectations in so many other ways. In 2001, the group put an entire new album (the instant classic Yankee Hotel Foxtrot) online for all to hear; it's one thing to do that in 2015, as Wilco did with Star Wars, but it was virtually unheard-of in 2001.
This is a deeply imaginative band, with evocative imagery and relatable storytelling; drummer Glenn Kotche is one of the best around, while Nels Cline's crazy, textured guitar layers add adventure to everything he touches. I could go on, but let's just say that breaking my rule of never bringing a band back to the Tiny Desk - Wilco performed here back in 2011 - was easy once I heard Star Wars.
Wilco opened this set with "The Joke Explained" from that album, but then dug deep into its catalog, performing 1996's "Misunderstood" and two songs from the 1999 pop masterpiece Summerteeth. I'm thinking we make a date: When Wilco turns 25 in a few years, let's break more rules and bring back their magic once more.
Star Wars is available now:
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/sta...
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Wilco...
Set List:
"The Joke Explained"
"Misunderstood"
"I'm Always In Love"
"Shot In The Arm"
Credits:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Kara Frame, Becky Lettenberger; Photo: Brandon Chew/NPR.
For our 360 behind the scenes video, click here: • Behind The Scenes At T...
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/podcasts/510292/ti...

[@ericalbertogarcia4455]

"The ashtray says you were up all night" is honestly one of my favorite opening lines ever lol

[@Schrive]

It stands up.

[@davew5161]

Maybe they can go to China and play in Wuhun in support of their Party!!! Bravo Coruna. Anything to beat Trump.

[@dukeon]

Yep. One of Jeff’s many gems.

[@chinchiIIa]

In Jeff Tweedy's book he said that wasnt original the opening line. but he added it to the beggining because it was more impactful

[@AdamsMusicandFun]

Huge Wilco fan here. I think we can all agree that John's background vocals are an underrated and undiscussed part of what makes them great. Actually, every member in the group contributes to the greatness, but I've always thought John's vocals are overlooked.

[@dandan5928]

"Misunderstood" is such a classic, glad they still consistently play it. Also, Summerteeth is just the best.

[@andrewyeung7317]

I KNOW. There was a sweetness about Summerteeth and a few Being There and Ghost songs that trump the rest of the discography...

[@ArtByHilary]

What instrument is on the left at the beginning of Summerteeth? Is that a keyboard?

[@rmzzz76]

Hard to stop listening to this. The sound quality of this natural mix is just perfect. Would love for Wilco to record a live album like this

[@pemberino]

Much better than the records, in fact.

[@michaelnewman3521]

Kicking Television is pretty incredible. Also, they have always been proponents of amateur recording, so lots of high quality bootleg recordings out there.

[@old_jota]

And we basically got one in Cruel Country!

[@dukeon]

@@old_jota I love Cruel Country in part for that reason. Really warm, intimate sound.

[@PaulWvideo]

Can we have a moment for John Stirratt? Vocals are top notch, and talk about a team player!

[@Joel-ls6fn]

I was just thinking the same thing. What an absolute stud. He just keeps getting better

[@saltemann3581]

saw them live yesterday, struck me too!

[@guinessfish]

Totally agree.

[@andreaskuhn8885]

yep he's awesome! such a great 'down-to-earth' presence on stage :)

[@silkywellman315]

Paul W what a bass player...so melodic and great feel

[@matthewbeach2952]

I’ve seen the whole love era one 1000 times but KZbin has never suggested this one to me. Had no idea it existed till now.

[@anirudhchohan]

What a fucking legend that is Nels Cline.

[@smeltedcheese]

Fuck, i'd pay good money to see Wilco play this kind of set.

[@Steve-uv9kb]

An acoustic-electric split set would be nectar.

[@guinessfish]

I'm with you on that. They killed it.

[@audioisgood]

Perfect song selection. This is Wilco.

[@HamCubes]

NPR's sound engineers really captured lightning in a bottle here. Bravo, dudes! 👌

[@jefftweedyofficial]

🤘🤘🎸 🌹❤

[@MrJohnnycasher]

This version of A shot in the arm is no doubts the best from them. Absolutely unbelievable. Wilco are my favourite band since I got on board of the train with Yankee Hotel Foxtrot to never ever leave it.

[@terptek1]

I never tire of watching Wlico live. Americana tour with Dylan and MMJ was music heaven

[@Hayyden]

love that *Yankee Hotel Foxtrot* record behind Jeff. One of his best. Of the best. Right up there with Physical Graffiti.

[@donnaspencer6834]

And Star Wars way up high.

[@frenchifyme]

Always worth breaking a rule or two with Wilco. My goodness they sound good on Tiny Desk!

[@andrewmartinek6832]

+tyvek05 NPR doesn't invite artists to play at the Tiny Desk twice. Wilco is the first.

[@tbopens41]

+Andrew Martinek ...actually Chris Thile I think was the first...and he's been back in several different 'bands' and individual I believe

[@WallyBrando]

+Jim Brunner yeah they invite members but not full acts

[@joshappelbaum7010]

the best version of "I'm always in love" i've ever heard. truly perfect.

[@BonemBoy122]

When I saw Wilco back in September 2015, after Star Wars was released, they did an acoustic encore set just like this. Was phenomenal, as is this.

[@adders45]

love the flexable nature of the musicians changing instruments at different gigs

[@guinessfish]

Once Pat whipped out the xylophone, I knew the plan was to play a kick-ass set. Xylophones always signal the intention to completely dominate lesser musical performances.

[@guinessfish]

This comment is sublime.

[@guinessfish]

It really is a fantastic comment.

[@micah3110]

The x-factor takes no prisoners.

[@wilsonsauls2899]

Fun fact: it's actually a glockenspiel. Basically just a small, metal xylophone though

[@jamesrawson2440]

Here is to hoping these guys get to grow old and continue to create pure American music . Full of soul and love .

[@ApexFlash1]

Jeff Tweedy is so entertaining to watch singing.

[@patriciaclark199]

I'm totally crushing on Jeff these days.

[@Maximuss1999]

That rendition of Always In Love was so pretty

[@Homeinmygardenwithmydog]

Shot in the Arm has gotten me through so many hard relationship times. Love that song.

[@NorthWriter]

I love the rasta-coloured melodica that Mikael is playing.

[@rosemaryochoa4789]

you're right, sometimes I try to comment find another colorful way of putting it, then sometimes it makes me feel good to just sit back and listen, that the music world blends into itself, is something only we can see, lovely is something I do go to bed with feeling allright

[@timothyconnor7784]

The best! Much love to Jeff, John, Nels, Mikael, Pat, Glenn for everything.

[@paulelliott3220]

Wilco and Tiny Desk Perfectly done fellows Great

[@tecniline3d]

nkthjgjvhjhghjdhihuiuuüjkolokkkkkkkkjhjjjhjbjjjbbbb

[@KevJB13]

I don't think a better two-chord song exists than Misunderstood.

[@gianpaoloelena9439]

👍

[@tecniline3d]

Gianpaolo Elena yh

[@tecniline3d]

Gianpaolo Elena t

[@kennethfriedman6795]

The perfect Tiny Desk band.

[@smallships]

This may be sacrilege but I'd love Wilco to record Summerteeth again with these newer arrangements. Both Shot in the Arm and I'm Always in Love really shine here with the more acoustic treatment.

[@kevinmichaelcallihansr5053]

Your writing is improving, Bob. With your legendary words, you help explain something about the musicians that defies time. Thank you kindly.

[@dukeon]

“I’d like to thank you all for nothing at all” - JT

[@brndgtl]

Man, what a group!!

[@bluegrassbeer1]

This is sweet! Thanks Wilco and Tiny Desk!

[@Joel-ls6fn]

This is just absolutely fantastic

[@timcarroll7226]

This is the best thing ive ever heard. The summerteeth songs are off the charts good.

[@wildsmiley]

Indeed. Summerteeth is my favorite Wilco album. It is so damn darkly gorgeous, every track a stunner.

[@stephenhawkingsfootballboo7885]

@@wildsmiley Spare a thought to the late, great Jay Bennett, who was a big part of why that album was so great.

[@wildsmiley]

Stephen Hawking's Football Boots believe me I usually spare a whole bunch of thoughts for Jay. Unlike a lot of fans I came in not at YHF but Being There and that album and especially Summerteeth showcase his talents well. RIP.

[@stephenhawkingsfootballboo7885]

@@wildsmiley Agreed. I go way back to Uncle Tupelo (I went to college with their drummer - who was let go after Summerteeth). Jay was extremely talented and doesn't get the credit he deserves.

[@Berbs73]

Glenn has so much endurance. Playing that shaker through the whole song is a task, for sure.

[@mrpeccator1]

Man, this is one heck of a setlist and performance! Wilco at their best.

[@bacmaj]

"... then you guys need to get back to work..." Tweedy is such a great musician, and has always had a sense of humor and a knack for being a showman. Awesome stuff.

[@lrelling]

I'm always in love!! Such a great song. They all are.

[@pathoscatz1]

Love the music and love the way the band reflects joy playing music with each other it transcends to the listener (and watcher)

[@4ourty5ive]

I like all of the Wilco and Tweedy tiny desk concerts. gems.

[@rcthompson3]

can't wait for new album!

[@timothyconnor7784]

The best! Much love to Jeff, John, Nels, Mikael, Pat, and Glenn for everything.

[@affonsoharison7253]

They are truly amazing. Hope I get to see them playing live someday. Summerteeth is my favorite song.

[@mori1166]

When you're back in your old neighborhood The cigarettes taste so good But you're so misunderstood You're so misunderstood There's something there that you can't find Honest when you're tellin' a lie You hurt her but you don't know why You love her but you don't know why Short on long term goals There's a party there that we ought to go to Do you still love rock and roll? Do you still love rock and roll? It's only a quarter to three Reflected off the LCD You're looking at a picture of me You're staring at a picture of me Take the guitar player for a ride He ain't never been satisfied He thinks he owes some kind of debt Be years before he gets over it There's a fortune inside your head All you touch turns to lead You think you might just crawl back in bed The fortune inside your head You know you're just a mama's boy Positively unemployed So misunderstood So misunderstood I know you're gotta God shaped hole Leanin' out your__ So misunderstood [x4] I'd like to thank you all for nothin' I'd like to thank you all for nothin' at all I'd like to thank you all for nothin' Nothin' [x4] Nothin' at all Nothin' [x3] Nothin' at all

[@sidhenderson8443]

fantastic! I have the 2011 performance on repeat!

[@helethead]

If he only knew how unbelievably weird it would get.

[@dokkus]

By far, my favorite and indisputably best version of "Shot In The Arm," and there are a lot of live/studio/demo versions.

[@EricOlsenCMO]

It’s the quick cuts during the crescendo or Misunderstood that make it. Haven’t seen the editors play like that during a Tiny Desk, before or since.

[@dakotacoon72]

"I'm Always in Love" has the same chord progression as "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" by Waylon Jennings.

[@antoniogerardogiampaolo259]

Good American music & lyrics, made directly from the heart

[@minifigmotion6426]

Wilco always inspires me to write songs

[@cornerstone2449]

Alright let's hear it. Make sure I know when you upload the video

[@marshallhester5692]

Have you read about his ladder writing exercise?

[@minifigmotion6426]

@@marshallhester5692 yea I have his book about how to write one song!

this is very nice to my imagination! i like it very much! You are very best musicians tome!

[@aprilblades2281]

One my favorite bands

[@Chesterton7]

Excellent.

[@bobmarleyswar]

Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom.

[@marianoelias2396]

Amazing

[@ramzyred]

Nice, very nice!

[@victormeraz3416]

Great sound i loved it good mojo

[@PH-tw4nx]

No question Tweedy is his generation's Paul Simon wrt song writing. But it should be noted that this is one of the tightest bands I've ever seen, up there with Zappa, Sun Ra's Arkestra and James Brown. That level tight. They start from a base of extreme accomplishment at their instruments. Tweedy's such a good songwriter and lead vocalist it's easy to forget he is a helluva guitar player. They are as great as great can muster.

[@SergioCaputoMusic]

Great!

[@DrewBisthebestdealwithit]

nailed it

[@terptek1]

Wilco needs to be theAlec Baldwin/SNL of Tiny Desk appearances.

[@fer-nh3np]

from brazil.... i love wilco

[@WSHoffman49]

Yay!

[@DriftwoodScarecrow]

Awesome! Would love to see Bill Fay or Sufjan Stevens do one of these.

[@mori1166]

I never held your gaze I never know my place Oh, I stare at the eyes Staring at my face It always ends in a tie There is no knitting the divide I cry at the joke explained Ah but if I had known If I had known If I had known I would have never believed I never smoked my chain Whoever measures the crest Ah they can have my broken chest It's a staring contest, in a hall of mirrors I sweat tears but I don't ever cry Ah but if I had known If I had known If I had known I would have never believed I never knelt at the news My parrot perished in the pews I climb back into the yolk It always ends in a tie There is no knitting the divide I cry at the joke explained Ah if I had known If I had known If I had known I would have never believed I would have never believed I would have never believed

[@franhernandez5617]

pura cremita Wilco, geniales.

[@thetruescrat5559]

why does half of this band look like martin freeman

[@rnmclrnn5518]

Now consider the fact that Martin Freeman starred in a movie called Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, while perhaps Wilco's most popular album is named Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. #wilconspiracy.

[@oliveoil4380]

So random; so true. 😂

[@jhbanks4911]

"and I soak so long, I forget my mother"

[@johngarvey5098]

My favourite line from this - well spotted

[@doctormatthattan]

Is this the first time NPR brought a band back to the Tiny Desk concert? Also if you're going to do it again bring back The Avett Brothers or the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

[@RayasNegroOvejas]

Read the description. Although I think the guy alike the Avett, whose name I don't remember, have been on several times but with different bands.

[@collinwells4976]

+Matt Elmen yes yes yes avetts pls pls

[@EvanDavid666]

Glen Hansard has been on twice I believe once with swell season and once solo. Pretty sure the national have been on twice, the first ever tiny desk and then the first one in their new offices. Also Chris Thile has been on five times I believe with the punch brothers, nickel creek, yo yo ma, and one or two other projects. There's probably a few others as well

[@user-di5qx8dw3k]

This song rockz

[@beatsbykana]

they've come so far since performing in pawnee

[@kaitemorris8837]

Kana Beats bye bye ‘lil Sebastian.

[@beatsbykana]

@@kaitemorris8837 miss you in the saddest fashion

[@toddtourtillott6559]

Wilco rules Tweddy is the man

[@andrewnance2156]

I know I'm not the only one. thanks

[@jbdsigned]

Great sound, performance, sound. 11.27 from their is profectic. Hope some one can do something. Love the music. Thankyou.

[@jbdsigned]

"Misunderstood" 2.56 - is my favorite.

[@derekgroot2976]

jody borland 8hhoj

[@derekgroot2976]

Qwonkihzjnjkklkkk

[@ryankim3553]

jeff tweedy looks like john c reilly if all he did was smoke pot and keep his chakras aligned

[@michaelrichardblake]

The Trump problem joke at 11:30 works better than ever right now.

[@sagrado5]

❤ Wilco ❤

[@elprincipeidiota8131]

che los amo mucho

[@spaceengineer1452]

I'd love to hear Dylan covering the first song.

[@BaktaBak3]

Wilco / Jeff Tweedy sound best acoustically . REAL TALENT ! ! !

[@bellaskonieczny5674]

very nice of them to give them a human sized drum set this time

[@peterw.5984]

+smeltedcheese they played these songs in Boise Wed night. they kicked ass.

[@hectorjenkins934]

misunderstood is the best

[@willowufgood261]

I love the fact that they names their album Star Wars and it has absolutely nothing to do with Star Wars.

[@lukewheat7693]

Coheed and Cambria would be a great addition to the tiny desk series!

[@BaktaBak3]

Bring Jeff Tweedy & Wilco back again soon please ! Thank you ! !

[@kerrymansell8102]

A real boy band.

[@sanctionedtaco2109]

Misunderstood: Never related so much to a song.

[@captaintrips901]

dang.

[@justomolet6521]

Wilco is the best

[@dookerdoo]

Fun to see a young head vampire from The Lost Boys on melodica

[@guinessfish]

Allan Begg Ok. Not funny, but okay. We're all glad you got that out of your cluttered psyche. Now, go back in your rabbit hole.

[@keydiver1]

Allan Begg You mean Edward Herrmann. The goto guy if you needed an FDR in your movie. RIP

[@dvmcgrath]

Ok, Bob. It's 2021. When are they coming back?

[@mgar1955]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️😎

[@tomstevens5594]

I had no idea Brian Cox was such a good drummer.

[@BaktaBak3]

Please Bring Wilco / Jeff Tweedy BACK to Tiny Desk ! :-)

[@LastMoonboy]

Great band.....Jeff Tweedy = Legend P.S. Great song choices for set!

[@VirmanaMarketing]

NELS!

[@keixoun]

8:46 nice Worms theme nod

[@marcofedatojunior6365]

Simply beautiful! How bout breaking the rule once more?