The poet Angela Monet once said, “music...soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole.” This quote was never truer than for Wilco, who brought down the house at the Riviera Theater last month—and gave one author a reason to believe again.
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Wilco
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Riviera Theatre
Chicago, IL
December, 13, 2011
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Reporters often omit their personal experiences from their articles, and for good reason. They often don't want to distract the reader from the task at hand, but for me, Wilco's last show at the Riviera went hand-in-hand with my experience; moreover, that show helped me lay some recent and difficult experiences to rest.
The key to that type of healing is in their music, which, in a nutshell, is slightly comparable to life without Xanax and/or Adderall. No matter what kind of music you're into—synth, metal, folk or classic rock—Wilco was able to bring it to you on that cool, rainy December night.
The band started with “Less Than You Think,” a soft, moody track that pressed into “Art of Almost,” a more aurally complex track that combines experimental sound with traditional rock and violin sampling. And somewhere between the film montage background, the foreboding tone of “Less Than You Think” and the drama of “Art of Almost,” The band decided to take a cue from the Pythons and give us something completely different with the more seemingly upbeat, sixties-inspired “I might”.
The night continued with a series of ups and downs, taking the audience on a tripped-out journey through times and genres. It was a reminder of the times when rock was fresh and innovative; it was also a reminder of the times when rock documented heartbreak, addiction, shortcomings, strengths, celebrations and love.
Most importantly, the band’s Tuesday night performance served as a forgotten reminder about why rock n' roll exists in the first place. Rock is diverse, passionate and inviting—it is a common ground for all people to cleanse themselves of the muck of daily life and believe once again that we are extraordinary.
This type of understanding is a lost art among many modern day bands, but Wilco seems to have a firm yet humble grasp on the concept. Their ability to channel and seamlessly mix sounds from different genres and calls into mind the importance of inclusion and keeping an open mind.
In doing so, we leave ourselves open to experiences like this one, in which the sounds of artists like The Beatles, Andy Wagner, Simon and Garfunkel, Johnny Rumble, The Who and Pink Floyd are clearly blended into the music. We also leave ourselves open to healing and casting out the things that trouble us on a daily basis.
As a person that was going through a difficult time, I found Wilco's performance and presence to be an outlet for dissipating, dark turns and all. I am forever grateful for that experience, and I will carry it with me for as long as I can remember.
Bottom line, Wilco is a must-see band with solid roots, amazing music and overall staying power. If you were in Chicago last month you had no excuse to have seen one of their five sold-out shows around the city. If you don’t live in the Chicago area and you find that this solid six-piece is coming to a town near you, go to the concert. It will be an experience worth remembering.
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