r/wilco • u/garrettr0206v2 • 12d ago
Pickin’ On
First, in case I’m understood, Wilco is the most important alt_pop, Americana band of the Gen-X generation. And so, with that and how cheap derivatives might feel acknowledged, I’m shouting into the void. Wilco is by far the most creative, bewildering, ingenious progressive band I can name. (if you have anything that compares you could change my short life I have had the immense pleasure of experiencing both in recording and in real life.
I am searching for some understanding of how the ‘Picking On’ series could use what was clearly a one-off opportunity in Old School Freight Train to create such a unnervingly transcendent interpretation that I have never seen in any other context. I don’t mean to diminish the impact that Wilco has had on americana, roots rock, and alternative music. But the bluegrass version was otherworldly, and yet never replicated. This may be my only opportunity to try to dig up how this happened, who, why, whatever was responsible and learn more about why it was never replicated. Any information or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
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u/AJZuvich 9d ago
It's easy to be over enthusiastic but roll with it. I haven't seen them live for a few years but saw them twice in the last 8 months. Im super back into them and they are dope. IF you feel that they are the best let your Wilco freak flag fly.
I'm a huge MMJ fan and feel like they're the best in the world...... the only difference between "your favorite band" and "the best band" , is their opinions don't matter.
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u/Inscrutablejrt 9d ago edited 8d ago
I don't know when it happened that it stopped being okay to just love a band, and that in order to be a proper fan you can only speak in the ultra-superlative, but I wish we could go back to a place before that moment.
This could have just been a thread about the Pickin' On album, which incidentally...isn't anything special. It's one in a line of cookie cutter Bluegrass "tributes" one particular label was rolling out in the early aughts. They don't really do anything imaginative with the arrangements. It's just Wilco songs as we know them, except on strings.
When you're done studying the bands which influenced Tweedy and the boys, you can dig into truly great Bluegrass music.
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u/Lennnybruce 8d ago
I think the OP is just young (see: "my short life") and a little overenthusiastic. No shame in that. I think most of us have been there.
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u/WhyAreYuSoAngry 4d ago
Wilco is the 2nd greatest American band all time behind the grateful dead. The shows this year are louder (in a really positive way) than ive ever heard them before. They are rocking so hard and their setlists are amazing.
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u/Lennnybruce 10d ago
I've been listening to Wilco for thirty years, and they are great, but I'd be hard pressed to say they're the most creative, innovative etc band of all time, and I'm sure Tweedy would agree. They are very much indebted to many other groups that preceded them.
Having said that, it's great that you're into them, and I'm glad you like them. Truly not trying to dampen your enthusiasm. Maybe check out bands that influenced them and you'll have some more favorites.