Comments on: Wilco: Overture Hall, Madison (9/11/07)

By: Farmer

Farmer — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:27:49 +0000

Show was great. Although the Oveture Center sucks. Its a decent place dont get me wrong, but you cant even have a beer in the auditorium (not even a bottle of water). I live in Madison and Im probably just a little bias when it comes to that tax payer subsidized City of Madison, Mayor Dave outright debacle known as Oveture.

The band jammed, however as the article states, they just outdid themselves at the Barrymore (what a show that was)!

Hopefully next trip to Madtown, they pick the Orpheum on State St, or head back to the 800 seat Barrymore.

By: Joseph Murphy

Joseph Murphy — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 16:22:58 +0000

I felt like this show was lacking in a couple of places:

#1 – SOUND. As was stated before, the bass was non-existent. The vocals and guitars sounded great, but the bass was hardly there. The bigger problem for me, however, was with the drums – isn’t Glenn a kickass drummer? Then why did his toms sound like it was 1988 and his kick drum sound quiet and limp, almost like a rack tom pitched down? The drums sounded terrible for the poor Dr. Dog, too. That was just sad to watch them play a space that big and empty. I also thought that Glenn’s playing was not as reserved as I’d like it to be…he played things a little bit too uppity for my tastes, but I guess they are touring off of Sky Blue Sky.

#2 – CROWD. Dude, did you know Wilco is a jam band? Ah, I guess we were in Madison, so I’ll just skip that complaint – I feel that’s just personal preference, and for myself, I don’t like to be surrounded by bros in Dead shirts rubbin’ on their trippin’ girlfriends.

Overall I would say the experience was “good”, as in, that was an enjoyable few hours…but not one of the better shows I’ve seen in awhile. I got these tickets for free, so it was hard to be hypercritical (yeah, yeah…see above, I know). If I would have paid $40 for this show I think I would have commented on this post September 12th, right when I woke up. Nels is a fucking badass, though.

By: Emily

Emily — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 01:55:11 +0000

I thought the show was amazing, the sound was perfect, and that the band was in top form. I enjoyed the lighting, personally. I agree that the crowd was not the best. I tried my best to stay seated, but I couldn’t help it anymore when I am Trying to Break Your Heart started. Half way through the song, one of the ushers came up and told me to sit down, which was severely disappointing, but at least at the end of the song Jeff Tweedy “gave permission” to stand. I’ve seen Wilco 3 times now, once in ’06 in Bloomington, and in June in Indy, and this show was the best by far. It seems pretty clear that the audience is changing, which makes me sad…but still, the show was great!

By: Diana

Diana — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:06:06 +0000

Musically, the show was in top form. The lights, however, were horrible. Blinding even. I was 11th row center and found it very difficult to look onstage.
The number of uniformed ushers was also scary. Felt like a prison at the Overture.

By: jason

jason — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 22:03:35 +0000

great show, as always. one complaint re: the light show. those four white lights were absolutely, painfully blinding up in the balcony (maybe on the floor too?).

By: H. Ross

H. Ross — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 21:42:43 +0000

my favorite was red-eyed and blue. I wish they would’ve played even more older stuff. The crowd dissapointed me immensely. I was seated in the balcony, and not a single person surrounding me was standing up. The guy in front of me even turned around and said “I came here to hear wilco, not you” when I was singing along during shot in the arm. I hope the dynamic at the milwaukee show on the 9th will be better! Overall though, great acoustics and an impressive set.

By: Donovan

Donovan — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 21:35:01 +0000

I felt like Tweedy was very subdued through this show. I’m curious if they would come back to Overture. Via Chicago was an awesome opener.

By: Kari

Kari — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 21:05:33 +0000

Enjoyed last night’s show, but was disappointed with the flatness of the crowd. I was in the back section of the orchestra, which is under the mezzanine and at times I was one of only a handful of people standing and dancing throughout the show. I know everyone has the right to enjoy a concert as they wish, but I felt the energy of the crowd contributed to what I would think is an average show for them. I also feel that the Barrymore spoiled me, and it will be hard to top.

By: Ankur

Ankur — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 19:47:04 +0000

Beautiful show last night though I agree with the review and comments about the Barrymore show last year setting the standard… I love the sound at the Overture Center – lots of detail, wonderful soundstage and presence. The sound at the Doc Watson show earlier this year was phenomenal! Last night was a different story though and I was a bit disappointed with the overall sound. Jeff Tweedy’s high’s (the sibilants, sss’s) were smeared at the top end and Dan is correct in noting the bass seemed subdued for the space. The guitar sound rocked! I think electric and acoustic guitars sound the best at the Overture Hall as they did last night.

By: Art

Art — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 19:32:01 +0000

DAN:

The bass was invisible. barely heard it all night long.