From the ashes of Uncle Tupelo, Wilco has evolved into one
of America’s finest rock bands, its constantly evolving sound a seamless mix of
country, folk and jolting blues that retains its urgency even during the
quieter moments. Not surprisingly, they’ve also grown into a potent live act,
thanks in large part to newcomer Nels Cline, whose scorching solos provide the
perfect backdrop to singer Jeff Tweedy’s imploring howl. Kicking
Television, a double-disc souvenir from a recent four-night
stand in Chicago, captures that chemistry perfectly, during both the melancholy
strains of “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart” and the frenetic climax of the
album’s finest number, “Spiders (Kidsmoke).” With pristine clarity, it finds
Tweedy at his peak as a stage performer, tearing through Wilco’s formidable
catalogue with the zeal of a man possessed.
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