OK then!

I am back! From where? Well, no where actually.

But it is a good day to return to the blog. Why? Well, it's all about the band, the one I am obsessed with, the one that nastily cancelled there last concert in my city due to chicken pox, the one, the only, cue the lighters, WILCO.

Just scored my tickets. Now I wait to see if any foreign viruses, bouts of measles, or other alien airborne bugs spoil my plans.

So why the obsession? I dunno, there is just something about this band, well, notably, Jeff Tweedy. He is a flawed individual, spent some time in re-hab. He seems quite obsessive himself, and has been known to fire the ass of a band member or two. Every concert I have attended has had a different line-up, except for Tweedy and bassist John Stirrat.

So yeah, it's the lyrics, and the music, but something else that I have never been able to put my finger on. It is like other artists that I have admired, following their creative bent without regard to sales and popularity - they make music that they want to make, and there is an evolution in the creation. Tom Waits is another one, and I have followed his career over the years - sadly, only seeing him in concert once. And lately he seems to have disappeared into an experimental stage that is hard to engage. His last three disc album Orphans seemed like a rough cut for an album, way too many tracks, and like Stephen King, in need of a good editor.

I followed Dire Straits for quite a while too - then after Love over Gold, things got murky. I do pay attention to what Mark Knopfler is up to. One of my favorite albums is still Knopfler with Chet Atkins (Neck in Neck). And I have heard amazing things about his latest solo effort. Still, the attraction has waned.

I guess if I tried to explain the Wilco obsession, it would have to do with Tweedy inspiring me as a human being. Sure, that sounds pretentious and more than a bit nutso - but his view on creating art, his drive, perfectionism, and willingness to push it to the edge, all of it suggests to me, that yeah, I could make art too. It is real and it counts. So do it.

Create because you were meant to.

Lyrics to "What Light" from Sky Blue Sky:

If you feel like singing a song
And you want other people to sing along
Just sing what you feel
Don’t let anyone say it’s wrong

And if you’re trying to paint a picture
But you’re not sure which colors belong
Just paint what you see
Don’t let anyone say it’s wrong

And if you’re strung out like a kite
Or stung awake in the night
It’s alright to be frightened

When there’s a light (what light)
There’s a light (one light)
There’s a light (white light)
Inside of you

If you think you might need somebody
To pick you up when you drag
Don’t loose sight of yourself
Don’t let anyone change your bag

And if the whole world’s singing your songs
And all of your paintings have been hung
Just remember what was yours is everyone’s from now on

And that’s not wrong or right
But you can struggle with it all you like
You'll only get uptight

Because there’s a light (what light)
There’s a light (one light)
There’s a light (white light)
There’s a light (what light)
There’s a light (one light)
There’s a light (white light)
There’s a light (what light)
There’s a light (one light)
There’s a light (white light)
There’s a light (what light)
There’s a light (one light)
There’s a light (white light)
Inside of you

Comments

[ian]

i'm just getting into Wilco with your encouragement and i've found a handful of songs that i like a good deal. "What Light" is one of those songs so thanks for your take on it.
"Create because you were meant to". i like that thought. over the last few years i've been using writing as a creative exercise. i have my own little niche that most people don't get but still i enjoy the whole experience and relish the moments when i get to throw out a witty phrase or point to the idiocy that so often rears it's stupid head. i think i'd miss it if i didn't have it and i really think i'm a better man for exercising those muscles.

[ian]

a word from one of my heroes, kind of a homage.

they say to cut my hair
they're driving me insane.
i grew it out long to make room for my brain.
sometimes people don't understand,
"what's a good boy doing in a Rock and Roll band?"

ain't nothing wrong, or Satanic, or Communistic with a blues lick.
but if you got a scripture then tell me to my face
why should the Devil have all the good music?

that's some Larry Norman for you my friend, one of my fave lines of all time. i miss him. he brought me a lot of light and life.
i should loan you the CD that tune is on. by the way, i'd like to come by sometime soon and get my other CD.
that's just some mirth i was thinking about today.