The Side Projects of Jeff Tweedy

Not only is Jeff Tweedy Wilco's herr director, he’s also a member of Golden Smog, Loose Fur and with the help of Billy Bragg and the late Jay Bennett, helped create two records from pages of Woody Guthrie lyrics. Last but not least, Jeff was a member of Uncle Tupelo with Jay Farrar. That's quite the resume. The songs presented here (save for UT) are culled from the aforementioned projects, hard to find EP's, unreleased tracks, demos, and a special never-heard-before recording from the 'Guthrie' sessions. Also included is a more recent recording with the "new" band using more of Guthrie's lyrics. I'd like to veer off course a bit and say I'm extremely happy for Jeff's success the last few years. He's seemingly happier then ever before. Wilco's recent show at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley was perhaps the best they've ever sounded in the fifteen times or so I've seen them perform, both full band and Jeff solo. While all that would be perceived to be a good thing, I'm not so sure being in fine fettle works as well with that one thing that's pertinent to a band format. It's called the music. I've listened to Sky Blue Sky and Wilco (the album) countless times. They're seamless, safe, secure and as "snug as a bug in a rug." Dunno, maybe I just don't get it. At the Greek show they played the unexpected Box Full of Letters from AM and I was blown away. I was hoping Monday, maybe Casino Queen, even I Got You would follow, but they never came. After playing these rare tracks you may, like me, find yourself longing for 1999, Jay Bennett is stage right playing Airline To Heaven on his black Silvertone in a drop D tuning and all is well in Wilcoworld.

But I digress.

Enjoy !

The Ruling Class
Lost Love
Cars Can't Escape
When The Roses Bloom Again
Hey Chicken
Pecan Pie
Laminated Cat
Glad & Sorry
Wanted
Please Tell My Brother
Chinese Apple
Wreckroom
Venus Stop The Train
Radio King
Bob Dylan's 49th Beard
The Thanks I Get
A Magazine Called Sunset
Hummingbird (alternate version)
The Jollybanker

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