Brightest Young Things

all photos: Joel Didriksen, from the last time.

Sunday, Wilco proved that they are one of the best bands making music today.

Baltimore's Lyric Opera House had beautiful sound, which Tweedy & Co. took full advantage of with scorching jams that were wedged into many of their songs. The band's set was evenly culled from their six studio albums, even reaching back to 1995's A.M. ("Box Full of Letters" was one of many highlights in the 24-song show). Even though the line-up has changed considerably since their inception, they played as if they've been together their whole lives. Loose songs got looser, loud songs got louder, and everything just sounded how music is supposed to sound.

Wilco opened with the mellow "Sunken Treasure" to a very receptive crowd whose excitement only increased throughout the show. The audience hit its peak when the band segwayed from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot opener "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart" to 11-minute jam "Spiders (Kidsmoke)," which showcased guitarist Nel Cline's insane ability to shred.

One of the most interesting things about Wilco live is how rather than jamming melodically, their songs morph into beautifully dissonant soundscapes. "Spiders" was the best example of that, but set closers "I Got You (At The End of the Century)" and "Outtasite (Outta Mind)" also built skyscrapers of wonderfully orchestrated noise.

Aside from the stellar music, Tweedy's stage banter was right on point. After noticing a man with a neck brace, he asked if he could wear it and the sported it throughout "Kingpin." Tweedy elicited loud cheers when he forgot a line in "Jesus Etc." and later explained it was because he was thinking about The Wire, and wondering if Omar was at the concert.

Tweedy didn't babble too much, and let the music speak for itself. "Hate it Here," "California Stars," and "Heavy Metal Drummer" got the crowd to sing-along while older cuts like "Forget the Flowers" and "It's Just That Simple" were extrmely well-received by the appreciative crowd.

Overall, it was an incredble show. The band has immense talent, not just in songrwriting but in execution and sheer ability. Each member was on point, adding muscle to even the most lighthearted and jaunty songs (the peppy "Walken" was especially strong on stage). They're currently rounding up their tour opening for Neil Young, and then they'll be heading to the studio to record an album for 2009. Can't wait.

P.S. Major props to the dude playing air guitar in the left balcony. Rock on.

Previously in Live DC:

• 5/25: LiveDC: The Polyphonic Spree @ Sixth & I
• 5/24: LiveDC: The Adicts @ RNR Hotel
• 5/24: LiveDC: The Donkeys @ Black Cat
• 5/23: LiveDC: The Barr Brothers w/ Kishi Bashi @ The Hamilton
• 5/23: LiveDC: Damien Jurado @ Black Cat
• 5/23: Report: Soundbites 2012
• 5/22: LiveDC: Spirit Animal @ Red Palace
• 5/22: LiveDC: Astra Via @ Black Cat
• 5/22: LiveDC: Father John Misty @ Rock & Roll Hotel
• 5/22: LiveDC: Drive-By Truckers and Lucinda Williams @ Merriweather