Wilco is the Band that Loves You
923139
Wilco is a great band, maybe the greatest band still making music.  That is good for three stars in and of itself.  What Wilco did with this box set, however, is truly outstanding.  The biggest issue I have with rarities box sets lies with the "fluff" tracks.  The Big Star mega release, Keep an Eye on the Sky, is a great example of this.  I ended up paying for 98 songs but really only needed 30 of them.  Many songs were alternate takes where so little changed between the released track and the rarity I couldn't tell the difference.

The tracking of this box set it amazing.  First, and foremost, the digital and the vinyl are vastly different, on purpose.  The vinyl release consists of the best of the rest of Wilco.  Some true studio gems, brilliant sounding stuff that required a vinyl pressing to capture its true heart.  The digital release has almost twice as many songs, many of them live gems, and some not necessarily (although I would have gladly paid more) requiring a vinyl pressing.

What I found most interesting is the amount of though put into the comments Jeff makes regarding each song.  Each song comes with a paragraph or two about the origins of the song, and in many cases the reasoning behind the song being excluded from whatever album was being made at the time the song was recorded.  It is really great reading Jeff's current thoughts on decisions he made years ago.

The live tracks are amazing.  There is a version of Passenger Side that is worth the price of the set by itself.  Throw in a great live Theologians, some unreal covers of legendary artists like Steely Dan, Big Star, Gram Parsons, a couple of demos, I can go on but I am going to turn my album over instead.

One, no two last thoughts.  First, there is a side on the vinyl edition that will blow fans of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot away.  There really could have been two albums cut from the studio time.  There is an alternate take to Kamera, called Camera, that is much darker and deeper than the YHF version.  Cars Cant Escape and the Good Part are brilliant, and hearing Magazine Called Sunset on vinyl was truly a treat.

Now my final thing.  Wilco haters will explode when they hear this.  I have a friend who is on the verge of being committed every time Wilco receives praise.  This box set is not exclusively for hard core fans.  It is accessible, very accessible in fact, and if I had a friend who said hey , I like Wilco, I might actually suggest this box set as a starter kit.  Sure there are some obscure cuts, but for the most part this box set truly represents everything Wilco brings to their fans; sonic adventure, great production for audiophile fans, brilliant craftsmanship, and power pop live songs that make you want to jump.
2184064
This band tears through these covers, infusing new life into songs youve heard one thousand times already. Ive noticed they play songs involving Ronnie James Dio often and particularly well: Rainbows Kill The King, Dios Stand Up and Shout, and Sabbaths Mob Rules on Coverta.  Russell Allen must be a big Dio fan. Barracuda wasn't expected, and I love it but Romeo Delight may be my favorite on this record. Its a long-forgotten song on Van Halens Women and Children First album, and AM re-work it into an instant classic. Mike Orlando adds a Jimmy Page solo the band even finishes it with VHs Top Jimmy finale.

I just cant say enough about the musicianship, the production, and the song selection of this album/EP. This is what a cover record should be, all other bands take notice. They re-work the songs, incorporating their own sound and include surprises as well.

Helpful hint for other fans: I was turned on to this through Lzzy Haless list of top 10 favorite cover songs in Revolver-she includes Barracuda on her list. Look up this list, lots of songs worth checking out.
3253820
Greetings From Wawa will really leave you loving OCMS if you don't already. The songs are different from most of their albums but not in a bad way. If you have ever seen them live you know what I'm saying. I recommend this to anyone who is fans of Gillian Welch, David Rawlings and Levon Helm
4676777
Rock `n roll is here to stay. Will Hoge proved this with their latest album release "Blackbird On A Lonely Wire". Every song takes you back to the better days of rock `n roll... with rhythms that keep you dancing, lyrics that help bring back that feeling and just plain ol' good, quality music. It's obvious from listening to this CD that the band works hard at what they do. They have worked hard to create an album true to themselves and one that their fans would love. These guys are great live too; energetic, charismatic and all in all entertaining. Do yourself a favor and buy "Blackbird On A Lonely Wire" and keep a lookout for Will Hoge in your area. You'll be glad that you did!
3106945
I saw Them Crooked Vultures live in Boston before anybody knew any of their songs. The chemistry and energy of the band is incredible, and the best part about them is that they absolutely love making their music. It was one of the best performances I have seen.

Enter the album. When was the last time you listened to something and couldn't say, "This sounds like (enter another band or album name here)." I don't really recall that thought crossing my mind in a very long time. Sure, you can hear a little QOTSA in there, but only because Josh Homme is lending vocals to both bands. However, this sound is new and refreshing, and they are far more than the sum of their parts.

I am happy that a Zeppelin reunion did not happen, honestly, as I believe we would have missed out on this great music for rehashing something that had its day and doesn't necessarily need to be rehashed.

I am a huge fan of QOTSA and Foo Fighters, but they have left their mark already. I would be perfectly happy if we didn't ever see another album from either band if it means we can hear more of what these guys have to offer together. Their music is truly incredible.
3502233
I have seen them live, I have all of their albums, even compilations, did I mention how great their music is?  It is amazing and brilliant.  Simple as that.  You can listen to it over and over and never be sick of it.  The music has so many dimensions its crazy awesome!  check it out! You'll be very happy you did.
368730
The Freddy Jones Band is one of the Best Bands ever.  Their music is soothing and intoxicating.  I have had this CD play non stop for months in the CD player.  Based in Chicago, the band beautifully blends rock with a hint of country.  Smash hits like In a Day Dream, The Puppet, Texas Skies has provided an amazing base for this group.  I suggest investigating other Freddy Jones CDs such as Waiting for the Night, Lucid, and North Avenue Wake Up Call.  If you get a chance to see this band live DO IT!!  The still play clubs and small venues and it will be one of the best concerts you ever go to
486989
WOW!  They are even better than I remember them.  The lyrics are simply outstanding.  Just listen to Sanatarium, or Fade to Black just to name a couple.  This is a rock band that truly knows what they are doing.
I will be listening to Matallica when I'm in a home for old people.  Loud and proud all the days of my life.
1827345
Being from Cincinnati, I can't help but love these guys. Great album, up there with Alligator.
2318741
A very strong and concise effort which flows beautifully from start to finish.  Excellent songwriting and execution.  Please don't be influenced by some of the nit-picky comments that several critics are putting out there about Sky Blue Sky.  Artists evolve, bands evolve.  Jeff Tweedy and company know what they're doing, so just sit back and enjoy the ride.  This recording is somewhat understated relative to Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost is Born.  That's not good or bad, just different.  Less is more with Sky Blue Sky, and every note counts on this recording.  If you can appreciate anything about Wilco, you will not be disappointed with this CD.  Like most art, it takes a little time to fully appreciate.  Spend the time, you won't be disappointed.
2726801
I have been listening  to  MIngo Fishtrap for nearly 3years now .  I will say that this group is one of the best  I have seen in  35 years of  watching bands.
 They are very talented and  put on one of the best shows that you can see, they are different  in a very positive way.
I will say this if you give them a chance you will come away feeling good all the way down, and you will be rewarded with some of the best music you will hear anywhere. Listen to the music, you will find humor, pain, wonder, sadness and just plain fun enbodied.
They have to be good to keep me ,at the age of 54, partying all night when we go to see them.
1311095
Perpetual Infinity and Weltseele are 2 of the best songs Obscura have ever written, in my opinion.  The whole album is stellar, as to be expected from these guys.  I won't say I don't miss Christian and Hannes, but the new members hold their own and songs still contain dizzying amounts of virtuosity from each member.  It's my favorite album by them, which is really saying something.
1829771
If you like the Replacements, Archers of Loaf, Superchunk then you will absolutely love Late Night Television.  And their new record A PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF HOW I'VE FAILED AT EVERYTHING confirms how amazing these guys are. This is a powerful band with catchy songs.  I think they are one of the best indie bands around.
434341
If you want see a great American band at its peak, this is a package worth picking up.  The music is deceptive -- serene and simple at first, but, keep listening.  "sky blue sky", "either way" and "please be patient with me" are each poignant. Influences are everywhere and weave in to make a wonderful tapestry. (Close your eyes when u hear "What Light" and tell me you don't hear Bob D...) More personal then any previous record, Jeff Tweedy seems to be seeking resolve with his loved ones and himself.

But, this package is greatly enhanced by the DVD.  Rehearsals for a late winter tour, the band bring to life several of the songs from "sky blue sky".  In the accompaning interviews, Tweedy seems to tremble with honesty.  Worth the time and your hard earned dollar -- give it a chance.
58909
Will Wilco disappear into Jeff Tweedy's navel? This self-indulgent noodle (navel) rock is a waste of time for one of the best bands otherwise going. Here's to hoping Wilco gets back to making music that matters at some point in the near future.
2129731
This band is amazing! This is my favorite of their CD's. I already owned the initial release, but when i saw the great deal that amazon had on this deluxe edition I had to add it to my collection. The dvd  is great because it includes songs from their other cd's. This is a great introduction to the band with multiple chances to fall in love with the mix of contemporary,folk, and rock that is classic Plain White T's music.
2665709
I discovered Uncle Tupelo in reverse after I purchased Son Volt's debut album Trace and then I purchased Wilco's Debut album
A.M. and thought if Jay Farrar and Jeff Tweedy are this good solo, imagine how incredible they would be together and I wasn't disappointed. You listen to this album and you feel you should be hunched over a bar drinking a beer. What is surprising of all the dumpy bars I have frequented you are hard pressed to find anything from Uncle Tupelo and that is almost criminal. If You like Wilco or Son Volt this is a nice retro addition to your collection and if you haven't tried any of these bands,SHAME ON YOU!!