Wilco at the 9:30 Club

February 27, 2008

On the second night of two sold-out dates, the Chicago-based alt-country/rock band Wilco played 28 songs in a nearly two and a half hour set. Playing material that spanned their seven-album catalogue, including a few that singer Jeff Tweedy said he'd never played at the 9:30 before based on reviewing old setlists, Wilco sounded in top form.

They started out mellow for the first few songs, playing ballads, and then erupted into a jangling fusion of alt-rock, often letting their earlier country roots shine through. During one of two encores, they performed "California Stars," from one of two albums they recorded with Brit folk-rocker Billy Bragg in which they set their own music to Woody Guthrie lyrics.

The crowd was packed with die-hard fans, singing along throughout the show. It was a concert that simply reiterated why Wilco remains one of the best American bands out there today.

The show was recorded, and archived, on NPR, where you'll also find the full setlist.