There are few musicians left out there like Jeff Tweedy. He’s the kind of person who lets his music do the talking and, most admirably, has always done things on his own terms. In this vein the Wilco frontman’s new project, Tweedy, features his son on drums. In their Australian debut the pair performed tracks from their collaborative album Sukierae, along with stripped back versions of Wilco and Uncle Tupelo tracks.
Support came from duo Those Pretty Wrongs. You would be forgiven for not realising who they were immediately, but clued up punters would know that it’s the side project of Big Star’s Jody Stephens and The Freewheelers’ Luther Russell. The pair quickly impressed with their heartfelt songs and harmonies. Ending with a cover of Big Star’s Thirteen, the duo seemed almost disappointed that they couldn’t play longer than their allotted half hour.
Soon after Tweedy and his band made their way on to the stage, clearly eager to deliver their epic 28 song set. Diamond Light Pt. 1 was notably more engaging than the tracks proceeding, with the song’s masterful guitar work allowing for Tweedy to loosen up a bit. Upon hearing the cries of a baby, a puzzled Tweedy joked that the song Wait For Love was about abstinence. “‘Maybe if you’d heard it before you wouldn’t be here with a baby,” he quipped.
Tweedy performed solo for half an hour, playing songs many in the crowd were anxious to hear. Tweedy has the ability to cause mass hysteria upon the delivery of a single line, evidenced by the lyric “All my daydreams are disasters,” from the Uncle Tupelo track New Madrid. Wilco classics Passenger Side and Jesus, Etc. were personal highlights and a real treat to hear live.
“We’re going to play a David Bowie cover because we’re still in a bit of pain,” announced Tweedy before bringing out surprise guest Courtney Barnett. “She’s going to be my best friend,” gushed Tweedy who was obviously chuffed to have Australia’s rising star onstage with him. The two delivered an incredible version of Bowie’s Queen Bitch, bringing the set to a close with a standing ovation from the crowd.
While the night served as a retrospective of Tweedy’s illustrious career, the airing of a lot of his newer material proved that Tweedy still has a lot to bring to the table – songs that he’s itching to introduce to long time Wilco fans. With a backing band just as talented, it’s clear Tweedy is in a position to continue recording and performing live for years to come.
BY HOLLY PEREIRA
Loved: The fact someone brought their baby to the show.
Hated: When the baby started to cry during the set.
Drank: Water. Gotta play it low key on a Monday night.
