Wilco, "Via Chicago" (Live)

The Jayhawks, "I'd Run Away"

Gary Louris

Saturday night, the inimitable Jayhawks graced Brooklyn with their presence for a free show at Williamsburg Park. It was great. While the voices have aged 20-some years, that only lends the music a certain self-confidence. The guitar solos--especially by Gary Louris (above)--were piercing and gut-rumbling. Karen Grotberg did some seriously killer work on her Hammond. And drummer Tim O'Reagan got to shine on a favorite of mine--"Tampa to Tulsa"--which he penned and sings. Bassist Marc Perlman maintained a steady hand all night, an understated counterpoint behind the gleefully dorky fronting of Mark Olson. Speaking of Olson--clad in argyle and jeans--Maura helpfully noted, "Now I know what you'll look like when you're fifty."

Even Maura, who was a little... resistant to going, ended up dancing and calling it "a pretty good show." I call that a success. The only thing better would be if the band got serious about their in-show musing about becoming "the Brooklyn-based Jayhawks." Please join the crowd! Brooklyn-based Jayhawks are a welcoming people. Anyway, here's the song I snoozed on posting yesterday. Enjoy!

The Jayhawks, "Blue"

The lead-off track from 1995's Tomorrow the Green Grass.  Enjoy!

Wilco, "Forget the Flowers"

I've been looking for this off and on since the dawn of (tuna day) time.  A great version of a fantastic song.  Enjoy!  You know I will...  KEY CHANGE!

Jennifer O'Connor, "Exeter, Rhode Island"

Maura and I caught Jennifer when she opened for Hotel Lights a few years ago, and promptly bought two of her albums.  This one can be found on Over the Mountain Across the Valley and Back to the Stars.  If you ever get the chance to see her live, I would highly recommend it.  Enjoy!

James McMurtry, "God Bless America"

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Wilco, "Box Full of Letters" (Live)

From Mike in Chicago, here's a heavy dose of Wilco, from Chicago.  Rock.  Steady.

Eilen Jewell, "Queen of the Minor Key"

Eilen Jewell - Queen of the Minor Key from Here Comes The Flood on Vimeo.

Wilco with Feist, "You and I" (Live on Letterman)

Performed two years ago, following the release of Wilco (The Album).

Uncle Tupelo, "Moonshiner"

Jay Farrar, Jeff Tweedy and Mike Heidorn, performing the traditional folk song, sung earlier by Bob Dylan...

Uncle Tupelo, "Looking for a Way Out" (Acoustic)

Put it out of your mind... and don't look at the table!

The Jayhawks, "Waiting for the Sun"

From 1992's Hollywood Town Hall.

Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion, "Speed of Light"

Playing tonight at the City Winery, along with our favorites--Hotel Lights--here's a song from Sarah Lee and Johnny's Bright Examples EP.  Enjoy.

Wilco, "California Stars"

Tweedy & Co. performing a classic from their album with Billy Bragg, Mermaid Avenue (featuring the lyrics of Woody Guthrie).  Every time I listen to this, it makes me happy.  I hope it does the same for you.