Shows: Wilco, with Yo La Tengo- Keyspan Park, Brooklyn, NY (7/13/09)

Surprisingly, this is a first around these parts. Yes, this is the inaugural Animal Noises live show discussion. Not sure how this mishap has happened-- we've been to shows over the past year and change-- however, we're obviously more together now than we were then. Anyway-

Last night, Matt and I went to go see Wilco and Yo La Tengo (but mostly Wilco) at Keyspan Park in Brooklyn. For those who don't know, it's the home of my New York Mets' Single-A affiliate, the Brooklyn Cyclones. Never really thought of the ballpark as a concert venue, but let me tell you, after last night's show I'm convinced. Both bands brought some serious energy to their live sets, especially Wilco, who lit it up for a 26-song (27 if you count the crowd-led rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame") extravaganza that easily ranks as one of the best shows I've ever seen. They played songs from all over the catalogue, but stressed the two most recent releases, and even gave some nods to Mermaid Avenue. The biggest surprise was seeing Grizzly Bear's Ed Droste, and Leslie Feist make appearances for several songs during the very lengthy encore portion. Droste was more just playing the shakers, and providing some subtle backup vocals, but Feist provided a terrific counterbalance to Wilco leadsinger Jeff Tweedy's gruff voice, especially on "You and I," which she is featured on on Wilco (The Album).

On top of their short, noisy and brash set, Yo La Tengo also came back for a ridiculous and raucous rendition of Wilco's "Spiders (Kidsmoke)". The noise was almost deafening at points, but a truly fun and entertaining collaboration which really highlighted how much the bands enjoy their craft. Also of note, Wilco gave out these really awesome programs for the show, which even included a "scoresheet" of sorts for all of their shows on this summer tour. Very cool-- just wish they had had equally as interesting merchandise (damn you, goofy t-shirts and $25 posters). Still, fantastic experience overall. Below is the setlist from Wilco's portion of the show, as well as a video of their performance of "One Wing". I didn't get to take pictures, but for photos besides the one up top, see Kurt Christensen's, Caryn Rose's and DW Hartwig's respective Flickr streams. Credit for the lead photo goes to Christensen.

SETLIST

1. Wilco (The Song)

2. I'm Trying to Break Your Heart

3. Shot in the Arm

4. At Least That's What You Said

5. Bull Black Nova

6. You Are My Face

7. One Wing

8. Handshake Drugs

9. Deeper Down

10. Impossible Germany

11. Take Me Out to the Ballgame (crowd)

12. Jesus, Etc.

13. Sonny Feeling

14. Always In Love

15. Can't Stand It

16. Hate It Here

17. Walken

18. I'm the Man Who Loves You

19. Hummingbird

ENCORE

20. Heavy Metal Drummer

21. You and I (Feat. Leslie Fiest)

22. California Stars (Feat. Leslie Fiest & Ed Droste)

23. You Never Know (Feat. Feist & Droste)

24. Misunderstood

25. Spiders (Kidsmoke) (Feat. Yo La Tengo)

ENCORE 2
26. The Late Greats
27. Hoodoo Voodoo (Feat. Feist & Droste)

Enjoy the video below, and feel free to discuss your experience if you were there or wanted to go.