Ep 16. Wilco

Austin City Limits is an American public television music program that showcases live music performances. In season 37, episode 16, the featured artist is Wilco, an American alternative rock band from Chicago. The episode showcases their performance at the Moody Theater in Austin, Texas.

Wilco's performance on Austin City Limits marks their third appearance on the show. The band has previously been featured on the program in 1999 and 2005, making them one of the most frequent performers on Austin City Limits. This episode features the band's most recent studio album at the time, "The Whole Love," which was released in 2011.

The episode begins with an introduction from host Terry Lickona, who introduces Wilco's performance with a brief history of the band and their relationship with Austin City Limits. The episode then jumps straight into the music, with the band performing "Art of Almost," the opening track from "The Whole Love."

Throughout the episode, Wilco delivers a diverse setlist, featuring a mix of older favorites and newer tracks from "The Whole Love." The band's performance is a showcase of their versatility as musicians, as they move effortlessly between genres like folk, country, and indie rock.

One particularly standout moment from the episode is Wilco's performance of "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart," a fan favorite from their acclaimed album "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot." The song's haunting lyrics and swirling instrumentation create an eerie and hypnotic atmosphere in the Moody Theater, captivating the audience with every note.

Another highlight of the episode is "Whole Love," the title track from their 2011 album. The song's catchy, upbeat melody and sunny lyrics provide a welcome contrast to some of the darker, more introspective moments in the setlist.

Throughout the episode, Wilco's musicianship is on full display, with each member of the band showcasing their virtuosity on their respective instruments. Frontman Jeff Tweedy is an engaging and charismatic presence on stage, his signature gravelly vocals delivering the band's lyrics with a raw, emotional intensity.

The episode concludes with a rousing rendition of "Walken," a fan favorite from Wilco's 2004 album "A Ghost Is Born." The song's infectious groove and catchy chorus have the audience dancing and singing along, bringing the performance to a satisfying close.

Overall, Wilco's performance on Austin City Limits season 37 episode 16 is a must-watch for fans of the band, as well as anyone who loves live music. Their diverse setlist and captivating musicianship make for an unforgettable performance.