Wilco
Liner notes: A little bit country and a whole lot of Pavement-y shoegazing, Chicago-based alt-rockers Wilco blends six-string noodling with just the right amount of low-end atmospherics and burbling, half-mumbled vocals.
Sounds familiar: After declining Reprise's demands to alter "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" to make it more sellable, Wilco packed its bags and signed on with Nonesuch. Kudos for sticking to their creative guns: In addition to critical and commercial success, follow-up album "A Ghost is Born" earned Wilco two Grammy Awards in 2004.
On stage: Whether shaggy or clean-shaven, Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy exudes a casual charisma that easily makes up for his relatively calm stage presence. Just watch out for that right hook.
Hit or miss: Catchy strum and twang, all while lying on the grass and soaking up the sun. Do it.—Tom Korp
Wilco plays the North Stage Aug. 9 from 7-8:15 p.m.
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