Kicking Television: Live in Chicago
114 min · 23 tracks · alternative country
A dynamic blend of introspective lyrics and diverse instrumentation, showcasing Wilco's evolution through live performance energy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Misunderstood Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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I Am Trying to Break Your Heart — This track exemplifies Wilco's signature blend of melancholy and musical complexity, capturing the essence of their songwriting prowess during live performances.
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Jesus, Etc. — A fan favorite, this song's poignant lyrics and haunting melodies resonate deeply, showcasing the band's ability to create an emotional connection with their audience.
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Spiders (Kidsmoke) — The extended improvisational section transforms this song into an epic live experience, illustrating Wilco's willingness to stretch musical boundaries in real-time.
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Handshake Drugs — With its intricate instrumentation and infectious chorus, this track highlights the band's growth in crafting complex arrangements that translate seamlessly to a live setting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The live reinterpretations and dynamic energy highlight Wilco's evolution, making it a significant document of their sound.
What we noticed
- The setlist is structured to build momentum, starting with more energetic tracks and gradually transitioning to quieter, introspective pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- live performance energy
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Live album capturing the band's energy, beloved by dedicated fans.
- Themes
- Chicago live scene· artistic evolution
- Career context
- Released in 2005, Kicking Television: Live in Chicago captures Wilco at a pivotal moment following their acclaimed album A Ghost is Born. This live recording showcases their growing reputation as a powerful live act, solidifying their place within the alternative country genre while reflecting on their artistic expansion during the mid-2000s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Jayhawks· Son Volt· My Morning Jacket
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Misunderstood Start here 6:08
- 2 Company in My Back 3:44
- 3 The Late Greats 2:40
- 4 Hell Is Chrome 4:56
- 5 Handshake Drugs 6:23
- 6 I Am Trying to Break Your Heart 6:03
- 7 Shot in the Arm 4:51
- 8 At Least That’s What You Said 5:18
- 9 Wishful Thinking 4:26
- 10 Jesus, Etc. 4:00
- 11 I’m the Man Who Loves You 3:58
- 12 Kicking Television 3:03
Disc 2
- 1 Via Chicago 5:14
- 2 Hummingbird 3:19
- 3 Muzzle of Bees 4:49
- 4 One by One 3:26
- 5 Airline to Heaven 4:41
- 6 Radio Cure 4:42
- 7 Ashes of American Flags 6:03
- 8 Heavy Metal Drummer 3:21
- 9 Poor Places 5:31
- 10 Spiders (Kidsmoke) 11:17
- 11 Comment 6:13
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Z
My Morning Jacket
Shares a similar dynamic blend of introspective lyrics and diverse instrumentation, with an expansive sound.
Picaresque
The Decemberists
Explores narrative-driven lyrics and folk influences, resonating with Wilco's storytelling approach.
Cold Roses
Ryan Adams
Combines alternative country with rich instrumentation, reflecting emotional depth and artistic growth.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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