Jeff Tweedy’s Sunken Treasure: Live in the Pacific Northwest, is one of the most therapeutic DVD’s I have ever seen. If you’re not yet a Wilco fan, expect that to change after you watch Tweedy’s masterful performances. In this DVD, Wilco’s best songs are acoustically stripped down to their core, providing an entirely different concert experience. The journey begins in Seattle, with Jeff playing Sunken Treasure in a darkened venue, which seems like an abyss. A dimmed spotlight rests on Tweedy as he performs on an Oriental rug with acoustic guitars behind him. There is a comforting ambiance emanating from the stage, that caresses the audience and home viewers. Overall, the recording of the performances gives off a vintage feel. Between songs, Tweedy speaks what is on his mind, and does so in such an eloquent manner, you would think it was a prepared speech. He is able to effortlessly spark a connection with his audience, and responds to comments shouted out in witty and affable ways.
As can be seen in this DVD and interviews Tweedy has done, Jeff is fascinated by the importance of the fan, and how the fan is an essential collaborator in the music-making process. He stated in an interview with Wired, music is “just data until the listener puts that music back together with their own ears, their mind, their subjective experience.” At his show in Portland, Tweedy politely confronts talking fans by expressing that when people come to a concert, including himself, they become part of a group. He feels that the unity of sharing an experience is a beautiful thing, and encourages people to share that experience, instead of separating themselves by talking.
If you’re still hesitant on whether to buy the DVD, maybe this will convince you: all audio tracks featured on the DVD will be available to download free of charge. By the way, if you are curious as to who the man is on the header image of my website, it’s Jeff Tweedy.
Audio from Sunken Treasure:
Ian Hultquist – Sunken Treasure Cover(not on DVD–click HERE for artist info)
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