jeff or jay?

timmy etc · Joined: 27 Jun 2003 Posts: 5

Does anyone else find it ironic that the biggest fans of an artist who has always avoided comparisions to both his old band and his former bandmate (in favor of developing his own style, despite the commercial appeal) seem to obsess over who is better, Jay or Jeff??

Don't get me wrong, I do it all the time, I just think it's funny.

I'm also a little drunk Smile

ctarider · Joined: 28 Aug 2003 Posts: 1

Just a couple thoughts on JayB and 'Trying to Break Your Heart:'

-Bands quibbling over [what to us seem like] little things like that intro to Heavy Metal Drummer are a big part of the record making process and while that was a creepy scene to watch, I didn't think it was nearly as telling as the rehearsal "...I just think the 2 guitar thing is obsolete" comment by Jeff. His sound just didn't fit in any more.

-An aquaintance close to wilco told me that everyone involved in the group just couldn't get along with him anymore and that while the power and attention thing he talked about may be real, the whole organization was just sick of being around him on a daily basis. The SAME aquaintance said Jay was an enormous part of YHF and that because of him, it was a great record before they handed it to Jim O'Rourke.

...and the guy has had substance troubles. Hope for the best for a man who has great talent and deserves praise for the music he's put out.
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Alexa · Guest

I've seen a lot of substance abuse in similar bands (not that this is any surprise). I dated this guy in one band where every member was a raging alcoholic or heavy coke user...And they were all very talented. The most arrrogant--and addicted--guy in the group was an astonishingly talented musician. I also hang out with a lot of writers and the substance abuse there is amazing...But some of the most fucked up ones are some of the most brilliant...go figure.

Damn, *I* can't even get drunk and piece together a coherent sentence!

Alexa · Guest

badmofaux · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 66

It IS pretty pointless to compare the two, but still... I can't help it. Both were part of a great band who mean a lot to me. Jay, I've always had total respect for. I liked all of the Son Volt stuff, just as much as Uncle Tupelo. As for his solo stuff, that's a different matter.

When it comes to Jeff, he started rubbing me the wrong way right around Being There. Changing up your sound and experimenting is one thing; but it's quite another when you kinda cheese out and sell off your integrity in the process. And for as mixed as I was on the album itself, it wasn't until I saw Wilco live around this time that I really got alienated. Jeff and Jay Bennet came out on stage wearing these big fuzzy coats and goofy hats! It just... really bummed me out to see them behave in this manner. It seemed so opposite of everything I once thought Jeff stood for. Plus, the music just lacked teeth. They had the songs down, but they lacked conviction, and in a hude way. I couldn't escape the sinking feeling that Jeff didn't even believe in it himself. Since that time, it just seems like he can't make up his mind how he wants to sound, and none of it ever really seems to carry any weight or meaning.

Jay's stuff... I don't even his solo stuff, but at least I still respect his approach. It's straightforward and honest, and to me it sounds like he's placing a premium on self-expression at all costs. If it means he has to make a total bummer of a record like TB, then so be it. It's almost as if he has no control over it. That's the way it sometimes goes when you follow your muse. You gotta go along with it, wherever it takes you. Jeff, that guy has no muse.

NoDepression · Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2003 10:20 pm Post subject:

Maybe he misses Jay ?
For our sake let's hope it's mutual .
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muteseh · Joined: 26 Aug 2003 Posts: 86

princess buttercup · Joined: 04 Aug 2003 Posts: 203

i think Jay misses Jeff more than Jeff misses Jay

saratoga jay · Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2003 7:36 am Post subject:

Princess,

How do you mean...in regards to music or friendship???
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DS · Joined: 27 Jun 2003 Posts: 272 Location: Tennessee

If you saw Wilco on The Tonight Show, I think Tweedy is missing something, like emotion.

Bigb · Joined: 18 Jul 2003 Posts: 221

Wilco definitely has a different style when they play on the late night shows. I chalk it up to just not being super comfortable with cameras on them. I'm sure that they may have become more comfortable since the documentary but it still doesn't reflect the live shows. Wilco is definitely one of the best live bands in the business. Plenty of emotion. Jay on the other hand.... well he sounds damn good anyway.

princess buttercup · Joined: 04 Aug 2003 Posts: 203

SJ, I mean both I guess. Jay said he called Jeff when Joe Strummer died and wanted to talk to him about it, but Jeff wasn't interested in discussing it.
I think Jay misses the opportunity for noodling and playing with expensive equipment he had as a member of Wilco (and probably the wardrobe too)

saratoga jay · Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2003 1:12 pm Post subject:

My bad Princess, I thought you were refering to Jay F, not Jay B. Sorry to waste your time.....I feel like such a fool! Crying or Very sad

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