Wilco, Conor Oberst, Hop Along - July 28, 2017 - BB&T Pavilion, Camden, NJ

Wilco performing at the XPoNential Music Festival
 at the BB&T Pavilion in Camden, NJ.

Wilco, Conor Oberst, and Hop Along came together to headline the first night of the annual WXPN XPoNential Music Festival at the BB&T Pavilion in Camden, NJ. Despite the schedule changes due to inclement weather, all three acts displayed their sounds of folk and indie rock.

Philly's own Hop Along opened, showcasing the unique vocals of Frances Quinlan and Joe Reinhart's thunderous guitar. The set opened with Quinlan performing "Happy to See Me" solo. The rest of the band joined her for the rest of the set, rounding out the powerful sound. It was a familiar sight to see Quinlan solo as I saw her open for Bob Mould at the Underground Arts a few months earlier. Although much of the same material was played, it was interesting to hear the differences between the solo act and the full band. The solo act provided a more concentrated sound on Quinlan's raspy yet beautiful vocals and lyrics while the band gave the female vocalist a platform with a more complete sound. Although there was plenty of noise to go around, the band lacks song structure. This interrupts the flow of the songs and makes it hard to identify the choruses and verses. Most of the songs feel as though they are improvised and are being dragged out. However, a few songs in Hop Along's catalogue show the potential the band has to get to the next level.

Conor Oberst showed off his songwriting and musicianship to the crowd on the Camden waterfront. Material spanning Oberst's entire career was played, including songs from his time with Bright Eyes and the Mystic Valley Band. Five songs off his new solo album Salutations were performed. Before playing the guitar solo infused protest song "Roosevelt Room," Oberst went on an expletive anti-Trump tirade. He received a mix reaction but those who agreed gave Oberst a standing ovation. Many artists I have seen since the 2016 election have spoken about the current situation of the nation but none to the extent of what Oberst did. The set also included the beautifully emotional "Lua," performed as a duet with Phoebe Bridgers, a indie folk singer from Los Angeles. The performance exceeded my expectations but almost did not happen as Oberst told the crowd that he had to take a helicopter from New York City to south Jersey to make the gig on time after being stuck in hours of traffic outside the Holland tunnel.

The indie rock legends Wilco arrived on stage and went right into "Random Name Generator" and "The Joke Explained," both from the 2015 album Star Wars. After being delayed an hour due to the threat of rain, front man Jeff Tweedy and company wasted no time. Few words were said as they made their way through the 19 song set. The ninety minute set featured songs from every album. They included the classics "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart," "Box Full of Letters," and "Heavy Metal Drummer" while incorporating newer songs "Pickled Ginger," "If I Ever Was a Child," and "Someone to Lose." Although it would have been nice to hear them play for another hour, the hit after hit set made up for lost time. Some of the highlights included the "Art of Almost" with its suspenseful build up into the electrifying Nels Cline solo, the soft "Via Chicago" with outbursts of noise from drummer Glenn Kotche, the dark story of murder "Bull Black Nova," and the jam session sing along "Spiders (Kidsmoke)."

Although Wilco's style of play and music is unorthodox, sometimes making you wonder how they do it, it makes them stand out. Being unconventional and different is equivalent to being original. This is what attracts people to Wilco. They have a longevity that few other bands have and continue to consistently release exceptional music. The band has come a long way and I think they realize that. They are grateful, humble, and could be considered the nicest guys in rock. Until Wilco is unable to make or perform quality music, they will continue and there is no indication of them slowing down.

Setlist:

Hop Along:
1.  Happy to See Me (Quinlan solo)
2.  The Knock
3.  Waitress
4.  Untitled
5.  Well Dressed
6.  Tibetan Pop Stars

Conor Oberst:

1.  Barbary Coast (Later)

2.  Four Winds (Bright Eyes song)

3.  Get-Well-Cards
4.  Too Late to Fixate
5.  Till St. Dymphna Kicks Us Out
6.  Cape Canaveral
7.  Train Under Water (Bright Eyes song)
8.  Roosevelt Room
9.  Salutations
10. Lua (Duet with Phoebe Bridgers)
11. Napalm

Wilco:
1.  Random Name Generator

2.  The Joke Explained

3.  I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
4.  Art of Almost
5.  Pickled Ginger
6.  If I Ever Was a Child
7.  Someone to Lose
8.  War on War
9.  Via Chicago
10. Bull Black Nova
11. Reservations
12. Impossible Germany
13. Box Full of Letters
14. I'm Always in Love
15. Heavy Metal Drummer
16. I'm the Man Who Loves You
17. Hummingbird
18. Spiders (Kidsmoke)

Encore:
19. Outtasite (Outta Mind)