Wilco and Sharon Van Etten recently joined on stage during Wilco’s recent tour stop in Chicago, Illinois (Van Etten is currently opening for the band on this tour) for a performance of “Radio Cure,” and the track “Happy X-Mas (War Is Over).” These two song performances took place during Wilco’s third performance at the Chicago Theatre.
“Radio Cure,” first appeared on Wilco’s classic 2002 album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, and was played by the band for the first time in two years at this recent performance. Both artists performed the tracks vocals together, with Van Etten joining along during parts of the verses and choruses.
“Happy X-Mas (War is Over),” was originally written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, with the help of the Harlem Community Choir back in 1971. The Christmas song was noted for being both a modern Christmas standard, in addition to a popular anti-war song, with the cover being complimented by Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy and Van Etten’s soft vocal deliveries.
Wilco released their most recent album Ode To Joy earlier this year. “Their eleventh album—Ode to Joy—is a reminder of why this band has persisted making music for so many years,” mxdwn reviewer Spencer Culbertson explained. “The album is elegantly restrained and full of emotion that lies just beneath its rough-hewn sound.”
Van Etten will be joining Wilco at their inaugural Sky Blue Sky destination music festival in Mexico next year, alongside acts such as singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett and jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Fried
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