Sunken Treasure - Jeff Tweedy live in the Pacific Northwest

Thanks to James Ketchell for his review of the new Jeff Tweedy DVD:

Sunken Treasure, a solo DVD from Jeff Tweedy, the Wilco frontman, has been released to tie fans over until the much-anticipated new studio album from the alt.country boys comes out in April.

Alone on stage with an acoustic guitar and harmonica, Tweedy’s vulnerability, sensitivity and love of performance shine through Christoph Green’s film. The cameras have a tendency to lovingly linger on the spotlit Tweedy. The quality of the filming is beyond reproach with the rich warm colours filtering through, in stark contrast to Wilco’s 2000 film, I am Trying to Break Your Heart.

The film follows Tweedy to Seattle, Portland, Eugene, Arcata and San Francisco, featuring performances from all of these concerts. In between we are offered mini-interview sequences and excellent travelling shots of the beautiful Pacific Northwest countryside. He answers questions on the art of and his approach to performing, his songs and the touring life. It all adds up to a compelling look at the life of Jeff Tweedy – musician and performer.

The song selection is eclectic, featuring material from throughout his career with Uncle Tupelo and Wilco. Minus the layered guitars, sounds and studio bells and whistles associated with modern Wilco, these become tender folk songs. Tweedy has previously stated that all of his songs start off as folk songs and this statement rings entirely true after seeing this DVD. ‘I am Trying to Break your Heart’, ‘Summerteeth’, ‘Theologians’ stripped to their bare bones seem to have lost none of their power. The songs in this context also allow the viewer to focus on the quality of Tweedy’s lyrics, which, as far as this reviewer is concerned, have no equal in modern popular rock music.

The later songs on this DVD, ‘Airline to Heaven’, ‘Heavy Metal Drummer’ and ‘War on War’ also feature Wilco’s drummer, Glen Kotche, and guitarist Nels Cline, to add some flavour and texture, but the mood remains ‘unplugged’, so to speak. The DVD ends with ‘Acuff Rose’ sung solo by Tweedy without a microphone to a concert hall in complete silence and awe.

Perhaps the greatest achievement of this film is in challenging and redefining the image of Tweedy as an arrogant, introspective and difficult performer. His on-stage banter is at times hilarious, and even if he loses his temper at the talkative crowd of Portland, one gets the feeling that he just wants to be the best entertainer possible.

Also featured are 24 exclusive audio downloads of the songs, along with some extra tracks. In the past Wilco have not been afraid of using the internet and new technologies to offer their fans more, and this DVD is no different.

Sunken Treasure is a must for any Wilco fan, country fan and music fan. You will be pleasantly surprised by the power and quality of this film. If there is one criticism of the DVD is that it ends all to quickly with the viewer longing for more. Still, with only five months or so to go until a new studio album in April, the wait won’t be too difficult to deal with.