The first time I heard "I am an American aquarium drinker" I thought ok I've found a new band better check everything they've ever done lol my first Wilco song and probably my favourite
That hit me like a ton of bricks, I’ve never been to American or am aquarium in many years but when I first heard those first two lines “I am an American aquarium drinker, I assassin down the avenue”. It blew me away, majestic poetry.
My dad played this song every now and again from when I was a baby until he passed last Christmas. Now in his place I have the same urge as you and him. I understand.
one of the most genius drummers I’ve ever heard. this drum part never ceases to blow my mind. he’s also got his drum project he posts on Instagram now, those are all incredible too.
Sigh. This band jams so well together. They are so cohesive and perfectly in sync. What I wouldn't give to be locked into that groove, playing alongside these great musicians.
Speaking of interpretation, it reminds me years ago, I was in Williamsburgh, Brooklyn, slightly before it was a hipster Mecca, and was at a bar/art gallery. The featured piece that night was a stack of old car tires. They weren't placed in any creative/ironic/geomotric fashion. Just a stack of tires positioned as if tossed over the shoulder by a guy working in a tire shop. Several people were observing the exhibit as if were a grand artistic declaration. Again, I had to ask myself " is this beyond my comprehension of art and understandability, or is this just a pile of shit? " Later on that evening some old school Brooklyn heads came in and expressed the same doubts in a thick Brooklyn accent. Quote-"It looks like the Michelin Man came through and unloaded a buncha' fuckin spare tires"
Love this - huge fan. Have been to several concerts since 2002. Love the rawness, pure sound and Jeff's expressive honesty. That's what he's all about! Very personal, plaintive, struggling but so much beauty simultaneously - it just works! The lyrics, instruments and his voice are mind-blowing. I hope the thin crowd appreciates what they've witnessed years later. This is a pure artist and his sensitive band putting it all out there! To add to the serious, emotional tone of the album, the coincidence of 9/11 - unforgettable!
I am an American aquarium drinker I assassin down the avenue I'm hiding out in the big city blinking What was I thinking when I let go of you? Let's forget about the tongue tied lightning Let's undress just like cross eyed strangers This is not a joke, so please stop smiling What was I thinking when I said it didn't hurt? I want to glide through those brown eyes dreaming Take you from the inside, baby, hold on tight You were so right when you said I've been drinking What was I thinking when we said goodnight? I want to hold you in the Bible black pre-dawn You're quite a quiet domino bury, me now Take off your band-aid, 'cause I don't believe in touchdowns What was I thinking when we said hello? I always thought that if I held you tightly You would always love me like you did back then Then I fell asleep in the city kept blinking What was I thinking when I let you back in? I am trying to break your heart I am trying to break your heart But still I'd be lying if I said it wasn't easy I am trying to break your heart Disposable Dixie cup drinker I assassin down the avenue I've been hiding out in the big city blinking What was I thinking when I let go of you? Loves you I'm the man who loves you
Does anyone know how long they played as a four piece for? It's weird seeing a clip without either Jay Bennett or Nels Cline filling in on lead guitar. Great performance, especially for how complex this song is, but it does feel like it's missing something compared to later versions.
If you can't understand irony, that's not my problem. The fact that the song is -allegedly- about being an alcoholic, doesn't imply that the songwriter is one.
I forget Jeff was ever this young, thin, and/or healthy looking....EVER! GREAT song, but the band does not look all that happy to be playing. From the looks of things, it was a very miserable & chilly day.
Jeff was never less healthy here, man. He was so pilled up and struggling with so many things. This whole album is about him coping with life. Him now, "fat," is so much happier than he was then!
keith moon Jeff does not look healthy here at all, because he wasn’t. He looks miserable, worn out and fucked up. He’s much better now, weight gain and all, because putting on weight is not inherently unhealthy.
i just asked that. see if we get a response. i saw jeff tweedy kick some guy in the head at DAR constitution hall. in DC. that was ages ago, and hilarious! "don't get on my stage!!!!"
I personally love Coldplay and they also released a great album in 2002, but if I’m being honest, I prefer Yankee Hotel Foxtrot to A rush of blood to the head, a truly timeless record, no wonder RollingStone put it 3rd in the 2000’s top 100 albums and Pitchfork rated it #4 in their top 200 albums of the 2000’s. Simply a masterpiece and this song shows what quality they can produce.
I like this song- but I must say, either I don't have the intellect to grasp the meaninfulness of the lyrics, or he is just spouting off some random bullshit that enters his mind and thought it would make a good song. I feel this song is very open to interpretation and you can garner whatever meaning you feel suits your fancy. Another thing- Wilco is a decent band, but is somehow revered as an underground supergroup amongst those in the know. In the same vein as Fela Kuti. Another talented and very listenable musician who, in my opinion, is undeservedly considered a muscal god amongst many
Empathize with hardcore alcoholics and maybe it'd make more sense. I admit the lyrics are kinda stream of consciousness, but the themes are unified when you consider it's coming from a depressed mind that passes through a gazillion thoughts and feelings at a time
I am an American aquarium drinker I assassin down the avenue I'm hiding out in the big city blinking What was I thinking when I let go of you? Let's forget about the tongue tied lightning Let's undress just like cross eyed strangers This is not a joke, so please stop smiling What was I thinking when I said it didn't hurt? I want to glide through those brown eyes dreaming Take you from the inside, baby, hold on tight You were so right when you said I've been drinking What was I thinking when we said goodnight? I want to hold you in the Bible black pre-dawn You're quite a quiet domino bury, me now Take off your band-aid, 'cause I don't believe in touchdowns What was I thinking when we said hello? I always thought that if I held you tightly You would always love me like you did back then Then I fell asleep in the city kept blinking What was I thinking when I let you back in? I am trying to break your heart I am trying to break your heart But still I'd be lying if I said it wasn't easy I am trying to break your heart Disposable Dixie cup drinker I assassin down the avenue I've been hiding out in the big city blinking What was I thinking when I let go of you? Loves you I'm the man who loves you
![ปฏิเสธไม่ไหว (Crush on you) - LIPTA feat. No One Else [TEASER MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VC689EgdSIw/mqdefault.jpg)
The first time I heard "I am an American aquarium drinker" I thought ok I've found a new band better check everything they've ever done lol my first Wilco song and probably my favourite
This is one of the most essential top-10 vids on TH-cam.
That hit me like a ton of bricks, I’ve never been to American or am aquarium in many years but when I first heard those first two lines “I am an American aquarium drinker, I assassin down the avenue”. It blew me away, majestic poetry.
One of the greatest songs ever written. That’s proper genius, no other word for it.
I get a sharp strong urge to listen to this song…happens out of the blue. Been happening regularly since 2001. Can’t explain it with words.
My dad played this song every now and again from when I was a baby until he passed last Christmas. Now in his place I have the same urge as you and him. I understand.
From the priceless collection of music to "get drunk at"...
do you tilt at it?
Crazy how much it sounds like the studio version
One of the most beautiful melodies ever.
Everything in this song is perfection.
The drum part to this...
Glenn Kotche is a beast.
one of the most genius drummers I’ve ever heard. this drum part never ceases to blow my mind. he’s also got his drum project he posts on Instagram now, those are all incredible too.
Sigh. This band jams so well together. They are so cohesive and perfectly in sync. What I wouldn't give to be locked into that groove, playing alongside these great musicians.
Speaking of interpretation, it reminds me years ago, I was in Williamsburgh, Brooklyn, slightly before it was a hipster Mecca, and was at a bar/art gallery. The featured piece that night was a stack of old car tires. They weren't placed in any creative/ironic/geomotric fashion. Just a stack of tires positioned as if tossed over the shoulder by a guy working in a tire shop. Several people were observing the exhibit as if were a grand artistic declaration. Again, I had to ask myself " is this beyond my comprehension of art and understandability, or is this just a pile of shit? " Later on that evening some old school Brooklyn heads came in and expressed the same doubts in a thick Brooklyn accent. Quote-"It looks like the Michelin Man came through and unloaded a buncha' fuckin spare tires"
Fuckin gentrification
I need to stop watching this every hour of everyday
One of my favorite songs and band of all time!
Love this - huge fan. Have been to several concerts since 2002.
Love the rawness, pure sound and Jeff's expressive honesty. That's what he's all about! Very personal, plaintive, struggling but so much beauty simultaneously - it just works! The lyrics, instruments and his voice are mind-blowing.
I hope the thin crowd appreciates what they've witnessed years later. This is a pure artist and his sensitive band putting it all out there!
To add to the serious, emotional tone of the album, the coincidence of 9/11 - unforgettable!
I love the Gibson J45, he doesn't play it on stage anymore from what I've seen
Holy shit his vocals are flawless.
Love the lyrics.
Beautiful instumentals and very original.
my favorite song.
such a great song
God, that’s a great song. It’s amazing songwriting to be able to build an entire song just based on one part.
He looks so not homeless in this video.. amazing.
Wish there was a LOVE button.
I believe him
dat drum fill
The drop at 3:57...
Thanks to Amy B my American friend for introducing me to such a fantastic song!!!
I am an American aquarium drinker
I assassin down the avenue
I'm hiding out in the big city blinking
What was I thinking when I let go of you?
Let's forget about the tongue tied lightning
Let's undress just like cross eyed strangers
This is not a joke, so please stop smiling
What was I thinking when I said it didn't hurt?
I want to glide through those brown eyes dreaming
Take you from the inside, baby, hold on tight
You were so right when you said I've been drinking
What was I thinking when we said goodnight?
I want to hold you in the Bible black pre-dawn
You're quite a quiet domino bury, me now
Take off your band-aid, 'cause I don't believe in touchdowns
What was I thinking when we said hello?
I always thought that if I held you tightly
You would always love me like you did back then
Then I fell asleep in the city kept blinking
What was I thinking when I let you back in?
I am trying to break your heart
I am trying to break your heart
But still I'd be lying if I said it wasn't easy
I am trying to break your heart
Disposable Dixie cup drinker
I assassin down the avenue
I've been hiding out in the big city blinking
What was I thinking when I let go of you?
Loves you
I'm the man who loves you
I want to glide through those brown eyes dreaming...
What a nice song.
I’m from Chicago so I didn’t realize that they were popular outside of the city. I thought they were just a local thing.
so creative, so fun, so poignant...just lovely overall. Love you Jeff. He is very much on the pills here, but nonetheless, a flawless performance
Does anyone know how long they played as a four piece for? It's weird seeing a clip without either Jay Bennett or Nels Cline filling in on lead guitar.
Great performance, especially for how complex this song is, but it does feel like it's missing something compared to later versions.
If Jason Bateman had a band
This is not joke so please stop smilin...
If you can't understand irony, that's not my problem. The fact that the song is -allegedly- about being an alcoholic, doesn't imply that the songwriter is one.
So good!
Fantastic band.
That's all I've to say.
Glenn Kotche is the 14th best drummer in the world (but I think he's the best ;-))
I love Wilco 💘
Austantatios
Where was this filmed? This is sorta better than the vinyl studio version I have.
It is Germany for sure. I guess it is 2002 Nuerburgring (best known for being a speed racing circuit in Europe).
love it
I was infront of the barracuda for like 6 songs then scored a plate of rightious Greek foods kick a field goal back. looked around. did not see Sue.
the band and vocals are on point!
Man, I've said those words enough times...
@DreamerM This is crazy old. Before Nels, Pat, and Mikael. So probably 2003ish.
Where is this show?
l.o.v.e. it!
Apparently 18 May 2002...
Which therefore would prove my point. Touchéeee....
So killer
@morongo ooooooooooh.... I was wondering wtf that meant... nice interpretation
Ah! Thanks for this man. I've been trying to find a good version of this live. I know it's in Germany but what festival?
It looks like it could be bizarre fest. The stage is like identical looking to the one from Weezer live in 96 cologne
I think its Rock Am Ring
KIND OF a five piece, actually. Mikhail joined during YHF to do noises-you just can't see him
He is a self-professed alcoholic. Read his bio
Im sure someone else has also commented on Jeffs looks, The guy looks like hes about to OD on pill, Really glad hes not like this anymore.
I don't think the audience was ready for this.
Before wilco was popular lol like 40 people in audience
Why 14? How did you come up with such a specific number?
THE song about alcoholism.
wonder who he's staring at?
months of mathematical calculations, drummer comparisons, and drugs.
Well fucking lookie here
I forget Jeff was ever this young, thin, and/or healthy looking....EVER! GREAT song, but the band does not look all that happy to be playing. From the looks of things, it was a very miserable & chilly day.
look at the ashes of American flag one from this performance lol
Jeff was never less healthy here, man. He was so pilled up and struggling with so many things. This whole album is about him coping with life. Him now, "fat," is so much happier than he was then!
keith moon Jeff does not look healthy here at all, because he wasn’t. He looks miserable, worn out and fucked up. He’s much better now, weight gain and all, because putting on weight is not inherently unhealthy.
He is very healthy now. Works out everyday. Not thin, but had a very healthy heart, no drugs, no alcohol.
And he's chewing gum!
I miss Leroy Bach
Anyone know when and/or where this is from?
i just asked that. see if we get a response. i saw jeff tweedy kick some guy in the head at DAR constitution hall. in DC. that was ages ago, and hilarious! "don't get on my stage!!!!"
Young Bill Murray on guitar
Hope this band BREAKS Coldplay in record sales because the first few seconds already broke them in content
I personally love Coldplay and they also released a great album in 2002, but if I’m being honest, I prefer Yankee Hotel Foxtrot to A rush of blood to the head, a truly timeless record, no wonder RollingStone put it 3rd in the 2000’s top 100 albums and Pitchfork rated it #4 in their top 200 albums of the 2000’s. Simply a masterpiece and this song shows what quality they can produce.
sad to see the mighty tweedy this pilled out. it’s like that chewing gum is the only thing keeping him tethered to the here & now
Yeah but dude, does it even really matter when he can sing and play like this?
Where's Nels??
He joined after.
Rockaplast...
Brynn Andre
It's all about being an alcoholic, isn't it, my dear Tweedy?
Holy shit what a terrible crowd.
plus, it looks cold af.
I'd say they get a slight pass.
he looks like american kelly jones:)
F
I like this song- but I must say, either I don't have the intellect to grasp the meaninfulness of the lyrics, or he is just spouting off some random bullshit that enters his mind and thought it would make a good song. I feel this song is very open to interpretation and you can garner whatever meaning you feel suits your fancy. Another thing- Wilco is a decent band, but is somehow revered as an underground supergroup amongst those in the know. In the same vein as Fela Kuti. Another talented and very listenable musician who, in my opinion, is undeservedly considered a muscal god amongst many
Empathize with hardcore alcoholics and maybe it'd make more sense. I admit the lyrics are kinda stream of consciousness, but the themes are unified when you consider it's coming from a depressed mind that passes through a gazillion thoughts and feelings at a time
Boring!!!!
I am an American aquarium drinker
I assassin down the avenue
I'm hiding out in the big city blinking
What was I thinking when I let go of you?
Let's forget about the tongue tied lightning
Let's undress just like cross eyed strangers
This is not a joke, so please stop smiling
What was I thinking when I said it didn't hurt?
I want to glide through those brown eyes dreaming
Take you from the inside, baby, hold on tight
You were so right when you said I've been drinking
What was I thinking when we said goodnight?
I want to hold you in the Bible black pre-dawn
You're quite a quiet domino bury, me now
Take off your band-aid, 'cause I don't believe in touchdowns
What was I thinking when we said hello?
I always thought that if I held you tightly
You would always love me like you did back then
Then I fell asleep in the city kept blinking
What was I thinking when I let you back in?
I am trying to break your heart
I am trying to break your heart
But still I'd be lying if I said it wasn't easy
I am trying to break your heart
Disposable Dixie cup drinker
I assassin down the avenue
I've been hiding out in the big city blinking
What was I thinking when I let go of you?
Loves you
I'm the man who loves you