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Wilco — War On War
Album: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 591









Released: 2002
Length: 3:47
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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It's a war on war
It's a war on war
It's a war on war
It's a war on war
It's a war on war
It's a war on war
It's a war on war
There's a war on

You're gonna lose
You have to lose
You have to learn how to die

Just watching the miles flying by
Just watching the miles flying by
You are not my typewriter
But you could be my demon
Moving forward through the flaming doors

You have to lose
You have to learn how to die
If you want to, want to be alive
Okay

You have to lose
You have to lose
You have to learn how to die
If you want to, want to be alive

You have to die
You have to die
You have to learn how to die
If you want to, want to be alive
Okay
Comments (88)add comment
Check out this spectacular Tiny Desk version of 'War on War' from  2011 - they 'nailed it'!
Posted 2 years ago by ramsay    [ Reply ]
well...theyre touring again to celebrate 20 yrs of release of this alum
Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 zinzarin wrote:


No legal issues.  Most stations just play what the record company and band are promoting as singles currently, or what's been popular in the past (depending on format).  But they can play anything.

That is what freeform or college radio stations do, commercial music radio just play’s the same shit day after day
Posted 2 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
 Gednabb wrote:

Random question--is it ever possible to play non-singles from albums? Any legal issues there? or just that radio stations believe people won't be interested? I've always wondered. Thanks



No legal issues.  Most stations just play what the record company and band are promoting as singles currently, or what's been popular in the past (depending on format).  But they can play anything.
Posted 2 years ago by zinzarin    [ Reply ]
will see these guys in two weeks, outdoors

hope they play rnr and not that sleepy time slumber music

summer is almost over
Posted 3 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
10 years without a comment?

Thanks for digging this one out of your archives B&R!

One of my faves from a classic record.
Posted 3 years ago by Stephenater    [ Reply ]

Wilco - "War On War" Live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j2ykHinIPg
Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 vivakitty wrote:
I've listened to this album so much it was jarring not to hear the opening of Jesus Etc after this one ended.
 
Whoa, ditto that...

Posted 15 years ago by andrewmi    [ Reply ]
They are channelling the Moody Blues.
Posted 15 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
 melissab wrote:
Still an absolute favorite cut. Mmmmmm!!!
 
{#High-five} One of my favorite Wilco songs too!
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
{#Crashcomp}
Posted 15 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
Mr El Kabong - * 9 swooping down on a rope with the onomatopoeiac war cry "KABOOOOOONG!",

in charcter Mr Quik Draw McDraw Hanna Barbera =>*7*


Posted 15 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
 rajron wrote:


Indian Corn
 
You know it as maize.

Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
{#Stupid}
?
Posted 15 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
I've listened to this album so much it was jarring not to hear the opening of Jesus Etc after this one ended.
Posted 15 years ago by vivakitty    [ Reply ]
Big Wilco fan. This one doesn't do it for me. 6
Posted 16 years ago by HarrO    [ Reply ]
Danimal174 wrote:
Hmmm...no sir, I didn't like it.
Ditto.
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
Random question--is it ever possible to play non-singles from albums? Any legal issues there? or just that radio stations believe people won't be interested? I've always wondered. Thanks
Posted 16 years ago by Gednabb    [ Reply ]
Hmmm...no sir, I didn't like it.
Posted 16 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
Still an absolute favorite cut. Mmmmmm!!!
Posted 16 years ago by melissab    [ Reply ]
This song is the truth...T-R-U-T-H, truth!
Posted 16 years ago by Wisecrowe    [ Reply ]
here's a thought. fire the best musician in the band. looks at steve. what? dot.
Posted 16 years ago by Dotman    [ Reply ]
Great song for radio.
Posted 16 years ago by meddle    [ Reply ]
jstevep00 wrote:
I love this song. I was excited to come across those apartment buildings on the cover of YHF my last time through Chicago (I'd been there plenty, just never noticed them/been in the right part of town I guess). I took a pic with my camera phone, which is good for pretty much nothing.
AKA Marina Towers. There is a great stunt in "The Hunter" where Steve McQueen is a bounty hunter and his prey drives off the upper level parking into the Chicago river.
Posted 16 years ago by hedgie    [ Reply ]
Very Moody Bluesy
Posted 16 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
I love this song. I was excited to come across those apartment buildings on the cover of YHF my last time through Chicago (I'd been there plenty, just never noticed them/been in the right part of town I guess). I took a pic with my camera phone, which is good for pretty much nothing.
Posted 16 years ago by jstevep00    [ Reply ]
corndog4000 wrote:
probably those that haven't seen those apartments might not even know that it's a picture of buildings
Indian Corn
Posted 16 years ago by rajron    [ Reply ]
xkolibuul wrote:
Of course its a couple of buildings. What else would it be?
Now, yes, it does look obviously like buildings, but it also reminds me of bacterial flagellin:
Posted 16 years ago by madra    [ Reply ]
xkolibuul wrote:
Of course its a couple of buildings. What else would it be?
Wiki has an entry devoted to this business/residential complex in Chicago called Marina City. I thought I'd recognized it in that Allstate commercial homaging Steve McQueen! (click here) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina_City Marina City was the first urban post-war high-rise residential complex in the United States and is widely credited with beginning the residential renaissance of American inner cities. Its model of mixed residential and office uses and high-rise towers with a base of parking has become a primary model for urban development in the United States, and has been widely copied throughout downtown Chicago.
Posted 17 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Of course its a couple of buildings. What else would it be? Didn't know where it was, though. My vote was for some woebegotten corner of Seattle. Kinda Space Needle-ish in vintage. corndog4000 wrote:
probably those that haven't seen those apartments might not even know that it's a picture of buildings
Posted 17 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
Like what I heared from Wilco thus far,this NO! #3
Posted 17 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
Duffalo wrote:
Great stuff. Anyone know why those two downtown Chicago apartment buildings/parking garages are on the cover?
probably those that haven't seen those apartments might not even know that it's a picture of buildings
Posted 17 years ago by corndog4000    [ Reply ]
ktnsb wrote:
I like these guys-thanks for the intro, Bill!. So, Yankee, Hotel, Foxtrot... I think that's like military radio-speak for the letters Y, H, and F. What the hell's that got to do with anything?
Wikipedia is your friend. YHF is a relatively famous "number station". Tag line is a voice repeating "yankee... hotel... foxtrot..." I guess they thought it was mysterious & cool, which I do too. https://www.damninteresting.com/?p=570
Some samples of recordings from numbers stations and shortwave radio stations that appear on Yankee Hotel Foxtrot put the band in legal troubles. A sample that can be heard at the end of the song "Poor places" was taken from The Conet Project, a four-CD collection of numbers station recordings. The collection's record label, Irdial, sued Wilco for copyright infringement. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court with Irdial receiving some undisclosed royalties for the song <5>.
Posted 17 years ago by quesarah    [ Reply ]
ktnsb wrote:
I like these guys-thanks for the intro, Bill!. So, Yankee, Hotel, Foxtrot... I think that's like military radio-speak for the letters Y, H, and F. What the hell's that got to do with anything?
Roger Wilco. (received and will comply). OMG I sound like Ultra Nerd :-) Over and out.
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
Perhaps it has to do with the band's name which is radio shorthand for "Will Comply." Usually also preceeded by "Roger." Or it could be completely unrelated. ktnsb wrote:
I like these guys-thanks for the intro, Bill!. So, Yankee, Hotel, Foxtrot... I think that's like military radio-speak for the letters Y, H, and F. What the hell's that got to do with anything?
Posted 17 years ago by hizzoner    [ Reply ]
I like these guys-thanks for the intro, Bill!. So, Yankee, Hotel, Foxtrot... I think that's like military radio-speak for the letters Y, H, and F. What the hell's that got to do with anything?
Posted 17 years ago by ktnsb    [ Reply ]
This is an album that took me four years to appreciate. I don't know why, but after that long of not really feeling it, it just clicked on day, and now I can honestly say it's one of the best albums of the last 20 years.
Posted 17 years ago by zaknafein    [ Reply ]
Duffalo wrote:
Great stuff. Anyone know why those two downtown Chicago apartment buildings/parking garages are on the cover?
Just a flying guess, but perhaps they're the Yankee Hotel, same as the album title?
Posted 17 years ago by Amazon    [ Reply ]
i can...if you like fleetwood mac's "go your own way" from which the much of the guitar and bass line are directly lifted. not that that's a bad thing. gandalfbmg wrote:
You know, there's a really nothing that immediately grabs me about song as being particularly brilliant or catchy, in fact, there are some things that normally I would find annoying in a song... but for some reason as the song progresses I mind my foot tapping MORE insistently and myself turning up the volume just one more notch. I can't explain it...
Posted 17 years ago by greg6494    [ Reply ]
3:08 pm - Wilco - War On War 3:04 pm - Iron & Wine - Free Until They Cut Me Down 3:00 pm - Tori Amos - Smells Like Teen Spirit 2:53 pm - Beethoven - Moonlight Sonata 2:50 pm - Simon & Garfunkel - The Sound Of Silence great set...thanks RP!
Posted 17 years ago by azdcryan    [ Reply ]
Oh I love J Tweedy!
Posted 17 years ago by mamashannon    [ Reply ]
BORING! This song - not WILCO in general! Stingray!
Posted 17 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
window wrote:
Yes, yes, yes!!! My favorite Wilco song.
Ditto!
Posted 17 years ago by kevin36    [ Reply ]
i absolutely adore wilco...
Posted 17 years ago by junkmonkey    [ Reply ]
Yes, yes, yes!!! My favorite Wilco song. Propulsive from the get go, and the insightful lyrics take it to the next level. Hedwig, I totally agree -- Jeff Tweedy is on to something.
Posted 18 years ago by window    [ Reply ]
Duffalo wrote:
Great stuff. Anyone know why those two downtown Chicago apartment buildings/parking garages are on the cover?
I don't know for sure, but Chicago is their town.
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Great stuff. Anyone know why those two downtown Chicago apartment buildings/parking garages are on the cover?
Posted 18 years ago by Duffalo    [ Reply ]
awww - they sang this one at the concert on the 13th in dartmouth - I'm happy to report a great time was had by all - never saw so many smiling happy people in one spot in my life...such a great band!
Posted 18 years ago by ploba    [ Reply ]
This is awesome. To me this is an artist speaking the gospel.
Posted 18 years ago by Hedwig    [ Reply ]
wbmarco2 wrote:
The Greek June 14th. I can't wait.
alderney landing - July 13th!!!! hee haw
Posted 18 years ago by ploba    [ Reply ]
The next album is supposed to sound a lot like "Being There." What next album? Not sure about the next album, but Kicking Television - Live in Chicago ROCKS.
Posted 18 years ago by ArmchairMusician    [ Reply ]
xkolibuul wrote:
Nice tune. And I like most of their stuff. But I never understood why they were labelled "alt-country".
Listen to A.M. and you'll see why. Nice album, has some good cuts, and some songs that make me want to buy a gun rack for my Subaru? Ended up burning a disc without these songs in to keep from skipping them everytime I listened to it. Still worth the money as is all things Wilco.
Posted 18 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
grant wrote:
Brilliant tune!! The next album is supposed to sound a lot like "Being There."
What next album?
Posted 18 years ago by miahfost    [ Reply ]
Best band in America today.
Posted 18 years ago by loud_family_fan    [ Reply ]
Coppertop wrote:
These guys are awsome... I haven't seen them live but I did see them on, "Austin City Limits" ... Poor substitute yes... but better than nothing.
Funny you should mention Austin...I saw them last year at the ACL Music Fest and they were phenomenal. The entire crowd sang along to more than half the songs, except ones like this where it's a lot more fun to hear them. My perception of them skyrocketed. I just pulled this album back out this weekend while cleaning the garage...I'd forgotten just how great a disc it is. If you don't own it, and you like this song, you owe it to yourself to click on that purchase link above. Excellent tune from a band for whom I've developed an immense respect.
Posted 18 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
Brilliant tune!! The next album is supposed to sound a lot like "Being There."
Posted 18 years ago by grant    [ Reply ]
These guys are awsome... I haven't seen them live but I did see them on, "Austin City Limits" ... Poor substitute yes... but better than nothing.
Posted 18 years ago by Coppertop    [ Reply ]
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost is Born have gotten me through countless nights of toil on a multi-year project that's nearing completion. The value of simple/complex music that can hold up through that many listenings -- even as mere background music -- is incalculable to me. Many thanks to Wilco and RP!
Posted 18 years ago by catbirdman    [ Reply ]
Nice tune. And I like most of their stuff. But I never understood why they were labelled "alt-country".
Posted 18 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
This is one of those albums (and one of those songs) I will never get tired of.
Posted 18 years ago by twothingsatonce    [ Reply ]
Thanks again Mari. I'm really starting to warm up to your posts.... God Bless Wilco.
Posted 18 years ago by Death_to_Clear_Channel    [ Reply ]
Rickvee wrote:
The disc is the single most overrated album is the history of pop music. Not bad mind you but no way the masterpiece most would have you believe.
Well if most would have you believe it's a masterpiece, then...
Posted 18 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
pvcnote wrote:
I don't know about the disc but this song is a crap!!
We're all so different! It's quite humorous at times... which helps me remember that differences are a good thing.
Posted 18 years ago by rosedraws    [ Reply ]
pvcnote wrote:
I don't know about the disc but this song is a crap!!
The disc is the single most overrated album is the history of pop music. Not bad mind you but no way the masterpiece most would have you believe.
Posted 18 years ago by Rickvee    [ Reply ]
Maybe it's better live, but it sounds like they're trying too hard.
Posted 18 years ago by jimthebaker    [ Reply ]
pvcnote wrote:
I don't know about the disc but this song is a crap!!
The disc is great. If you ever get a chance to hear Wilco do this song live, you may change your mind. UNBELIEVABLE live!
Posted 19 years ago by pousso    [ Reply ]
I don't know about the disc but this song is a crap!!
Posted 19 years ago by pvcnote    [ Reply ]
You know, there's a really nothing that immediately grabs me about song as being particularly brilliant or catchy, in fact, there are some things that normally I would find annoying in a song... but for some reason as the song progresses I mind my foot tapping MORE insistently and myself turning up the volume just one more notch. I can't explain it...
Posted 19 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
redeyespy wrote:
This album is phenomenal.
I completely agree. just listened to it again last night. I think my dog likes it, also, but he's not saying...
Posted 19 years ago by flandersdog    [ Reply ]
redeyespy wrote:
This album is phenomenal.
COULD BE THIER BEST! I LOVE IT!!
Posted 19 years ago by JoJopugs    [ Reply ]
This album is phenomenal.
Posted 19 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
wbmarco2 wrote:
The Greek June 14th. I can't wait.
Oh, you're in for a treat!!
Posted 19 years ago by Jennnn    [ Reply ]
999_99_999 wrote:
I saw them play this song live last Saturday.
Speaking of live and Saturday -- the rhythm track on this song, it suddenly occurred to me, is exactly the same as that "I Wish It Was Christmas Today" song that the guys on SNL do every year!
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
Never heard of WILCO until I started listening to RP. - I am so glad I did! WILCO is fast becoming one of my favorite bands on the planet and I can't wait to catch them live! THANK YOU RP!
Posted 19 years ago by JoJopugs    [ Reply ]
The Greek June 14th. I can't wait.
Posted 19 years ago by wbmarco2    [ Reply ]
I saw them play this song live last Saturday. It was soooo good like a big, juicy chocolate cake.
Posted 19 years ago by 999_99_999    [ Reply ]
Kevin:
When i first heard this album, I couldn't help but think it was record with 2 sides.
haha.. well first of all i was just going to say that this was kinda Postal Service-esque and sure enough the next song was "We Will Become Silhouettes" by Postal Service ;-) (and a side note that if you like PS there's a cool video online from when they were on KCRW in L.A.). Secondly, I felt the need to defend/explain Kevin's comments. If I'm not mistaken there's an "a" missing after was... "I couldn't help but think it was A record with 2 sides..." So he thought it was like a vinyl LP. I got it anyway... we must have the same STUFF :-D
Posted 19 years ago by rainfairy    [ Reply ]
Wilco is one of those bands that might take a little getting used to at first but after you get into it, it's the most addicting music in the world. That's what I love about them. They're not the standard easy-going stuff you hear most of the time. They've got personality, it's like "Here we are, take it or leave it. This is who we are." They're not trying to be normal or popular or anything; they just are who they are. And that makes them amazing.
Posted 19 years ago by ottovonbismarck    [ Reply ]
I hear this song and it makes me think that they must have had an absolute blast recording it. But I have yet to see the documentary, so I can't say for sure...
Posted 19 years ago by upinya    [ Reply ]
yankee hotel foxtrot is one of the albums i hear something new with every listen. after 3 years after its official release the song is still wonderful and magically. wilco's career has been nothing but fascinating to watch. i just love them and they are one of my favorite bands.
Posted 19 years ago by darthblav    [ Reply ]
kevinc wrote:
When i first heard this album, I couldn't help but think it was record with 2 sides. Where the 2nd side (roughly starting around track 6 or 7) was very accessible, while the first 6 tracks were not. Been a while since I listened to it. After checking, it seems this is track 4. I have policy that if I don't like a song (or album) after 2 or 3 listens, put it down for a month or so and go back. If I still don't like it, it's probably a lost cause. I already liked the 2nd half....looks like the first half needs another listen :) Kevin
WHAT? you lost me on the first two lines maybe your second half is better??
Posted 19 years ago by masterhead    [ Reply ]
You must be smoking some REAL GOOD STUFF
Posted 19 years ago by moomatz    [ Reply ]
most talented band out there right now. period.
Posted 19 years ago by ecorunner    [ Reply ]
Its a war on war Its a war on war Its a war on war Its a war on war Its a war on war Its a war on war ?
Posted 22 years ago by Heathen    [ Reply ]
When i first heard this album, I couldn\'t help but think it was record with 2 sides. Where the 2nd side (roughly starting around track 6 or 7) was very accessible, while the first 6 tracks were not. Been a while since I listened to it. After checking, it seems this is track 4. I have policy that if I don\'t like a song (or album) after 2 or 3 listens, put it down for a month or so and go back. If I still don\'t like it, it\'s probably a lost cause. I already liked the 2nd half....looks like the first half needs another listen :) Kevin
Posted 22 years ago by kevinc    [ Reply ]
Love this songs\' title, the song itself and about anything else I heard of this band, so far.
Posted 22 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]