Artist Playlists
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Forming from the ashes of alt-country pioneers Uncle Tupelo in 1994, this Chicago band continue to reinvent indie rock. Jeff Tweedy has remained the steady frontman, his vivid lyrics and slightly worn croaks hinting at Neil Young and Bob Dylan—even when turning to Woody Guthrie's words for inspiration in "California Stars". The band have consistently shaken up their lineup and sound, dipping into Beatles-esque psych pop ("A Shot In the Arm") as fluently as shaggy '70s rock ("Random Name Generator"), all while preserving a little bit of twang and the cool composure of indie statesmen. - Wilco spread many seeds across indie rock. Drive-By Truckers' aching twang on “Goddamn Lonely Love” recalls Jeff Tweedy baring his wary heart, while Fruit Bats' “Lives of Crime” touches on Wilco's playful, observational storytelling. My Morning Jacket's “I'm Amazed” has grand scope, with melodic riffs and bright, soaring vocals reminiscent of the Chicago band's more exploratory output.
- Wilco's decades-spanning tenure has seen them go from alt-country darlings to modern rock innovators. “Kingpin” hints at their early tendency to play with sound while delivering simmering country-funk, and “Art of Almost” shows them at an experimental peak, blending jagged noise and pop melody. The gorgeous love ballad “Remember the Mountain Bed” breathes precious life into Woody Guthrie's words.
- With such an eclectic catalogue, Wilco's influences find classic folk cosying up to noise rock. Jeff Tweedy's wistful storytelling harks back to Bob Dylan's doomed love song “Simple Twist of Fate”, and The Band's rootsy, rollicking “To Kingdom Come” connects to the Chicago band's country rock side. Their experimental detours sit comfortably with the dense noise of Sonic Youth's “Schizophrenia”.