A.M. to Z: An Album-by-Album Conversation About Wilco

Latest Episodes:

Ep #12 - Ode to Joy Apr 30, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, McCoy and Blair discuss Wilco's Ode to Joy, arguably the band's most subdued record to date. Light on cymbals and heavy on symbolism, even the album cover seems a kind of signifier of the negative space that the songs so deftly employ.

Ep #11 - Schmilco Apr 16, 2021

Show notes

Episode 11 finds our hosts discussing Wilco's tenth studio album, Schmilco. Featuring mellow instrumentation and personal lyrics, Schmilco finds the band pulling back on the guitar wizardry and amping up the intimacy.

Ep #10 - Star Wars Apr 02, 2021

Show notes

The force is strong with this one. McCoy and Blair gab about Wilco's angular ninth album, Star Wars. Though critically lauded, Star Wars is not often cited as a fan favorite. What do our hosts think? Listen to this episode to find out, you must.

Ep #9 - The Whole Love Mar 19, 2021

Show notes

The Whole Love is Wilco's eighth studio album and third in a row to feature the same lineup of musicians. Released in 2011 to (mostly) universal acclaim, it feels like a natural progression from Wilco (The Album) both in songwriting and production. What is Blair's favorite track? Has McCoy read any of Jane Smiley's books? Does she even have a boyfriend? Find out in episode #9!

Ep #8 - Wilco (The Album) Mar 06, 2021

Show notes

Join McCoy and Blair as they discuss Wilco's eponymous 2009 effort, Wilco (The Album). Produced between Auckland, New Zealand and their Chicago studio/practice space, The Loft, the album is the first since Yankee Hotel Foxtrot not to rely heavily on live tracking and instead utilize the studio as an instrument.

Ep #7 - Sky Blue Sky Feb 16, 2021

Show notes

Wilco's Sky Blue Sky found the band undergoing yet another lineup change, this time with the addition of multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone and guitar virtuoso Nels Cline. Fun fact: McCoy likes this record so much that he got some of the album artwork tattooed on his arm!

Ep #6 - A Ghost Is Born Jan 29, 2021

Show notes

A Ghost Is Born was the product of arguably the darkest period of Jeff Tweedy's life. Despite the challenges of drug addiction, migraines, and worsening depression, Wilco managed to put out its most surprising and diverse effort to date.

Ep #5 - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot Jan 15, 2021

Show notes

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot represents a pivotal moment in Wilco's existence. They were dropped by their record label, parted ways with Jay Bennett, and released what would become one of their most revered and influential albums. In episode 5, McCoy and Blair dig into the record as well as Sam Jones' documentary, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart.