Wilco's Jeff Tweedy Reflects on His Attempt at Music Criticism

Wilco's frontman Jeff Tweedy has been candid about his past flirtation with the role of a music critic before his success as a musician. In a revealing conversation on the Pitchfork Review podcast, Tweedy shared his experiences and early struggles with music journalism. According to Tweedy, his efforts to write for St. Louis fanzines were hindered by his own admitted laziness, leading to incomplete assignments and a change in career direction towards starting a band.

Evolution from Critic to Musician

During the podcast, Tweedy discussed how his early attempts at music criticism were largely motivated by the prospect of free concert tickets and the opportunity to meet musicians passing through town. Despite completing a few interviews with bands like Rain Parade and Soul Asylum, Tweedy joked about his inability to fulfill his duties as a critic, which ultimately led him to pursue music full-time by forming a band.

Tweedy's Literary Journey

In his third book, World Within A Song: Music That Changed My Life And Life That Changed My Music, Tweedy delves into over fifty influential songs and the personal experiences behind them. The book, which intertwines music with life's lessons, includes insights into the works of artists ranging from Billie Eilish to The Velvet Underground and examines the role songs play in shaping and enhancing our lives.

The Latest From Wilco

On the musical front, Wilco has been busy with their 13th studio album 'Cousin', signalling a notable shift as they collaborated with producer Cate Le Bon. This marked a change in the band's approach to production, and Le Bon contributed to infusing the album with authenticity across diverse genres. Additionally, Wilco has made creative strides by releasing 'Wilco Loft Sans', a unique font described as an 'all-caps, high contrast sans serif'.

Wilco on Stage and In Collaboration

The band continued to make waves in live performances as well. In a noteworthy event, Wilco joined indie rock band Yo La Tengo on stage for an encore, covering classics from The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and more. Their eclectic choices for covers reflect the band's reverence for a broad scope of musical influences, further demonstrating their versatility and enduring creativity.

Wilco, JeffTweedy, Music