Shoving Wilco

In this episode, Todd Rossnagel and Tim Arnold dive into the exciting news of the upcoming 20th-anniversary deluxe edition of Wilco's iconic album A Ghost Is Born. They explore what we know so far about the reissue, including the promise of previously unreleased tracks and live recordings and why this announcement has reignited enthusiasm for one of Wilco’s boldest artistic statements.

Todd and Tim also take a nostalgic journey through the album itself, reflecting on its groundbreaking experimentation, emotional depth, and the moments that make it a defining chapter in the band's career.

Interested in pre-ordering? Click here.

More on the release can be found on Spin.

To hear the alt version of Handshake Drugs, recorded in 2003 at Sear Sound in NYC, click here.

Join hosts Todd Rossnagel and Tim Arnold as they take a deep dive into a pivotal moment in Wilco history: their very first live show on November 17, 1994, at Cicero’s in St. Louis. Performing as "Black Shampoo," Wilco debuted their sound with a setlist that included early classics like "I Must Be High."

In this special episode, Todd and Tim celebrate the 30th anniversary of this legendary performance, sharing rare audio clips, behind-the-scenes insights, and reflections on how this night helped shape the alt-country sound of the '90s. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to Wilco, this episode captures the magic of a band on the brink of something extraordinary.

Relive the night where it all began—only on Shoving Wilco!

Head here for the downloadable files.

Head here for the YouTube link.

We sincerely thank both of these creators for archiving and sharing this recording.

In this episode of Shoving Wilco, Todd, and Tim dive into the analog warmth and timeless allure of vinyl records, specifically Wilco’s discography on wax.

Joined by Mark Shaw, Jr., a vinyl aficionado who has meticulously studied Wilco’s records, they explore the nuances that make vinyl a unique listening experience.

Mark shares insights from his “shootout” of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, comparing all eight pressings to uncover the best of the best.

Together, they unpack why vinyl brings Wilco’s music to life in a distinct way, and delve into the emotional power of music and why it moves us.

Whether you’re a vinyl lover or a Wilco fan, this episode is a celebration of music's soulful connection to its classic medium.

Shootout is here: https://youtu.be/33bxUTXEYhA?si=KD2PV5Lj9bToIoCi

What do you get when you cross fantasy football with the creation of a Wilco setlist? You get this episode!

Todd Rossnagel, Tim Arnold, Dara Weyna, and Chad Brooks design the ultimate Wilco set list through a fantasy football-style draft. In real-time, they build off of each other's picks and try to design the most unbelievable Wilco show.

They can't include every Wilco song, so some must remain unchosen. Which songs will they choose? What is the opener? The closer? The encore? A double encore? Why not? It's a fantasy...

Want to hear this "fantasy"? Here's the Spotify playlist.

Play along by emailing us your Wilco fantasy setlist: [email protected]

In this episode of the Shoving Wilco podcast, host Todd Rossnagel and co-host Tim Arnold sit down with Peter Blackstock, co-founder of the influential music magazine No Depression. Peter shares his experiences from the early days of the magazine and its deep connections with the alt-country movement that Wilco helped define.

From the origins of the No Depression name to the critical role the magazine played in shaping the musical landscape, this conversation is a must-listen for any Wilco fan.

Peter reflects on the impact of No Depression as both a magazine and a cultural touchstone, tracing its roots back to the 1990s when Wilco was just beginning to emerge from the shadows of Uncle Tupelo.

We talk about everything from the AOL forums that united fans to the evolution of alt-country into a genre that continues to influence musicians today and we dive into the role No Depression played in Wilco’s development, exploring how the band’s connection to its fans through the magazine and online platforms contributed to its lasting success.

Whether you’re a longtime Wilco fan or new to the band, this episode offers a rich history of how the band and the magazine grew together.

Do you have a show idea, or want to get in touch with the show? Email us: [email protected]

One conversation is not enough! Greg Kot is back by popular demand. We hop into the time machine and discuss what was happening in Wilco world thirty years ago this summer. We discuss the break-up of Uncle Tupelo, the recording of AM, and the eventual recording of Being There.

Greg also shares a song he wishes Wilco would cover. The answer might just surprise you.

Greg Kot was the former rock critic at the Chicago Tribune for 30 years and is cohost of "Sound Opinions"  -- "the world's only rock 'n' roll talk show" -- an independently produced podcast that airs on more than 150 public-radio stations nationwide. Listen here: soundopinons.org.

Kot is also the author of seven books, including "Wilco: Learning How to Die," which is available at numerous on-line outlets and independent bookstores, including "Exile in Bookville" in Chicago: https://www.exileinbookville.com/.

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In this episode of Shoving Wilco, we dive into an engaging conversation with Al Shipley, a music journalist who recently ranked all Wilco albums for Spin magazine.

Al passionately argues for Sky Blue Sky as the best Wilco album, and he takes us through his thought process behind this ranking. Throughout the discussion, we explore various aspects of Wilco's expansive discography, touching on the nuances that make each album unique.

We had a blast talking with Al and appreciate his love for Wilco. He doesn't hold back on his opinion (we love that!), and we also weren't afraid to tell him where we think he got some things wrong.

This episode is a must-listen for any Wilco enthusiast, offering rich insights and spirited discussions about the band’s journey and evolution over the years.

To follow Al on X, head here.

In this episode of Shoving Wilco, host Todd Rossnagel shares his thoughts on the Deep Cuts show at the 2024 Solid Sound. Dara Weyna called in to the show to share her thoughts, as well. Dara is at her first Solid Sound and shares more about the experience.

If you are at Solid Sound, we hope you are having a fantastic time!

In this episode of Shoving Wilco, hosts Todd Rossnagel and Tim Arnold review the new Wilco EP, Hot Sun Cool Shroud.

The new EP came out on June 28th, and the hosts wasted no time jumping into the studio and sharing their thoughts.

Are you at Solid Sound? Do you have a comment for the show? Leave us a message on the Shoving Wilco hotline (225) 286-1986 or email the show, [email protected]

In this episode of Shoving Wilco, we visit with Dara Weyna, a huge Wilco fan and a dedicated listener of The Shoving Wilco podcast.

Dara shares her journey to becoming a huge fan of the band and how she believes, "There's a Wilco song for anything." She and Todd discuss the joy of raising kids on Wilco and how the band's music has become a soundtrack for her entire family.

Dara and her husband are heading to Solid Sound this year for their first-ever trip, and you won't want to miss why and how this trip is so special for both of them.

Join us for this great chat with one of the biggest Wilco fans you'll ever meet. Dara’s passion for Wilco is sure to resonate with fellow Wilco fans and inspire new listeners.

And remember, we love hearing from you! Drop us a line at [email protected], and you could be featured on an upcoming episode.