What happens when a band tears apart its own music only to rebuild it into something even more powerful? Music journalist Saby Reyes-Kulkarni (PopMatters, Pitchfork, SPIN, Billboard) joins us to explore Wilco’s art of deconstruction—how their A Ghost Is Born reissue reveals new layers of the band’s sonic evolution.

We discuss the delicate balance between melody and chaos and Jeff Tweedy’s songwriting genius. Saby also weighs in on the live Wilco experience, the mythology of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, and what three songs he’d choose to introduce someone to the band.

Join us for a deep dive into Wilco’s creative process, where the cracks aren’t flaws—they’re where the gold seeps in.

Follow Saby on Substack.

Wilco’s A Ghost Is Born is an album wrapped in mystery, experimentation, and one of the most strikingly simple album covers in rock history—a single white egg.

In this episode, we sit down with photographer Michael Schmelling, the creative mind behind the iconic image, to explore the story behind its creation.

We dig into Jeff Tweedy’s curiosity about whether an egg had ever graced an album cover, Walter Sear’s belief that the egg is "the greatest marketing package of all time," and the deeper symbolism fans have attached to it over the years.

From the artistic process to the power of minimalism, Schmelling gives us a behind-the-scenes look at one of Wilco’s most memorable visuals.

Click here to browse Michael's work.

Two-time Grammy-winning writer Bob Mehr joins the show to take us inside the making of A Ghost Is Born and the long-awaited deluxe edition box set, which arrives February 7, 2025.

Mehr, who penned the liner notes for this box, as well as the Yankee box, shares inside stories and his insight into the iconic album, including the creative chaos that shaped A Ghost is Born.

This massive box set—available as either nine vinyl LPs and four CDs or nine CDs—features the original album, alternate takes, outtakes, and demos, along with the full 2004 Boston Wang Center concert and the band’s experimental “Fundamentals” workshop sessions. It also includes sixty-five previously unreleased tracks and a stunning forty-eight-page hardcover book with never-before-seen photos.

Learn more here and order here.

In this episode, hosts Todd Rossnagel and Tim Arnold share what they have listened to in 2024.

Todd shares some new artists that caught his attention, and Tim shares some artists that might not be new, but they might be new to you!

Here's a Spotify playlist with everything we mentioned.

And here's the list:

Todd's 24 in 2024 is here.

What did you listen to? Email the show: [email protected]

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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