Shoving Wilco

Pat Sansone has always lived at the intersection of melody and meaning. In this episode, Pat joins the show to talk about the long-awaited return of The Autumn Defense, the harmony-rich project he shares with John Stirratt. We trace the new record’s roots through years of friendship, shared playlists, and late-night rediscovery — and back even further to Pat’s Mississippi upbringing, where R.E.M. and Big Star first expanded his sense of what Southern music could be.Along the way, Pat reflects on his work with Wilco, his syndicated radio show Baroque Down Palace, and his passion for film photography. He shares how observation, patience, and gratitude shape both his images and his songs, and why creativity, at its best, feels a little like “flailing closer to God.”It’s a deep dive into harmony, memory, and the quiet joy of making art that endures — from the studio to the stage to the backroads of Mississippi.Check out Here and Nowhere by The Autumn Defense Check out Pat's photographyCheck out Baroque Down Palace, Pat's radio show

In this episode of Shoving Wilco, Todd and Tim are joined by Mike Conklin, executive editor of InsideHook, to unpack Jeff Tweedy’s sprawling new triple album, Twilight Override. Conklin has spoken with every member of Jeff’s solo band — Spencer, Sammy, Sima Cunningham, Macie Stewart, and Liam Kazar — as well as Jeff himself, to explore how this group has quietly become as much of a creative constant for Tweedy as Wilco. Read Conklin's article here. Together, they discuss the making of Twilight Override, the interplay of family and community at The Loft, the songs that linger long after the last chord, and what it means for Jeff to treat creativity as a way of life.Todd mentioned All Songs Considered; Robin Hilton interviews Jeff. Head here to listen to it.

On this episode of Shoving Wilco, Todd welcomes YouTube creator Steve Westman. Known for his channel The Audiophiles, Westman has built a reputation for his deep dives into vinyl pressings, mastering engineers, and the joy of record collecting. Together, they unpack what it means to experience Wilco on vinyl—why pressing quality matters, which engineers have shaped the sound we love, and how the physical medium continues to bring listeners closer to the band’s music. They also discuss their favorite Wilco albums ON VINYL. The list is below, with links to Discogs! Steve's Picks (in no order):AM, 2025 Rhino HiFiBeing There, 2017 DeluxeSummerteeth, 2020 DeluxeYankee Hotel Foxtrot, 2022 Deluxe. Todd's choice: for YHF: 2002 European PressingA Ghost is Born, 2025 ReissueSky Blue Sky, 2007 MasterKicking Television, 2010 RSD ReleaseTodd's Picks (in no order):Cruel Country, 2023 OGThe Whole Love, 2024 Reissue Schmilco, 2016 OG (do not sleep on the Schmilco release)

On this episode of Shoving Wilco, we sit down with Canadian singer-songwriter Kalle Mattson to talk about Jeff Tweedy’s songwriting. Kalle breaks down what makes Tweedy’s lyrics stand out, from surreal fragments to plainspoken truths. We explore how Wilco has shaped his own music and teaching, and why the songs of Wilco continue to cut so deep. If you care about how Wilco’s words work—and why they matter—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.For more on Kalle, head to his website.

In this episode of Shoving Wilco, Todd and Tim are joined by Dara Weyna and Chad Brooks for a conversation that you've probably had! What three Wilco songs would you play for someone who’s never heard the band? It’s a deceptively tricky question—one that reveals personal favorites, unexpected picks, and the many eras and sounds of Wilco. Whether you're introducing a friend to the band or rediscovering the songs yourself, this episode is for anyone who's ever tried to explain why Wilco matters.

In this episode of Shoving Wilco, we sit down with music journalist and author Bob Mehr to explore the HiFi resurrection of Wilco’s debut album, A.M.. Thirty years after its original release, A.M. is getting the audiophile treatment as part of Rhino’s HiFi series — and it's never sounded better. Bob joins us to talk about the making of the album, his liner notes for the reissue, and how A.M., once seen as a modest debut, now shines with new dimension and clarity.Go here to get the record. Below is Todd's Discogs review: Unreal how good this is. Kevin Gray’s work here is absolutely stunning. I’ve heard A.M. in every format—CD, stream, vinyl—for most of my life, but I’ve never heard it like this. Instrument separation is razor sharp, and Jeff’s vocals are undeniably front and center—as they should be—but everyone else is brought forward too. It’s cohesive and full without sacrificing presence. No one feels tucked away. This isn’t a nostalgia trip. This is A.M. finally getting the respect it deserves sonically.

In this episode of Shoving Wilco, we're thrilled to sit down once again with artist Matthew Pfahlert, who brings a unique perspective to the iconic world of Wilco’s album covers. Matthew, renowned for his poster designs for Wilco, dives deep into the visual storytelling that accompanies each album. We explore our favorite covers, unpack what makes them uniquely powerful, and reflect on how each piece of album art encapsulates the essence of Wilco.We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your favorite Wilco album covers and what they mean to you in the comments.Check out Matt's latest poster design - a super cool glow-in-the-dark poster!

In this episode of Shoving Wilco, host Todd Rossnagel sits down with fellow Wilco devotee and music industry veteran Chris Campbell, whose YouTube channel is a treasure trove of insight on vinyl, alt-country, and, of course, Wilco.Todd and Chris dive deep into how Wilco arrived in their lives at the perfect time, with Chris tracing his journey from Uncle Tupelo to Being There, Summerteeth, and beyond. They swap personal connections to songs like “How to Fight Loneliness,” reflect on Jeff Tweedy’s lyrical honesty, and explore what Yankee Hotel Foxtrot sounded like in a post-9/11 New York City—where Chris was front row at the band’s legendary shows.This one’s for the vinyl nerds, the alt-country lifers, and anyone who has ever felt like Tweedy wrote a song just for them.

On this episode of Shoving Wilco, hosts Todd Rossnagel and Tim Arnold sit down with Wilco’s longtime keyboardist, Mikael Jorgensen. From his early days joining the band to what it's like prepping for a major tour, Mikael shares stories from the road and behind the keys. We dive into his musical influences, what’s currently spinning on his playlist, the value of listening to music with a crowd, and a fascinating documentary he's producing about jazz legend Bob James — a man whose fingerprints are all over your music library, whether you realize it or not.Follow Mikael on Substack here. Have an idea for the show? Email us: ShovingWilco@gmail.com

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: Bob Dylan The Barr Brothers Dr. Dog Lo Moon Wild Pink Wunderhorse Autumn Defense And of course, Wilco Todd's 24 in 2024 is here. What did you listen to? Email the show: shovingwilco@gmail.com

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.

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: shovingwilco@gmail.com

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: shovingwilco@gmail.com

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/. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shovingwilco/support

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!