Wilco
Article
August 15, 2022
Wilco is an alternative rock band from Chicago (Illinois, United States), formed in 1994 by the remaining members of the alternative country band Uncle Tupelo shortly after the departure of singer Jay Farrar. Wilco's lineup has undergone several changes since its founding, with only vocalist/songwriter Jeff Tweedy and bassist John Stirratt as permanent members from the start. Since early 2004, the rest of the band has consisted of guitarist Nels Cline, multi-instrumentalists Pat Sansone and Mikael Jorgensen, and drummer Glenn Kotche. They have released eight studio albums, one live album and three collaborations: two with Billy Bragg and one with The Minus 5. Wilco's music has been inspired by a wide range of artists and styles, including Bill Fay and Television, as well as influencing several other alternative rock bands. On her debut album A.M. (1995) followed the alternative country style of Uncle Tupelo, while on their subsequent albums they have explored more experimental aspects, playing styles such as alternative rock and more classic pop. Wilco garnered some media attention thanks to his fourth album, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002), in part due to the controversy created around it. After completing the recording sessions, Reprise Records rejected the record and they terminated the band's contract. As part of the deal, Reprise signed over all rights to the album to Wilco. After putting Foxtrot up for streaming on its official website, Wilco sold the album to Nonesuch Records in 2002. Both labels are subsidiaries of Warner Music Group, prompting one music critic to say it "showed how screwed up the industry was." early 21st century musical".[1] Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is the band's most successful album to date, with sales of over 670,000 copies. Thanks to their fifth studio album A Ghost Is Born in 2004, the band won two Grammy Awards including best alternative music album. They released their seventh album, Wilco (The Album), on June 30, 2009 and had sales of over 271,000 copies. The band's eighth album, The Whole Love, was released on September 27, 2011.[2]