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The Wilco Book
This is a book about Wilco and the pictorial, literary, and musical world it conjures up on record and in performance. Created in collaboration with Jeff Tweedy, Wilco, and Tony Margherita, this primarily visual book explores what Wilco does, how it does it, and where it all comes together. The band narrates the book in the form of long captions accompanying a variety of images: a Korean postcard, a Stratocaster, a backstage practice session, and so on. Along the way, central topics such as instruments, touring, and recording are covered both in general (i.e., what happens, physically, when a guitar string breaks) and specific to Wilco. Just as the band assembles its disparate talents and inspirations to make music, this book coheres in the end to reveal a 40 minute CD of original, unreleased songs. Just as Wilco experiments with music by turning convention on its head, this book is an utterly new take on the old genre of the rock 'n' roll book. The Wilco Book will look and read like a Wilco record sounds; it's a translation of the band's sensibility from sound into print.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2004
4 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Dan Nadel
57 books17 followersDan Nadel is the owner of PictureBox, Inc. (http://www.pictureboxinc.com), a Grammy Award-winning publishing company.
Dan has authored books including Art Out of Time: Unknown Visionary Cartoonists, 1900-1969 and Art in Time: Unknown Comic Book Adventures, 1940-1980. He has edited books including Gary Panter, We All Die Alone, and Where Demented Wented: The Art and Comics of Rory Hayes.
He has also co-edited Comics Comics and is currently the co-editor of The Comics Journal.
He has curated exhibitions in Tokyo, Paris, L.A. and NYC, including the first major Jack Kirby retrospective, The House that Jack Built (Lucerne, 2010) and Karl Wirsum: Drawings 1967-1970 at Derek Eller Gallery.
He lives in Brooklyn with his beloved Rachel, their dog, Mr. Fatty Pants and their boy Henry.
Dan has authored books including Art Out of Time: Unknown Visionary Cartoonists, 1900-1969 and Art in Time: Unknown Comic Book Adventures, 1940-1980. He has edited books including Gary Panter, We All Die Alone, and Where Demented Wented: The Art and Comics of Rory Hayes.
He has also co-edited Comics Comics and is currently the co-editor of The Comics Journal.
He has curated exhibitions in Tokyo, Paris, L.A. and NYC, including the first major Jack Kirby retrospective, The House that Jack Built (Lucerne, 2010) and Karl Wirsum: Drawings 1967-1970 at Derek Eller Gallery.
He lives in Brooklyn with his beloved Rachel, their dog, Mr. Fatty Pants and their boy Henry.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 17, 2008
An eye-pleasing design with some baffling, if not outright pretentious, essays and interviews. It's great that Rick Moody is a fan but his approach here, full of grandiose platitudes and bravado, is obnoxious. Is this really the same guy that wrote "The Ice Storm"? I'm surprised that the Henry Miller estate agreed to allow the inclusion of an essay here, presented as an "interlude". Whatever that means in the course of an unintelligible book.
As for being a supplement of sorts to the album "A Ghost Is Born," this book fails in the same manner that the album is a disappointment: it's a handful of good songs (the smallest number of "great" songs in any Wilco output) presented alongside half-baked folk songs dressed up in somnambulistic washes of white noise and click-clang. It's a "messy" record that is strangely "sterile" sounding. Similarly, the written output of this book are disjointed and intellectually incoherent.
The bonus audio CD that accompanies this book, however, is worthwhile for anyone who is a deep fan of the band (myself) or fans of the "musique concrete": experimental sounds and process music. Ironically, the bonus CD--a gathering of snippets from experiments, half-formed yet coherent works, and an amazing early version of "Hummingbird"--captures the so-called philosophy of the band at the moment of creation better than the finished official work.
As for being a supplement of sorts to the album "A Ghost Is Born," this book fails in the same manner that the album is a disappointment: it's a handful of good songs (the smallest number of "great" songs in any Wilco output) presented alongside half-baked folk songs dressed up in somnambulistic washes of white noise and click-clang. It's a "messy" record that is strangely "sterile" sounding. Similarly, the written output of this book are disjointed and intellectually incoherent.
The bonus audio CD that accompanies this book, however, is worthwhile for anyone who is a deep fan of the band (myself) or fans of the "musique concrete": experimental sounds and process music. Ironically, the bonus CD--a gathering of snippets from experiments, half-formed yet coherent works, and an amazing early version of "Hummingbird"--captures the so-called philosophy of the band at the moment of creation better than the finished official work.
September 23, 2021
Thinking of that line from Dune that was like “we sift people for humans”; this book sifts Wilco fans for Wilco Fans. The reviewers harping on the book’s abstract and associative art probably just haven’t mainlined enough Tweedy Brain. This stuff is all fitting, exciting, a great bridge in the Wilco oeuvre.
Also, are we not gonna address the obvious here? At the time of this book’s publication, it had been less than two years since Tweedy kicked Jay Bennett out of the band—y’know, Jeff’s sidekick and the mastermind behind much of Being There, Summerteeth, and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. This book is part of Wilco’s coping method and they were, at this point, trying to find a place to put the comma, a way to incorporate the extreme experimentalism of YHF into a genuinely original post-Bennett era of the band. (Notice there are no pictures or mentions of Jay anywhere in the book, despite him having been in the band for most of its existence up until publication.)
So of course the book is weird. It’s honest. It’s a historical document. Why are (or I guess, were) people expecting this to be Popular Mechanics? It’s a historical document. A process piece.
Also, are we not gonna address the obvious here? At the time of this book’s publication, it had been less than two years since Tweedy kicked Jay Bennett out of the band—y’know, Jeff’s sidekick and the mastermind behind much of Being There, Summerteeth, and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. This book is part of Wilco’s coping method and they were, at this point, trying to find a place to put the comma, a way to incorporate the extreme experimentalism of YHF into a genuinely original post-Bennett era of the band. (Notice there are no pictures or mentions of Jay anywhere in the book, despite him having been in the band for most of its existence up until publication.)
So of course the book is weird. It’s honest. It’s a historical document. Why are (or I guess, were) people expecting this to be Popular Mechanics? It’s a historical document. A process piece.
November 28, 2009
Oct. 16, '09 - Getting this book was a rush...
"Bought the last copy tonight in Ann Arbor, MI. The band will be home tomorrow. I like."
Nov. 27, '09 - put-it-down-didn't-pick-it-up-again...
I learned that there can be books that make absolutely no sense. This is one of them. No logic, rhyme or reason -- not the conveyance of a single cohesive thought! I don't think I got one full cognitive idea from this book and spent time wanting to understand what it meant. The book is quite exquisite visually. You can pick up from time to time. It' gorgeous, but don't expect to learn anything from it except that that kind of production budget for an art book is money well spent! Isn't Wilco's poetry supposed to be great? Why isn't it here, or am I missing something? I really like Jeff Tweedy's songs and guitar playing -- like what his band has created -- but after 40 days I hadn't wanted to open it again because you can't READ it!!!
"Bought the last copy tonight in Ann Arbor, MI. The band will be home tomorrow. I like."
Nov. 27, '09 - put-it-down-didn't-pick-it-up-again...
I learned that there can be books that make absolutely no sense. This is one of them. No logic, rhyme or reason -- not the conveyance of a single cohesive thought! I don't think I got one full cognitive idea from this book and spent time wanting to understand what it meant. The book is quite exquisite visually. You can pick up from time to time. It' gorgeous, but don't expect to learn anything from it except that that kind of production budget for an art book is money well spent! Isn't Wilco's poetry supposed to be great? Why isn't it here, or am I missing something? I really like Jeff Tweedy's songs and guitar playing -- like what his band has created -- but after 40 days I hadn't wanted to open it again because you can't READ it!!!
August 17, 2007
Yes, I am a lover of all things Wilco, and maybe if I were a little more into things like detailed lists of equipment, this would have gotten a higher rating. Nonetheless, this is a must-read for anyone who just digs on getting first-hand insights into the process of creating music. The book is full of strange little pictures and obtuse writing, and while it doesn't delve into anything too deep or personal, it at least hints at the why's and shows us the how's. Cool.
January 11, 2015
A non linear treasure trove. A delicious, delirious peek into the minds of masters.
November 16, 2024
Only for serious Wilco fans, preferably ones that are also musicians or artists. I'll use it as visual inspiration on occasion.
July 23, 2010
The Wilco Book seems to me a very understandable and appropriate contribution to the Wilco project. That's not to say this book is as wonderful as their albums, I don't think it is, but it contributes nicely to the feel of the band, perhaps tangentially saying the same things as the songs do. I think it demonstrates through its disconnected, fragmented, collage approach the process the band went through when making the A ghost is born album. Their creative philosophy towards creating music is mirrored in The Wilco Book.
The CD of outtakes and fragments is a real treat. The opening instrumental track, "Pure Bug Beauty", terrifically sets the tone for the whole disc. The CD's tracks are as disjointed and incomplete as the different sections of the book, yet, like the book, all those incomplete ideas and meandering doodles add up to something rather interesting and worthwhile. I listened to the disc while reading/looking at this book, and I thought that somehow helped me enjoy and understand the book more. Is that weird? I dunno. Maybe I'm just blowing smoke. The CD is the best part of this book for me; it brings it all together. I give the disc four stars.
The interlude essay I found very interesting and fun. The critical essay at the end did sound a bit pretentious, but the ideas were cool. Wilco is a revisionist and experimental band, and this book feels rather experimental as well. Three stars for The Wilco Book.
The CD of outtakes and fragments is a real treat. The opening instrumental track, "Pure Bug Beauty", terrifically sets the tone for the whole disc. The CD's tracks are as disjointed and incomplete as the different sections of the book, yet, like the book, all those incomplete ideas and meandering doodles add up to something rather interesting and worthwhile. I listened to the disc while reading/looking at this book, and I thought that somehow helped me enjoy and understand the book more. Is that weird? I dunno. Maybe I'm just blowing smoke. The CD is the best part of this book for me; it brings it all together. I give the disc four stars.
The interlude essay I found very interesting and fun. The critical essay at the end did sound a bit pretentious, but the ideas were cool. Wilco is a revisionist and experimental band, and this book feels rather experimental as well. Three stars for The Wilco Book.
July 3, 2007
This book is something like $50, which is kind of odd in the first place- Wilco is not a worldwide sensation, and even their devoted legion of fans is not made up of too many high-rollers flashing their AmEx Gold Cards around. Luckily, I happened to know the perfect candidate for this book- the teenager who works but has no fiscal responsibilities, thus allowing her to buy things like this.
Thus, I borrowed and never returned the thing, and now all 328429 pounds of the thing are on my bookshelf. And y'know, I don't really get all of it. I get some of it- some of it's easy to read, and if you're a Wilco enthusiast it's pretty fly. Other things are more tasking on the brain: incoherent, abstract writings, bizarre illustrations, one really long essay that was so wordy and complex that I couldn't even tell you what it's about (i think it's by the Tropic of Cancer dude), and another one that goes on and on and on and on about one particular chord off of A.M
Again, if you like Wilco and you have enough money to just go around buying stuff, go for it. Otherwise- probably not a good idea for the casual fan to spend 2 days pay or whatever on it.
it's very big though.
Thus, I borrowed and never returned the thing, and now all 328429 pounds of the thing are on my bookshelf. And y'know, I don't really get all of it. I get some of it- some of it's easy to read, and if you're a Wilco enthusiast it's pretty fly. Other things are more tasking on the brain: incoherent, abstract writings, bizarre illustrations, one really long essay that was so wordy and complex that I couldn't even tell you what it's about (i think it's by the Tropic of Cancer dude), and another one that goes on and on and on and on about one particular chord off of A.M
Again, if you like Wilco and you have enough money to just go around buying stuff, go for it. Otherwise- probably not a good idea for the casual fan to spend 2 days pay or whatever on it.
it's very big though.
June 7, 2009
I'm torn about giving this book three stars or two. I love Wilco, but this book is a fairly weak brew. I had the feeling while reading it (if you can call it that) that the book was constructed to be more visually interesting than verbally interesting. Also, the CD of outtakes is fairly dull, but I've only listened to it once.
The best thing about this book was that I got a brand new copy still in the shrink wrap for just under $17 with shipping. Originally it was $29.95 and apparently goes for a lot more from some dealers.
The best thing about this book was that I got a brand new copy still in the shrink wrap for just under $17 with shipping. Originally it was $29.95 and apparently goes for a lot more from some dealers.
June 13, 2007
Probably strictly for the fans, but this is a great large format type book that you can just dip into randomly and enjoy.
Along with all the beautiful photography are some insightful interviews with the band and Jim O'Rourke, discussing the creative process and the art of recording.
Also comes with a CD of out-takes and alternative mixes.
Along with all the beautiful photography are some insightful interviews with the band and Jim O'Rourke, discussing the creative process and the art of recording.
Also comes with a CD of out-takes and alternative mixes.
January 17, 2008
Its fun to see all these pictures, a fair number of which are either of or taken by the band. Stage diagrams, scribbled notes, lyrics, written explanations. The gear photos are pretty cool too.
Oh, and there's a CD in it too with lots of interesting stuff.
Most of this would only be cool for Wilco fans, or just arty nerds who love sound experiments.
Oh, and there's a CD in it too with lots of interesting stuff.
Most of this would only be cool for Wilco fans, or just arty nerds who love sound experiments.
July 16, 2008
I'm not sure exactly how to classify "The Wilco Book." It's part art book, part essay and part music [it comes with a CD]. I would say that this book is for completists, though. The best bits are the when the band members offer thoughts on the composition and recording processes.
November 5, 2011
I liked the idea of this book much more than the reality of it. New light shed on some Wilco recordings is quite interesting. However, many of the contents, as they are, are lackluster self-indulgence.
January 23, 2012
Did't expect to like this as much as I did. Visually interesting and content is pretty terrific. Rick Moody's essay will blow your mind. Insight by the band into songwriting, recording, production etc. is worth the price of admission. Chex it peoples!
March 11, 2007
Probably for fans only. Nice hardback with lots of glossy pics and a free CD of (actually rather variable) tracks.
March 9, 2007
Lovely photos, and a CD!!
June 21, 2007
Remarkably self-aware and eloquent descriptions of the creative process; great insight into one of today's most capable songwriters, Jeff Tweedy.
September 10, 2007
Yes, please. More. Thank you.
December 21, 2007
Good book. Even though Wilco is not made up of a bunch of druggies, a little ganja may help you understand some of the stuff in this book.
February 11, 2008
meet me: fanboy
everyone else need not apply
everyone else need not apply
June 27, 2008
I am in no way an impartial reviewer.
January 30, 2009
Really an art book with a bunch of interviews and essays. The cd is really good too. Its a shame some thugs broke into my car and stole it from me.
March 17, 2010
this book allows for much inspiration although there is not much substance to it.
February 14, 2012
kind of ponderous and overly self-serious in places, but then again i always enjoy reading about creative people creating things. especially creative people whose creations i really enjoy.
September 21, 2014
Well, I thought I was getting a deal buying used on Amazon; but I just checked the Wilco site and this was
February 11, 2008
The book is meh. I could live without it. The cd that comes with it is awesome.
October 22, 2009
A sonic shoulder for you to cry on...
September 1, 2016
Great book for Wilco fans who are also visual.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews