Wilco

In more than a decade of making music, Wilco has weathered a tumultuous label change, infighting and lineup changes, drug addiction, and depression. But it's also emerged as one of the most innovative, influential, and widely revered bands making music today. Hear the group perform a full concert, webcast live on NPR.org from Washington, D.C.'s 9:30 Club on Wednesday, Feb. 27. John Doe will open the show.

Throughout its history, Wilco has alternated between folk-tinged alt-country and experimental pop, surprising fans and critics with its sonic inventiveness. The group's new Sky Blue Sky showcases Jeff Tweedy's compositions with a newfound fire.

Wilco stopped by NPR's Washington, D.C., studios to talk with Neal Conan about the band's latest Grammy-winning album and their nearly 10-year career.

Critic Tom Moon assembles a playlist for summertime driving that makes the miles whiz by, with some intense songs for staying alert during the day and chill-out tunes to renew the spirit in the evening, when you still have hours more to go.

Day to Day asked artists to send their musical takes on the California Dream. Among dozens of submissions, one track stood out because of its unique approach: The instruments are urban sounds. Quinn Kiesow spent 80 hours piecing together an array of noises to make "Los Angeles."

The y'allternative groovesters showcase their new record, Sky Blue Sky, in a two-hour show for All Songs Considered. Critic Bob Boilen takes a test listen.

Throughout its history, Wilco has alternated between folk-tinged alt-country and experimental pop, surprising fans and critics with its sonic inventiveness. The group's new Sky Blue Sky showcases Jeff Tweedy's compositions with a newfound fire.

All Songs Considered's list of the 50 most important recordings of the decade continues, from Britney Spears to Amy Winehouse.

It's hard to believe, but the first decade of the new millennium is rapidly drawing to a close — and it's been a remarkable one for music. In this edition of All Songs Considered, host Bob Boilen looks back at some of the defining trends, sounds and historic moments that made the '00s stand out, in a roundtable discussion with Monitor Mix blogger Carrie Brownstein, All Songs Considered producer Robin Hilton and NPR Music editor Stephen Thompson.

NPR listeners cast thousands of votes for the year's best music (so far) and kept the race tight. In the end, Animal Collective edged out every other artist in both the Best Album category, and for Best Song. Artists like Grizzly Bear, The Decemberists and Neko Case weren't far behind. One thing was clear: 2009 has been one of the strongest years for new music in recent memory.

On Wilco's latest album, the group shows its influences, drawing distinct sounds from other artists like Television, the Beatles, or the Velvet Underground. But in the end, the new self-titled record is all about a gifted, well-seasoned band playing original songs . The band's seventh effort, Wilco (The Album) was recorded at the New Zealand studio of Crowded House's Neil Finn. Hear the new album in its entirety.

Are you a lyrics person? Do the words matter so much that, if they aren't any good, you'll put down a CD after one listen? Bob Boilen certainly is, and does. The new Regina Spektor CD, Far, is full of beautiful and intriguing words. Also on this episode of All Songs Considered: Wilco returns with a stronger effort; a concept record from Loxsly; Years, an ambient guitar experiment from a Do Make Say Think member; the dreamy pop of Starlight Mints; violinist and singer-songwriter Christina Courtin; and a highlight from the Dark Was the Night concert.

Day to Day asked artists to send their musical takes on the California Dream. Among dozens of submissions, one track stood out because of its unique approach: The instruments are urban sounds. Quinn Kiesow spent 80 hours piecing together an array of noises to make "Los Angeles."

Tens of thousands of listeners voted in the All Songs Considered poll for the year's best CDs. It was tight for much of the race, but in the end, Radiohead's In Rainbows was an overwhelming winner as 2007's most popular album.

Writer and reviewer Will Hermes shares his favorite albums of the past year. Hermes is a frequent contributor to NPR's 'All Things Considered' and writes for 'Spin' magazine, 'The New York Times' and 'Entertainment Weekly.' He's also the co-editor of 'Spin: 20 Years of Alternative Music.'

The best albums of 2007 include a plethora of reliable favorites, whether they're treading new stylistic ground (Iron and Wine), returning to roots (Wilco) or merely holding steady (Spoon). And, of course, a few new favorites join the mix, too.

KUT music director Jeff McCord hears dozens of new songs a week. Good and bad tend to get stuck in his head, but here he picks the 10 best of the year — the ones whose company he most enjoyed.

Host Bob Boilen talks with reviewers Carrie Brownstein, Will Hermes, Tom Moon and Meredith Ochs about the year's biggest surprises and letdowns in music. Hear their picks for the year's most innovative album, the best new band of 2007, the year's best song and more. Featured songs and artists are listed below.

Here's a look at the 10 CDs from the past year that are virtually guaranteed to impress friends, relatives and potential lovers. You don't even have to listen to them — just put them in your collection and memorize what's written here.

The rock band Wilco is offering a free download to fans who promise to vote. The song is a version of Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released" recorded this summer in collaboration with Fleet Foxes. Nearly 50,000 people have downloaded the song so far, after clicking on a box pledging to vote. The band supports Barack Obama, although the get-out-the-vote effort is nonpartisan.

The y'allternative groovesters showcase their new record, Sky Blue Sky, in a two-hour show for All Songs Considered. Critic Bob Boilen takes a test listen.

Ken Tucker reviews the seventh studio album from Wilco. It's a mature and confident work, but it also has a playfully affectionate side.

Are you a lyrics person? Do the words matter so much that, if they aren't any good, you'll put down a CD after one listen? Bob Boilen certainly is, and does. The new Regina Spektor CD, Far, is full of beautiful and intriguing words. Also on this episode of All Songs Considered: Wilco returns with a stronger effort; a concept record from Loxsly; Years, an ambient guitar experiment from a Do Make Say Think member; the dreamy pop of Starlight Mints; violinist and singer-songwriter Christina Courtin; and a highlight from the Dark Was the Night concert.

The y'allternative groovesters showcase their new record, Sky Blue Sky, in a two-hour show for All Songs Considered. Critic Bob Boilen takes a test listen.

Writer and reviewer Will Hermes shares his favorite albums of the past year. Hermes is a frequent contributor to NPR's 'All Things Considered' and writes for 'Spin' magazine, 'The New York Times' and 'Entertainment Weekly.' He's also the co-editor of 'Spin: 20 Years of Alternative Music.'