“Misunderstood”

Being There (1996) 

Heartbreaking chorus, spastic outro—goodbye, alt-country; hello, freak rock!

“California Stars”
Mermaid Avenue (1998) 

Woody Guthrie’s words + Wilco and Billy Bragg’s tune = instant classic.

“She’s A Jar” 

Summerteeth (1999)
Never has domestic abuse sounded so achingly beautiful.

“A Shot In The Arm” 

Summerteeth (1999) 

Wilco channels Phil Spector, Brian Wilson, and the Beatles.

“I am Trying to Break Your Heart” 

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)
The sound of rock’n’roll falling apart and being put back together.

“Heavy Metal Drummer”
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)
Sugar- and sex-filled memories of that summer you first smoked pot.

“The Late Greats”
A Ghost Is Born (2004) 

The album’s last track evokes the exhilarating world of life on the road.

“Impossible Germany”
Sky Blue Sky (2007)
A deeply weird guitarfest that bridges the gap between soft rock and freak-out.

“Wilco (the Song)” 

Wilco (The Album) (2009)
Finally, a mission statement, eight albums in.

“I’ll Fight” 

Wilco (The Album) (2009)
At once driving and comforting, fierce and gorgeous.