The Wilco frontman’s third book is a glimpse into the music that has influenced his own creative process
There’s something about books on music that arouses both intrigue and confusion. On one hand, there is intrigue regarding how the author has approached an aural art through text. On the other hand, there’s confusion about how an author can go about explaining music in such prosaic terms, especially to someone who holds no expertise in the discipline.
Which is why Jeff Tweedy’s newest book, World Within a Song, is creating waves weeks before its release. Tweedy, who people might know better as the frontman for American band Wilco, is a seasoned writer on music – and what better way to explore songwriting than with one of the best contemporary songwriters out there?
Having previously written two bestselling books on music, namely How to Write a Song (2020), and Let’s Go (So We Can Get Back) (2018), Tweedy’s latest is just as personal as his earlier works, taking an in depth look into 50 songs across the history of music that have inspired and influenced him.
For listeners of Wilco, this is a must have, which shows the range of music and artistry that shaped Tweedy’s musical genius. For others, it is a must read, that shares an insight into how contemporary alternative rock has been influenced by classic acts like the Beatles, the Velvet Underground, as well as artists one would not even classify in a similar genre, such as Dolly Parton and even Billie Eilish!