"more influences than we know what to do with..."

[newbornghost]

I'm sure some version of this thread already exists somewhere on VC.

 

But, just in case it doesn't, here goes... I just love this quote (all due credit to Mr. Wikipedia) from Jeff Tweedy, circa 1988:

We probably have more influences than we know what to do with. We have two main styles that have been influences. For instance, we like Black Flag as much as early Bob Dylan and Dinosaur Jr. as much as Hank Williams ...

 

Got me to thinkin', if I were to name one overriding influence for each Wilco album, what would I name?

 

A.M. (Bob Dylan / Dinosaur Jr.)

Being There (Rolling Stones)

Summerteeth (The Beatles)

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (Neutral Milk Hotel)

A Ghost is Born (Television)

Sky Blue Sky (The Byrds)

Wilco (The Album) (Wilco)

The Whole Love (Garage Rock in general: maybe The Music Machine, if I had to pick one)

 

I'd really enjoying hearing what others hear in the way of overriding influences for each album.

[choo-choo-charlie]

In 1988 that comment would've been made in reference to Uncle Tupelo.

[newbornghost]

In 1988 that comment would've been made in reference to Uncle Tupelo.

 

Yes, I know. Here's really what I was thinking:

 

A.M (Uncle Tupelo)

 

Fixed?

[A Radio Cure]

I would say The Replacements were a big influence on AM

[uncool2pillow]

Yes, yes they were. Check out my sig line.

[choo-choo-charlie]

Yes, I know. Here's really what I was thinking:

 

A.M (Uncle Tupelo)

 

Fixed?

 

Wasn't saying anything needed fixing.

[Kim Bodnia]

I've been reading the wikipedia entry for Uncle Tupelo / March 16–20, 1992, it says that "Jeff Tweedy's lyrics were strongly influenced by Nick Drake's 1972 album Pink Moon". I am going to give a listen to this Drake album tonight, I'm intrigued.

 

The story about the making of the album is actually very interesting, I wish there was a much comprehensive book documenting this project.

[Magnetized]

I've been reading the wikipedia entry for Uncle Tupelo / March 16–20, 1992, it says that "Jeff Tweedy's lyrics were strongly influenced by Nick Drake's 1972 album Pink Moon". I am going to give a listen to this Drake album tonight, I'm intrigued.

 

The story about the making of the album is actually very interesting, I wish there was a much comprehensive book documenting this project.

 

You've read "Learning How to Die" by Greg Kot, right? It does go into the making of this album a bit, but it's far from comprehensive. Still, just in case you missed reading this book, I definitely recommend it. It has its flaws, but you'll learn a lot about the band up to Summerteeth.

[Autumnteeth]

I love the collection of influences from eachband member. Was watching We Jam Econo again and the very thought Nels was a fan, and influenced by, the Minutemen blew me away. It is great to hear little segments within songs, let alone albums, influenced by such diverse bands as the Minutemen, Steely Dan, Peter Buck style REM, Neil Young, Gram Parsons, The Louvins... The list goes on. Every once in a while John Stiratt sounds like Kim Deal. Glenn reminds me of Mickey Hart and Gene Krupa. Mikhael summons Thelonious Monk. The list can go on forever, but what is key is that once it is distilled in the Wilco World and blended it is a sonic wall of greatness.