Wilco for Audiophiles: A Conversation with Steve Westman
On this episode of Shoving Wilco, Todd welcomes YouTube creator Steve Westman. Known for his channel The Audiophiles, Westman has built a reputation for his deep dives into vinyl pressings, mastering engineers, and the joy of record collecting. Together, they unpack what it means to experience Wilco on vinyl—why pressing quality matters, which engineers have shaped the sound we love, and how the physical medium continues to bring listeners closer to the band’s music. They also discuss their favorite Wilco albums ON VINYL. The list is below, with links to Discogs! Steve's Picks (in no order):AM, 2025 Rhino HiFiBeing There, 2017 DeluxeSummerteeth, 2020 DeluxeYankee Hotel Foxtrot, 2022 Deluxe. Todd's choice: for YHF: 2002 European PressingA Ghost is Born, 2025 ReissueSky Blue Sky, 2007 MasterKicking Television, 2010 RSD ReleaseTodd's Picks (in no order):Cruel Country, 2023 OGThe Whole Love, 2024 Reissue Schmilco, 2016 OG (do not sleep on the Schmilco release)
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The Mystery and Honesty of Wilco’s Words
On this episode of Shoving Wilco, we sit down with Canadian singer-songwriter Kalle Mattson to talk about Jeff Tweedy’s songwriting. Kalle breaks down what makes Tweedy’s lyrics stand out, from surreal fragments to plainspoken truths. We explore how Wilco has shaped his own music and teaching, and why the songs of Wilco continue to cut so deep. If you care about how Wilco’s words work—and why they matter—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.For more on Kalle, head to his website.
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The Wilco Welcome Kit
In this episode of Shoving Wilco, Todd and Tim are joined by Dara Weyna and Chad Brooks for a conversation that you've probably had! What three Wilco songs would you play for someone who’s never heard the band? It’s a deceptively tricky question—one that reveals personal favorites, unexpected picks, and the many eras and sounds of Wilco. Whether you're introducing a friend to the band or rediscovering the songs yourself, this episode is for anyone who's ever tried to explain why Wilco matters.
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Bob Mehr & the HiFi Resurrection of A.M.
In this episode of Shoving Wilco, we sit down with music journalist and author Bob Mehr to explore the HiFi resurrection of Wilco’s debut album, A.M.. Thirty years after its original release, A.M. is getting the audiophile treatment as part of Rhino’s HiFi series — and it's never sounded better. Bob joins us to talk about the making of the album, his liner notes for the reissue, and how A.M., once seen as a modest debut, now shines with new dimension and clarity.Go here to get the record. Below is Todd's Discogs review: Unreal how good this is. Kevin Gray’s work here is absolutely stunning. I’ve heard A.M. in every format—CD, stream, vinyl—for most of my life, but I’ve never heard it like this. Instrument separation is razor sharp, and Jeff’s vocals are undeniably front and center—as they should be—but everyone else is brought forward too. It’s cohesive and full without sacrificing presence. No one feels tucked away. This isn’t a nostalgia trip. This is A.M. finally getting the respect it deserves sonically.
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Behind the Album Covers: Wilco’s Visual Identity
In this episode of Shoving Wilco, we're thrilled to sit down once again with artist Matthew Pfahlert, who brings a unique perspective to the iconic world of Wilco’s album covers. Matthew, renowned for his poster designs for Wilco, dives deep into the visual storytelling that accompanies each album. We explore our favorite covers, unpack what makes them uniquely powerful, and reflect on how each piece of album art encapsulates the essence of Wilco.We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your favorite Wilco album covers and what they mean to you in the comments.Check out Matt's latest poster design - a super cool glow-in-the-dark poster!
Welcome to "Shoving Wilco," a podcast dedicated to celebrating the music of one of the most influential American bands, Wilco. Wilco has been making music for nearly three decades, blending elements of country, rock, alternative, and folk to create a unique sound that has captivated fans around the world. In this podcast, we'll delve into the stories behind the songs, explore the creative process of the band, and celebrate the enduring impact of Wilco's music. Shoving Wilco is hosted by award-winning podcaster Todd Rossnagel.
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