In his latest essay collection/episodic memoir, World Within a Song: Music that Changed My Life and Life that Changed My Music, Jeff Tweedy, frontman of the band Wilco, pays homage to his classic-rock idols while also surprising readers with unexpected song choices. Alongside renowned artists like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Paul McCartney, Patti Smith, and the Band, Tweedy includes tracks like ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” Billie Eilish’s “I Love You,” and Rosalía’s “Bizconchito,” which inspired the book’s most passionate passage.
This selection might challenge the perception of Wilco as “dad-rock,” a term coined in a negative Pitchfork review of the band’s 2007 album. While Tweedy dislikes the label, he acknowledges that it has gained meme status. He criticizes the term for being reductive, ageist, and gatekeeping, dismissing it as a means to pigeonhole certain listeners.
Tweedy disagrees with the notion of a generation gap and believes that different age groups respond to music in unique ways. He emphasizes the importance of allowing young people to explore their musical preferences and refuses to equate youth with superiority or dismiss the value of older music. Tweedy rejects genre labels and finds them reductive and unintelligent.
Each chapter in World Within a Song delves into Tweedy’s personal memories, or “re-memories,” from his youth. He acknowledges that readers may have different associations with the songs he discusses but believes in the value of diverse perspectives.
In the book, Tweedy also encourages embracing new music and criticizes the tendency of some older fans to romanticize their youth while disregarding contemporary artists. He likens this mentality to the fear-based, backward-looking ideology of the MAGA movement and stresses the importance of openness to change and new experiences.
Tweedy rejects rock snobbery and believes that there is no need for guilt when it comes to personal musical preferences. He advises trusting one’s body rather than overthinking musical choices.
While some fans may not agree with Tweedy’s perspective, he stands by his beliefs. He does not concern himself with potential backlash or outrage on social media, as he prefers to focus on expressing his genuine opinions.
In the book, Tweedy also reveals songs he has aversions to, such as Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive,” and even “Happy Birthday.” He goes on to explain his distaste for “The Star-Spangled Banner,” citing both its problematic concept and his personal reluctance to perform it due to its militaristic undertones.
Tweedy suggests that Stevie Wonder could write a new national anthem and proposes the idea of a wordless melody or shape-note singing as alternative options. He envisions a song that brings people together in a meditative and unifying experience, rather than one that promotes militarism.
