Wilco

Wilco are easily labelled as an alternative-country band, but that label doesn't quite do their sound justice. They formed in 1994 from the ashes of Uncle Tupelo, though only frontman Jeff Tweedy and bassist John Stirratt still remain from that band now. Tweedy is the creative force behind the band, writing virtually every song.

Their debut album, A.M. (1995), wasn't particularly successful, and led to concerns that Wilco wouldn't be a viable long-term option. The follow-up, Being There, was a double-album that Wilco negotiated to be available for single-album price. This time, critics were positive and the album sold well, which ironically led to the band losing out on an estimated $600,000 because of the deal they had struck. In 1998, Wilco collaborated with Billy Bragg for an album of Woody Guthrie covers: Mermaid Avenue continued Wilco's steady upwards trajectory and was nominated for a Grammy. The following year they released Summerteeth to their best reviews yet, but it wasn't a commercial success, and their label bosses at Reprise were unhappy.

Wilco's next album, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002), was thought too uncommercial by Reprise, so much so that they rejected it and cancelled their deal. Ironically, Wilco's next three albums would go on to be their biggest-sellers, and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot itself went on to sell over half a million copies. After being dismissed by Reprise, the band streamed the album for free on their website. The reception from fans was such that several labels started a bidding war to sign them. After joining Nonesuch (a Warner Bros. subsidiary just like Reprise), Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was officially released and won widespread critical acclaim. It won several 'Album of the Year' polls and is still considered their greatest achievement.

The successor, A Ghost Is Born (2004), won two Grammy Awards, including Best Alternative Music Album. Their latest release, 2007's Sky Blue Sky, was met with mixed reviews, but it still sold over 80,000 copies in its first week.