Wilco frontman and bestselling author Jeff Tweedy returns to discuss his latest book, 'World Within A Song', exploring the power of music and his favorite songs. They also delve into scary rumors about Alice Cooper and their reservations about popular songs by certain artists.
Music has the ability to capture emotions and convey messages in a way that words alone cannot, making a good song authentic and validating in its emotional impact.
Personal taste in music often defies logic, and it is natural for individuals to reject songs they can't relate to, shaping our enjoyment of music.
Deep dives
The Power of Songs in Connecting Emotions
In his book 'World Within a Song,' musician Jeff Tweedy explores the profound impact of music on his life. He discusses how songs have the ability to capture emotions and convey messages in a way that words alone cannot. Tweedy reflects on the vulnerability of playing someone else's song and how it can make him feel fragile. He believes that a good song has the power to make a listener feel authentic and validated in their emotions.
The Subjectivity of Musical Taste
Tweedy acknowledges that not every song is for everyone, even from beloved artists like Dolly Parton and Stephen Sondheim. He explains that personal taste in music often defies logic, and it is natural for individuals to reject things they can't relate to. Tweedy shares his own dislike for popular songs like 'I Will Always Love You' and reflects on how personal preferences shape our enjoyment of music.
Early Musical Influences and the Magic of Performance
Tweedy recalls seeing The Replacements perform live and how their reckless energy inspired him to pursue a career in music. He also shares stories about songs that had a profound impact on him during his journey as a musician. Tweedy highlights the mesmerizing power of music, describing it as a magic spell that reaches deep into someone's heart and transforms them. He acknowledges the mystery behind this ability and expresses his admiration for fellow musicians who possess it.
Wilco frontman and bestselling author Jeff Tweedy returns to The Late Show to tell Stephen what motivated him to write his latest book, “World Within A Song,” which is available now.