In conjunction with Wilco's 20th anniversary comes Alpha Mike Foxtrot, a four-disc box set of rare studio and live recordings collected from the band’s extensive audio archives, plus 64 pages of liner notes, including track-by-track recollections from Jeff Tweedy, notes by band members Nels Cline and John Stirratt, and dozens of archival and never-before-seen photos chronicling all phases of the band’s career.
Nonesuch Records released two new Wilco collections on November 17 in conjunction with the influential Chicago band’s 20th anniversary: Alpha Mike Foxtrot, a four-disc box-set of rare studio and live recordings collected from the band’s extensive audio archives, and What’s Your 20?, is a two-CD compilation of essential tracks culled from the band’s previously released studio recordings. (Release date outside of North America: December 1.)
Both collections are produced by Grammy-nominated producer Cheryl Pawelski, co-founder of Omnivore Recordings, whose credits include Big Star’s Keep an Eye on the Sky, The Band’s A Musical History, and Townes Van Zandt’s Sunshine Boy: The Unheard Studio Sessions and Demos 1971–1972. These are the first compilations of Wilco music of any kind.
“Like a lot of fans, I had collected these straggling tracks over the past two decades of following Wilco’s every move,” Pawelski said. “Alpha Mike Foxtrot includes almost every unique, essential performance that appeared on soundtracks, tribute albums and B-sides—and there are probably a few surprises for even the sharpest collector. This set presents an alternate history of the band, kind of a sideways view, and ultimately, it’s a super-fun listening experience.”
Alpha Mike Foxtrot features 64 pages of liner notes that include track-by-track recollections from Tweedy, notes by band members Nels Cline and John Stirratt, and reflections from members of Wilco’s extended professional family. The booklet also showcases dozens of archival and never-before-seen photos from a wide array of photographers chronicling all phases of the band’s career.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Compilation Assembled and Produced by Cheryl Pawelski
with Jeff Tweedy, Tony Margherita, and Deb Bernardini
Mastered by: Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering, Portland, ME
Art Direction and Design: Greg Allen for Omnivore Creative
Cover Photography by Vivian Maier © Vivian Maier, courtesy of Vivian Maier Prints Inc.
Book Cover Photography by Zoran Orlic
Inside Book Cover Proof Sheets by Danny Clinch
Label Illustrations: Lure Design (Disc 1); Voltage Design Lab (Disc 2); Florafauna (Disc 3); Brian Methe (Disc 4)
Memorabilia, posters, and other ephemera from the Wilco archive
Records from the collection of Cheryl Pawelski
Editorial: Audrey Bilger
Research and Annotation: Lee Lodyga and Cheryl Pawelski
R.I.P. Jay Bennett 1963–2009
Leslie Feist appears courtesy of Polydor, a Universal Music France division. Fleet Foxes appear courtesy of Sub Pop Records.
543675
