Wilco – A Ghost Is Born

Wilco – A Ghost Is Born

A Ghost Is Born is the critically acclaimed fifth studio album by Wilco, released in 2004. Widely regarded as one of the band's defining works, the album expands upon the experimental approach of its predecessor while blending alternative rock, Americana, ambient textures, and adventurous guitar work into a deeply personal and emotionally powerful collection.

Written during a turbulent period for frontman Jeff Tweedy, the album explores themes of anxiety, addiction, identity, and resilience. Rather than relying on conventional song structures, Wilco embraces sprawling arrangements, hypnotic repetition, and inventive studio experimentation, creating an album that rewards repeated listening. The result earned widespread critical acclaim, including the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album.

Standout tracks include the soaring opener At Least That's What You Said, the haunting Hell Is Chrome, the expansive krautrock-inspired Spiders (Kidsmoke), the beautiful acoustic meditation Muzzle Of Bees, and fan favourites Hummingbird, Handshake Drugs, Theologians, and The Late Greats. The ambitious Less Than You Think closes the main album with an extended ambient soundscape that highlights Wilco's willingness to push creative boundaries.

This edition also includes a bonus disc featuring the studio outtake Panthers alongside live recordings of At Least That's What You Said, The Late Greats, Handshake Drugs, and Kicking Television, offering additional insight into the band's celebrated live performances during this era.

A landmark release in 21st-century alternative rock, A Ghost Is Born remains one of Wilco's most adventurous and rewarding albums, essential for fans of indie rock, experimental music, and modern Americana.

Tracklist:

Disc One

1. At Least That's What You Said – 5:29
2. Hell Is Chrome – 4:33
3. Spiders (Kidsmoke) – 10:41
4. Muzzle Of Bees – 4:51
5. Hummingbird – 3:06
6. Handshake Drugs – 6:02
7. Wishful Thinking – 4:37
8. Company In My Back – 3:42
9. I'm A Wheel – 2:33
10. Theologians – 3:31
11. Less Than You Think – 15:00
12. The Late Greats – 2:30

Bonus Disc

1. Panthers – 3:49
2. At Least That's What You Said (Live) – 5:53
3. The Late Greats (Live) – 2:39
4. Handshake Drugs (Live) – 6:12
5. Kicking Television – 2:49