Let's Go (So We Can Get Back)

A Memoir of Recording and Discording with Wilco, Etc.

By: Jeff Tweedy

Narrated by: Jeff Tweedy

Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

The singer, guitarist, and songwriter, best known for his work with Wilco, opens up about his past, his songs, the music, and the people that have inspired him.

Few bands have inspired as much devotion as the Chicago rock band Wilco, and it's thanks, in large part, to the band's singer, songwriter, and guiding light: Jeff Tweedy. But while his songs and music have been endlessly discussed and analyzed, Jeff has rarely talked so directly about himself, his life, and his artistic process.

Until now. In his long-awaited memoir, Jeff will tell stories about his childhood in Belleville, Illinois; the St. Louis record store, rock clubs, and live-music circuit that sparked his songwriting and performing career; and the Chicago scene that brought it all together. He'll also talk in-depth about his collaborators in Uncle Tupelo, Wilco, and more, and write lovingly about his parents; wife, Susie; and sons, Spencer and Sam. Honest, funny, and disarming, Tweedy's memoir will bring listeners inside both his life and his musical process, illuminating his singular genius and sharing his story, voice, and perspective for the first time.

Includes a bonus with a comic strip and song lyrics.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2018 Jeff Tweedy (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Engaging… Sometimes the most revolutionary thing about music comes down to its ability to transform an individual.” (The New York Times Book Review)

“Wildly entertaining… Breathtaking…Unforgettable…Tweedy's music has never shied away from darkness, but he's also never been afraid to celebrate joy. The same is true with this remarkable memoir - it's a wonderful book, alternately sorrowful and triumphant, and it's a gift not just to his fans, but to anyone who cares about American rock music.” (NPR.org)

"The book’s unsparing detail - on everything from his upbringing in drab Belleville, Illinois, to the contentious band dynamics of Wilco and alt-country gods Uncle Tupelo - make this a uniquely raw rock autobiography.” (Rolling Stone)

Great Story

I’m actually not a huge Wilco fan but I respect Jeff Tweedy and know how talented he is. So I was intrigued to listen to his story. It’s a really great story. I really enjoyed it and I respect him even more for telling it.

If you love Wilco, you'll love this!

Filled with everything I never knew I wanted to know about Wilco. Was a joy to listen to!

Great audio book.

I was familiar with Jeff Tweedy and his bands, but would never have called myself a fan. So, I'm not sure what drew me to this book. But I loved it. I loved the whole story, the way it was told, the way it unfolded. I wish I had been a fan, just so I could enjoy that connection to the history of seeing it through Jeff's experience. He's a fine storyteller.

The rise, fall, and rise again

An honest and quite humorous story of a self-imposed imposter. His meandering life of both rewarded and shattered relationships is quite compelling and often parallels that of many, including of myself.

But through it all, he stays dedicated, loyal, and with tremendous fidelity to his love of music. His love of music helped in his fall and his rise.

Enjoyed it very much.

A Must Read for all Wilco Fans

This book is the spice that will forever enhance my Tweedy experiences. Thanks for letting us in Jeff.

so good

laughed, cried, saw right into the heart of my favorite band. thank you so much to the Tweedy family for sharing your thoughts, memories, and intimate moments of this amazing band.

Tweedy is a great listen!

great to listen to Jeffs stories, especially in his own voice. Hope there is a version 2... until then, ill listen to Wilco !

Essential Reading If You Love Wilco...or Not

"Let's Go" is the best memoir I have ever read--hands down. Tweedy is painfully forthcoming, including many cringeworthy incidents from both childhood and adulthood that most people would find to embarrassing to relate--from his first sexual experience, to his conficts with Uncle Tupelo cofounder Jay Farrar, to his apartment without toilet tissue, to his searing description of opioid abuse, to the cancer diagnoses and treatment of his wife of almost 25 years, Chicago club owner Sue Miller. The opioid abuse was partly the result of devastating migraines that plagued Tweedy since age 6. As far as I can tell, Tweedy wrote the memoir without a assistance, which is not surprising considering he is a poet and lyricist. Although I am not a musician, I was intrigued by his discussion of his approach to music- and lyrics-writing. Tweedy tells us all of his secrets. His descriptions of his relationships with his mother and with his own sons were especially touching. He was loved and has a loving family. Oh, and despite all of the trauma included, the book is laced with wonderful, wry humor. If you are not already an Uncle Tupelo/Wilco fan, "Let's Go" will make you seek out songs.

Jeff is a master story teller

I am so thankful to hear the memories and inspirations of an artist told in their own voice. I have to admit, Wilco it’s still fairly unfamiliar to me. I did not grow up, listening to the music, nor is it something that I even stumbled upon until recently, which is embarrassing, considering I make a living with an instrument.

We have very different viewpoints on what life looks like and religion, but I’ve never heard an artist, empower the emotions I always felt I couldn’t control. I’m thankful that Jeff didn’t suppress, but embraced the moments where he felt like he needed to cry in front of everyone. I get that more than I ever thought I would.

If you are an artist, musician, writer, whatever. Listen to this, and honest, seemingly humble man trying to just spend his days on earth telling stories. I am inspired, now a few songs into my first all original recording and I’m thankful for the push I have received from listening to Jeff talk about his love for the power of a song.

Honest, humble and fantastic storytelling

Jeff Tweedy is an incredible storyteller. And I say this not just because I’ll a huge fan-which I am-but because his kindness, integrity and talent is really apparent and special. Inspirational. I’ll come back to it.