Beauty and Sadness: Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast’s Favourite Albums

Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

10. WilcoSummerteeth

I have to put a Wilco album. It’s always pretty hard to pick between A Ghost Is Born, Summerteeth and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. But for nostalgic purposes, I think I have to put Summerteeth, because the song ‘She’s A Jar’ pretty much got me through every significant breakup in my life. I think Wilco is where I would love to see my career in the next 10 years. I have so much respect for Jeff Tweedy and every member of that band for what they’ve built and the records they’re making. They’re always doing exciting stuff. And that record is fantastic. 

I played with Wilco a couple of times. I sang ‘Jesus, Etc.’ with them at their Austin City Limits taping. It was so nerve-wracking. That was the first time we met and they were all so nice to me. And Jeff came and played with us at Pitchfork Music Festival. It’s a real pinch-me moment that one of your heroes is a cool guy and nice person. I love that whole record.

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