“I remember it being very uncomfortable. My body would just vibrate with anxious energy listening back”: When their lead guitarist was fired, Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy had to step up to the plate. The result was an iconic record with a “panic attack” solo

Jeff Tweedy of Wilco.

Released in 2004, A Ghost is Born marked a sonic departure from Wilco’s classic fourth LP, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. The change was shaped, in part, by necessity – with the departure of multi-instrumentalist Jay Bennett, singer and rhythm guitarist Jeff Tweedy found himself assuming the role of lead guitar player.

It was the first time listeners heard Tweedy speak so openly with his guitar. His leads – raw, unpredictable and deeply emotive – added another dimension to the sound that had already earned Wilco a dedicated following.