Don't Wake the Scarecrow

Jay Bennet, former guitarist/multi-instrumentalist of Wilco is now suing Jeff Tweedy and the band over money that he claims he is owed for royalties. Jay was a part of Wilco for five albums in seven years and in addition to playing in the band, he was the band’s sound engineer. On Monday he asked for $50,000 in damages, claiming he was owed royalties for the five albums and also the 2002 documentary “I am Trying to Break Your Heart”.

Jeff Tweedy responded to this lawsuit earlier today through his publicist to Paste magazine. He stated:

“I know exactly as much as everyone else does. I’ve read the news and I honestly have no idea what these claims are based on. It was such a long time ago. Aside from everything else, I’m being sued for not paying someone for appearing in a movie I didn’t produce. Go figure. I am truly sad it has come to this. I am equally convinced, however, that I have done nothing wrong and that this will be handled fairly and swiftly.”

Paste magazine

If you haven’t seen the documentary “I am Trying to Break Your Heart” I highly suggest you check it out. Whether you’re a Wilco fan or not….it’s a quality film. The movie follows the band during the time that they record and try to release their album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Getting to see a behind the scenes look at the tensions that arise while recording an album and negotiating with a record label is quite revealing. Not only that, but the documentary was being filmed at the same time that Jay Bennett left the band. You can actually watch the split develop. Check out the trailer below.

If that’s not enough Wilco news for ya…..then here’s some more.

The band just released a FREE download of a track they recorded (but it’s not on the upcoming album Wilco (the Album)). The song is a cover of Woody Guthrie called The Jolly Banker. This recording features Feist, the female artist who will also appear on a track from the new album. Download the song here.