Tunes That Cook

We asked The Bear creator Christopher Storer about the songs that offer sweet relief on his chaotic restaurant drama. —Jeff Gordinier

WILCO “Via Chicago”

(episode 1)

Wilco’s presence would’ve been a coup even if The Bear

didn’t take place in Chicago. This song establishes an early tone: shredded nerves seeking rest. “The lyrics are gnarly—it just feels very confused in this beautiful way,” Storer says. "The show slows down for just a minute, and there’s something that feels like a lonely L ride.”

WILCO “Impossible Germany” (episode 5)

Bask in the stillness of Nels Cline’s tapestry-weaving fretwork. Everything in the kitchen is finally starting to jell. People are getting along. Can it last? “Something about that song at the end of a chaotic day,” Storer says, “it felt like a deep breath. Like they can finally breathe together.”

SUFJAN STEVENS “Chicago”

(episode 7)

The calm before the storm, accompanied by a reel of classic Chicago images: This is the last track we hear before a rave review paradoxically smashes the restaurant to smithereens. “All of our memories of Chicago,” Storer says. “Because in five minutes we’re gonna fuckin’ destroy it.”

RADIOHEAD “Let Down”

(episode 8)

Devastation, aspiration, cash, and canned tomatoes— all set to a rush of an alienated Gen X anthem. “There’s something about ‘Let Down’ that does feel so much like disappointment—and obviously being let down—but when it goes to that bridge, there’s hope for like 25 seconds. That’s what we wanted to end on.”