 Slade and Kolderie suggested that the band deemphasize the roots rock influences heard on Not Forever , Just for Now and convinced them to replace the harmonica parts with pedal steel guitar . For this , Slade and Kolderie recruited guitarist Rich Gilbert of Human Sexual Response for the recording . The tracks were recorded using little overdubbing ; only a few banjo and acoustic guitar parts were later added to the songs . At the suggestion of Slade and Kolderie , No Depression was recorded on eight @-@ track , so " the music would compress and " jump " off the tape during playback " . The recording sessions occurred before Uncle Tupelo officially became affiliated with Giant Records , so there was little input from the label . 
