Reviews (page 3 of 8)
I know every note and tone of this piece of work. A time of teenage political awakening. England in the 1980s in an industrial city that was falling apart, an angry punk poet with a guitar and I made a tape of the first two albums for my pal and between us we became the school Bragg fans. There's a point in time where I had seen Billy Bragg live more than any other artist. I saw him on this tour and still have the t-shirt. As time went on he did the Wilco stuff, put out decreasingly interesting albums and lost his way politically. It's as English as it gets, it's raw and it's probably baffling to any non UK audiences. But it is there in my own history of music and here it is.
По мнению А: 4/5 По мнению С: 4/5 ИТОГОВАЯ ОЦЕНКА: 4/5 (19.02.2025)
A few classics, and some filler (I ignored disc 2 as usual). Scrapes 4 stars because of the classics. When I hear There is Power in a Union, it usually ends with the venue lights going out, the bagpipes starting, and the mayhem beginning. It's weird when the lights stay on and nothing happens.
Ended up enjoying this way more than anticipated—especially the electric tracks. I'd probably give it a 3.5, but rounding up. :)
You must never cross a picket line
Billy Bragg is the proto-Frank Turner.
Always knew of Billy for his politic and social stance rather than know the actual music, seeming turning up on tv to talk about something rather than perform. Well, I live this, obviously Dylan vibe with the English slant. Obviously not the flow that Dylan has but lyrically interesting. Billy has no voice, but it kind of fits the poet with a guitar. 4 star, pleasantly surprised
Wholesome. And yes there is power in a union.
This was a really nice album to listen to. If I’m not mistaken, it seems to pretty much just vocals and electric guitar with not much else instrumentation. I’m not sure I’ve heard an album like that before. Sure, there are plenty of acoustic guitar album, but solely electric with nothing else is new to me. It really let the vocals and lyrics shine through without distractions. I definitely recommend giving this a listen. Even if it isn’t your cup of tea, it’s something a bit different.
80% Best: Greetings to the New Brunette; Ideology; Help Save the Youth of America; The Warmest Room Must-Hear? Maybe...
His voice is not THAT annoying. Just a classic brit (but Anna and I have also been rewatching the Harry Potter series recently so maybe that contributes.) This is just some classic, political, salt of the earth folk. Really enjoyed this and was unfamiliar with Braggs work prior.
Just struck me how few artists there have been who have really followed in Gurhrie's footsteps, with deeply political songwriting. You'd have thought the last few decades would have engendered (and could use) more protest singers. Anyway, not my personal favourite of his albums, but won't hear a word of complaint about him.
## In-Depth Review of *Talking With the Taxman About Poetry* by Billy Bragg Billy Bragg's *Talking With the Taxman About Poetry*, released in September 1986, stands as a significant milestone in the landscape of folk punk music. This album marked Bragg's evolution as a songwriter, blending his characteristic political commentary with more intricate musical arrangements. The production by John Porter and Kenny Jones introduced new textures to Bragg's sound, featuring contributions from notable artists like Johnny Marr and Kirsty MacColl. This review delves into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and its influence, while also addressing its pros and cons. ### Lyrics Bragg's lyrical prowess shines throughout *Talking With the Taxman About Poetry*. His ability to weave personal narratives with broader social commentary is evident in tracks like "Levi Stubbs' Tears." This song tells a poignant story about heartbreak and societal expectations, encapsulated in the line, "When the world falls apart, some things stay in place." The juxtaposition of personal pain against a backdrop of social issues is a recurring theme in Bragg's work. Another standout track is "The Marriage," which critiques traditional views on love and commitment. The lyrics challenge societal norms with lines like "How can it make that difference if you and I are wearing that bloody, bloody ring?" This blend of humor and critique exemplifies Bragg's unique voice, making complex ideas accessible and engaging. In "Greetings to the New Brunette," Bragg captures the essence of youthful rebellion and political disillusionment. The song serves as both a love letter and a critique of modern life, showcasing his ability to tackle multiple themes within a single narrative. ### Music Musically, *Talking With the Taxman About Poetry* marks a departure from Bragg's earlier works, which were primarily acoustic guitar-driven. The album incorporates a fuller sound with layered guitars, brass instruments, and backing vocals. The inclusion of Johnny Marr's guitar work adds a distinct jangle-pop flavor to tracks like "Greetings to the New Brunette," enhancing their melodic appeal. The absence of traditional percussion throughout much of the album creates an unconventional soundscape that allows Bragg's voice and lyrics to take center stage. This choice emphasizes the storytelling aspect of his music, allowing listeners to focus on the narrative without distraction. ### Production The production quality of *Talking With the Taxman About Poetry* is noteworthy. John Porter and Kenny Jones successfully crafted an engaging sound that balances Bragg's raw vocal style with polished instrumentation. The use of brass instruments by Dave Woodhead adds depth and warmth to tracks like "The Marriage" and "Levi Stubbs' Tears," creating a rich auditory experience. The album also benefits from its concise runtime of just over 38 minutes, ensuring that each track feels purposeful and impactful. The careful arrangement of songs contributes to a cohesive listening experience that flows seamlessly from one track to another. ### Themes Thematically, *Talking With the Taxman About Poetry* explores various facets of life, including love, politics, social justice, and personal identity. Bragg's political activism is evident in songs like "Ideology" and "There Is Power in a Union," where he advocates for workers' rights and critiques societal structures. These tracks resonate with listeners who share similar values or seek to understand the socio-political landscape of the time. Conversely, Bragg also delves into personal themes such as love and heartbreak. Songs like "Honey, I'm a Big Boy Now" reflect on relationships with humor and poignancy, showcasing his versatility as a songwriter. ### Influence *Talking With the Taxman About Poetry* has had a lasting influence on both folk punk and broader musical genres. Bragg's blend of political commentary and melodic songwriting paved the way for future artists who sought to address social issues through music. His ability to combine serious themes with catchy melodies has inspired countless musicians across various genres. Critics have often compared Bragg's lyrical style to that of Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie, placing him within a lineage of socially conscious songwriters. The album's inclusion in numerous lists of essential albums from the 1980s further solidifies its status as a significant work in music history. ### Pros and Cons **Pros:** - **Lyrical Depth:** The album features some of Bragg's most insightful lyrics that combine personal narratives with political commentary. - **Musical Evolution:** The incorporation of more complex arrangements enhances the listening experience compared to his earlier works. - **Cohesive Production:** The production quality effectively showcases Bragg’s voice while maintaining an engaging sound. **Cons:** - **Limited Appeal:** While fans appreciate Bragg’s style, those unfamiliar with folk punk may find it less accessible. - **Absence of Percussion:** The lack of traditional drumming might detract from the energy for some listeners who prefer more rhythmic drive. - **Niche Themes:** Some songs may resonate only with specific audiences due to their focused political or cultural references. ### Conclusion *Talking With the Taxman About Poetry* remains one of Billy Bragg's most vital releases, showcasing his growth as an artist while maintaining his core themes of love and social justice. Through its rich lyrical content, innovative musical arrangements, and thoughtful production, this album not only captures the spirit of its time but also continues to resonate with listeners today. Its blend of personal reflection with political insight ensures that it will remain relevant for years to come.
There is power in a union 💪
Billy Bragg sounds shockingly like an Irish Morrissey on this album, it reminded me of it the whole time. I liked this album a lot more than Mermaid Avenue, maybe because I've been primed on Billy already. But his folk rock is pretty consistent throughout the album, with a couple of high spots. There Is Power in a Union could definitelty be a blue collar anthem, and The Marriage is pretty ironic in it's bitterness contrasting with the joyous trumpets. My favorite is probably the bluesy Wishing the Days Away. Good album.
Bill Bragg is a folk icon. I should really look into his music more.
Strong outing from the true inheritor of the Woody Guthrie tradition – a clear demonstration of the power his stripped-down could generate (such is his full-on commitment). "This Year's Brunette" is first rate and the rest is solid, here a excoriating socialist-tending ballad, there a romping singalong. Still a good thoughtful and somewhat enlightening ride, if a little preachy and pedantic as BB can be. "Sin CIty" sounds full-on Gram Parsons. Would he disappointed to if one suggested he's smarter on sexual politics ("Marriage") than actual politics ("Ideology"). And it's odd that one of the outtakes from these sessions -- his take on "Tracks of My Tears" – may be the best cut, though not included. (Pro tip: his spoken-word "Walk Away Renee" is epic.) To be clear: Workers Playtime and Don't Try This at Home are much better records and fully deserve to be on this list.
Good enough to make a Trotskyite out of this centrist dad These are just exceptionally well crafted and performed songs
I feel like I wanted to like this more than I do - like, I like Grace Petrie, I like Kae Tempest, I like Arab Strap, I like Frank Turner, hell, I like Billy Bragg - but a lot of these were kind of just there? There are a few absolute bangers in Levi Stubbs' Tears and the later tracks, but it takes a lot to win back the goodwill the opening few left me with. Still, I absolutely enjoyed this, I'm just being harsh because I like the genre.
I wasn't sure about this going in, but I really enjoyed it, inasmuch as you can enjoy billy's very angry songs.
dunking on thatcher is lit. i respect the dedication and don’t think i’ll listen to it a ton but ive also been soooo bob dylan pilled its tough!
3.5 - I liked most of it, but not sure I'd sit and listen again anytime soon
I like billy bragg but I wouldn’t normally sit down and listen to one of his albums. This is good stuff
Bringing the angry political singer into the age of the electric guitar. Powerful and engaging record!
Back in the day I found Billy Bragg a bit strident. Nowadays I like a bit of stridency. I am looking forward to playing this album. And after a couple of plays, this is an album I did enjoy. I'd say my preference is for the overtly political songs, and overall I did like the additional musicians compared to other 'solo' Bragg albums.
Æææeaaoo, deilig britisk slappstemma musikk
Billy here has a bit of a grating british voice, but I like this album in spite of it. Great lyrics and simple, catchy tunes. 4/5
The strong point of this album is definitely the lyrics. They address themes such as love and politics in a very unique way. Billy's very strong British accent adds a charming touch to the minimalist sound, based basically on an electric guitar with very 80s sound characteristics or a piano, with some other instrument just providing a little support from time to time. Although minimalist, the sound of the album never sounds empty at any point. The lyrics are very captivating and tell stories that you want to follow until the end. I want to highlight the song "Honey I'm a Big Boy Now". Not because I think it's the best on the album, but because I think it's the most different. It's based on voice and very characteristic piano. I can imagine it being played in some American saloon in the 1800s. Only without the British accent, of course. In fact, it's an album that deserves to be heard before you die. I'm giving it 4 stars today!
Some really great songs on here. Billy hasn't got the greatest voice but it suits the material - a complete lack of pretention in his delivery. Levi Stubbs' Tears a standout - really simple arrangement, horns towards the end flesh out a lovely but depressing song. Some excellent contributors including Marr and MacColl really add some class.
Really enjoyed this! This entire experience has taught me that if an album is folk rock I have a high chance of enjoying it.
I went into this expecting find Bragg grating. At times I found the lyrics too forced left-fed left wing ideology but enjoyed the folk and some of the protest songs were really catchy
När jag såg albumet, titeln och namne som jag aldrig sett eller hört talas om, tänkte jag, "åh nej". Kul att jag hade fel! En skön mix av folk, singer songwriter, rock. Diggar verkligen skivan. När han sjunger "there is power in a union" blir man rak i ryggen och dras med, man vill stämma in i sången! (särskilt när kören kommer in). Men direkt med första låten fastande jag, det är najs! Sen gillar jag låtar som "hold the fort". Har lyssnat mycket på the Dubliners. Detta kan jag definitivt lyssna på mer !!
Interesting - felt quite timeless
Socialist folk punk, very cool!
4 really good
The dude has an objectively terrible voice and the lyrics are as stilted as the earliest protest singer/songwriters, but the music and melodies got me.
Good Irish Alt. I can see putting this on.
Good music with an okay voice. \"There is Power in a Union\" is an extra star on its own.
Just a beautiful, powerful and oh so poetic piece of work from an incredible singer songwriter who is also amazing live.
Let me start by saying as someone going into Billy Bragg blind, I don’t think his singing voice is bad. Yeah, it is aggressively British, but it kind of works here. He is not a great singer, however, so the more the album progressed, the more he started to lose me. Honestly, my biggest gripe with this is that it gets somewhat monotonous as it goes on. The songs started to blend together, as they feel too similar to one another; the same style of folk with Bragg’s divisive vocals. The saving grace of this album is the lyrics, balancing between love songs and political leanings. This leads to some great lines like “Something that every football fan knows, it only take five fingers to form a fist” and “Sometimes it takes a grown man a long time to learn, just what it would take a child a night to learn”. Well-versed and unapologetic, this album makes up for its shortcomings with its politically poetic bite. Favorite track: The Home Front Other hits: Greetings to the New Brunette, The Marriage, There Is Power In A Union, Levi Stubba’ Tears, The Passion
A lovely record - interesting sparse arrangements. For starters Levi Stubb’s Tears is a masterpiece - but most of the songs here are also really good. Secondly - Billy Bragg’s political views are sorely missed in political discourse nowadays - unionization and unaccountability of corporations and politicians - and they give a certain British partisan flavor to these songs. Which I like. It kind of tapers at the end so it’s not a perfect record but it’s definitely a damn good one.
Some really insightful commentary in some passable melody
I was expecting his voice to be so much worse based on the reviews hahaha. Anyway, uh...I loved this?
Great songs and one masterpiece
Didn't know this one. Like it so far. Defeinitly re-listenable.
This is like Folk Punk. It’s pretty relaxing to listen to. Solid 3.5 so rounding up.
Pretty good. Activist lyrics, interesting folk / punk combi, but I'm missing a wow factor
Conocí a Billy Bragg gracias a Wilco, debido a que colaboró en los proyectos "Mermaid Ave.", donde revivieron canciones del difunto y legendario cantante comunista Woody Guthrie. Ahora, escuchando uno de sus discos solistas, logro comprender mejor su acercamiento con la cultura trovadora. Con toques intensos de punk en sus guitarras, Bragg nos recuerda los orígenes disruptivos del folk, su cercanía con las personas y sus reflexiones del día a día de la clase trabajadora. Un excelente trabajo, que si bien no es esencial para entender la evolución del pop, es un estandarte del espíritu trovador anglosajón que nunca desaparecerá del catálogo musical global.
Fav: Help The Youth Of America Least Fav: The Marriage My only prior knowledge of Billy Bragg was his debut album which was ok at best, so I was expecting to dislike this if it was anything like that. I’m happy to say that this is SO much better, so much so that I was really struggling whether to give it a 4 or 5. My rule is that there can be 1 song that’s not great and still be a 5 star album as long as the song isn’t offensively bad, and as much as I tried to I couldn’t justify giving it a 5 but this is by far my strongest 4 to date. Hope he appears more on this list
This album was very moving and complitative. Lyrics aside, it had me reflecting on some of the saddest and happiest times of my life. The lyrics themselves were great and really represented some positive political messages. Some of the songs were less interesting than others, but all around this was a good listen. Though I doubt I'd ever have the emotional bandwidth to listen again. 3.5/5 -> 4/5
Better that the polemics might suggest
Good not great. Like not love. 4
I’m the right context this could be incredible
Interesting. Made me want to listen to Frank Turner. 3.5.
Now THIS is music! Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 4/5
Bragg is an interesting artist, and demands another listen or two.
Enjoyed it more than expected! Also lovely to hear a proper Bri'ish accent belting away considering I just left the place. Thanks Billy Bragg for keeping the homesickness away a bit longer
4.0
I was ready to give this a 5. Greetings to the New Brunette, Ideology, Levi Stubb's Tears, and The Passion are brilliant. A well-crafted story, pitched very well with the music and guitar/mandolin. But the second half of the album isn't fantastic. He's not half political, and the same message repackaged provides diminishing returns. The other album on the list so far with his involvement, Mermaid Avenue (with Wilco) is fantastic. 5 for the first half of the album, 3 for the rest of it. Cracking artist.
Love me some political songs
The accent got to me after a few songs, but a very strong start to the album. Will need to check out more.
"Talking with the Taxman About Poetry" is the third album by English singer, songwriter, musician, actor and political activist Billy Bragg. Folk punk! OK, I'll agree there. More musicians were added than his previous work including Kirsty MacColl (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitarist) and Ken Craddick (piano). The album received critical acclaim. "Greetings to the New Brunette" opens with an acoustic guitar. I think the Gin Blossoms lifted this open for "Jealousy." Nice vocals by Bragg repeating "Shirley" as he describes a working class guy falling in love with a good girl. Kirsty MacColl on backing vocals and Jonnhy Marr gives an echoing guitar solo towards the end. Braggs echoes Bob Dylan's "Crimes of Freedom" in "Ideology." All politicians are crooks, get rich and laugh at the common peoples' ideologies. Clever lyrics highlight "Levi Stubbs' Tears" as Bragg tells a story of a woman with years of domestic abuse, abandonment and injury comforted by the music of the Four Tops and singer Levi Stubbs. A slashing guitar, tambourine, flugelhorn and trumpet. A great horn fadeout outro. Bragg kicks out anthem and takes a political stand with "There is Power in a Union." The song is based on George Frederick Root's "Battle Cry of Freedom." A slide guitar and loud chanting. Who will defend the workers from unjust laws! Hey, I read Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" too. Bragg keeps the statements going in "Help Save the Youth of America." A slashing guitar which reminded me of Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away." it's a about the apathetic feeling of the youth of America about politics....their cities will burn too. I agree to some extent on that. The strength of this album is compelling and clever lyrics, not so much when Bragg went strictly political but when he told stories of the down and out and their relationships to politics, marriage and families. The music was mostly acoustic and electric guitars with strategic uses of horns, violins, percussion and backing vocals. It's another artist this week where it was the first dive (except "Mermaid Avenue") into their music. This is a solid album and motivates me to selectively seek out more Billy Bragg.
Very english
I like the Scottish accent in here. I'm enjoying this more than yesterday's Rolling Stones. Really liking this! Getting 4 stars!
Folk punk. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
Very fitting listening to this on the first day with a Labour government
Workers of the world unite to give this album 4 stars
I think billy bragg makes music that just hits in some type of way, 4
Really enjoyed this (although the extra disc on the reissue started off with a big left turn into C&W stuff, which was odd). Levi Subbs' Tears is a fantastic song, and the rest is strong, too.
Peak 80s political folk music. Quite enjoyable, the lyrics are poetic and tell a story.
Billy Bragg was 29 when this album was released, yet sounds as though he’s lived a lifetime. These songs are REAL, raw and spare.
Billy Bragg is a British singer songwriter that sings about politics and love. His political songs are socialist songs - he praises unions and social consciousness. His love songs are as passionate, and also carried by his strong, clear voice. Talking with the Taxman... is Bragg's third album, and in it, he added more supporting elements to the "solo singer and guitar player" formula of his earlier work. This is a great collection of inventive, engaging modern folk songs. Bragg demonstrated that a singer and a guitar is still enough to make successful pop songs.
Hadn't heard this one but as a fan of BB's poiltical "fuck you" attitude it defintitely didn't disappoint. Nice arrangements.
Favorite songs: Therr is Power in a Union, Greetings to the New Brunette, Help Save the Youth of America
I have absolutely NO IDEA why I enjoy this. It's almost everything I'd say I have no interest in. Folk singer-songwriter type music about politics in a country I've never been to with a punk flair. But it's great! I can't put my finger on it. Bizarre. Maybe I'm just in a good mood.
Great left-wing musician.
Before this listen, I had thought this album was just alright but not sure why it was so essential. But now I do realise why, Billy Bragg has a unique voice and great lyricism. Also loved the guitar playing. I enjoyed this one a lot
Billy Bragg is forever a musical hero to me because of the "A New England" song. So I do prefer his debut album "Life's a Riot with Spy vs Spy". Overall this album is maybe a bit stronger. Great punk folk songs in the tradition of Woody Guthrie. An album full of determination and with a mission.
Liked it
Cool and political. I enjoyed listening to this a lot.
While the union songs don't really gel with me, i think Billy's pretty good writing about human relationships to. I have this one on vinyl from back in the day, and have always loved Greetings to the New Brunette.
Blind album and artist. Pleasantly surprised and such a wholesome album.
Aldrig hørt en Billy Bragg plade før, det var lige mig! Forstår godt hvordan han endte med at lave musik med Wilco.
4-
I was a little skeptical going into it, but ended up enjoying this way more than I would have thought. Really fun album, good/funny lyrics, and a strong vibe throughout. Also, shoutout for a strong pro-union message.
Politics, love, family. A brilliant album. New to me as a full album, although I’ve had plenty of time with his songs. Much enjoyed
Fascinating to be able to hear The Smiths, Titus Andronicus, Oasis, and Neutral Milk Hotel within one artist. True commitment to Folk Punk earlier than I knew it existed. Smart, well written, and eccentrically charismatic, a very interesting listen. The bonus disc largely skippable, but is more of an extension to the original album release
‘The Other Brunette’ has long been a favorite. And the sentiments expressed in ‘Ideology’ are just as true today. His voice is immediately recognizable and the music is jangly.
Billy ain’t gonna win any singing competitions. However, his writing is top drawer.
A Brit taking over folk music, and doing a very good job of it.
Beautiful and thought-provoking. It'll always amaze me that Billy Bragg never became a household name.
I like it. Way better than some of the other British indie we’ve heard.
No sé quién es Billy bragg pero está guapo
Strong overall, but full ticks below Workers Playtime (the full apotheosis of early Bragg) and Don't Try This At Home (a very different sort of record). "New Brunette" is far and away the best song here and belongs in the first rank of BB songs, of which there are a truly impressive number.
Very relaxing.
Favorite Tracks: Greetings to the New Brunette There Is Power in a Union Help Save the Youth of America
Enjoyed listening to most of this album
Ah the busker in your living room. Its all good fun despite some of the earnest political stuff. There are some nifty hooks and one liners. Mixed in are some love songs and the off kilter vocal and delivery make it quite compelling.
We often see longevity in artists, but their relevance is arguable most of the time. Billy has been relevant for 40 years. Great album!
Didn't know him, liked this a lot.
Billy is on our side
Strong lyrics supported by great music. Billy Bragg really had some good things going on at this time.
A catalogue of fine vocals and instrumental, interesting and engaging!
Hard to argue with stuff written and sung with real conviction
Once in a great while, life gives you an album exactly when you need it. Today, for me, that was this album. It helped haul me out of a personal and professional malaise that had been hanging over me for a couple of weeks. I can't put my finger on exactly why, beyond that Bragg has always been someone whose worldview I largely share, but it was just what I needed.
Punky
Very enjoyable. I could listen to more of this.
Didn´t know this musician. A pleasure
I'm generally here for Billy Bragg. He's a great songwriter and is quite skilled in getting his points across in an entertaining and artistic way. This is not exception to the rule. Sure, it's preachy AF but that's what a Bragg joint's gonna net you, you know? The songs are still great and the performances skillful. Minus one for the sermons but a great album overall.
I wasn't sure I'd like this when it started. "Folk punk", eh? Odd combo, but it won me over. The folk songwriting delivered with an additional dose of energy was a fun combo. A fantastic poet, this Mr. Bragg.
Занимљиво 7/10
Good listening, nicely structured songs, great lyrics.
Overall this is my kind of music though I struggled with the vocals. That mandolin hit just right on the instrumental of There Is Power in a Union.
Actually pretty good! I liked this style of music and I especially liked how political the whole album was. I like political songs (as long as they are for the correct side lol)
Love the music, love the politics
i say union, u say power
"Talking With the Taxman About Poetry" von Billy Bragg ist ein tiefgehendes Album der 80er. Die Stimme in "Greetings to the New Brunette" erinnert mich lebhaft an den charakteristischen Sound dieser Dekade. "Honey, I'm a Big Boy Now" beginnt mit einem nostalgischen Anklang, der mich an die typischen Melodien der Oliver Onions erinnert. Am meisten beeindrucken mich die Texte, die von leidenschaftlichen Protestsongs bis zu zarten romantischen Liedern reichen, was das Album in meiner Welt zu einem vielschichtigen, aber auch emotionalen Werk macht.
I was late discovering Billy Bragg, so I wasn’t familiar with this album. What a treat! I appreciated the light touch taken on production. Just folk music being folksy. 4.0
I never folk punk was a genre, those seemed like oxymorons to me, nonetheless, this was pretty good. 4/5
This is a solid album. I like Billy Bragg a lot but for some reason don't find myself listening to his music all that often. I like the sparse production that he tends to go with in these earlier albums, though this one turns that up a bit. I really like a few of the earlier tracks on the album but definitely feel like it gets stronger on the second half. I think this is better than the average album, especially with the lyrical content, but considering I don't find myself going to it that often, I'm going with a 4/5. Standout Tracks: Greetings to the New Brunette, The Marriage, Ideology, Levi Stubbs' Tears, Help Save the Youth of America, The Passion
I liked the instruments on this one a lot., particular the synths. Pretty neat! The accent threw me off at first but you’ll get used to it. While it certainly lacks in areas, it’s still worthwhile for the most part.
This was really cool and I look forward to checking out more of his work.
Better songwriter than singer . Levi Stubbs’ Tears the standout track here.
I give this one a big hell yeah.
I enjoyed this one. Good songs. Liked the pro-worker stuff and the songs critical of adult men being lazy and them being incurious.
I was already a little familiar with Billy Bragg already, so I thought I would enjoy this. Turns out I was absolutely right, it's a fun and easy to listen to album that tries to say a lot too. Lyrics can be a little clunky at times, but his passion makes it work. The guitar playing is great and I love the little touches of keys and horns that pop up on odd songs. Will be playing 'Greetings to the New Brunette' often now, what a song.
I didn't know this guy before but he sounds like milder Clash and incredibly british. The first half of the album, which was more punk, was amazing. Unfortunately the second half, which was more folk, fell off. He should sing punk, it suits him more. Stand-outs: Greetings to the New Brunette, Wishing the Days Away
Had very low expectations going into this listen, but wow what a pleasant surprise! Billy Bragg sounds like a cockney Morrissey, so there was something oddly familiar about an artist and songs we’ve absolutely never heard before. I really liked this though, the “folk punk” sound is matched with equally impactful lyrics and I love the strong pro-union sentiments throughout. I thought the album was just a bit long and started to meander at the end. But the final track of “Hold the Fort” was beautiful and really brought the album home.
Bon folk,auteur compositeur interprète. C'est le genre d'album que jaime genre de folk rock, avec uune petit voix country. 4
Enjoyed this. Although Marr was wasted on his tracks! Like an angry, young Alan Bennett with a guitar.
✊✊✊
Brilliant collection of songs, including the fantastic Levi Stubb's Tears!
I wanted to like this more than I did, but I still liked it a lot. I hope to return to this one in the future.
This is Thatcher era discord. Punk and folk in equal parts it’s clear Bragg has a problem with how the United Kingdom was being run. With the help from some friends (Johnny Marr) he crafts a rebellious record filled to the brim with vitriol for The Iron Lady.
I felt a Jim Croce, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie vibe. Simple accompaniment which added to the feels.
I saw Billy Bragg open up for the Barenaked Ladies back in ~1995, sat front and center as he came out playing just a guitar and I felt for the guy - he was so fng passionate and earnest and yet seemed so *nice*. Not sure the BNL crowd was the right audience for his socialist working-class music - it's not that the crowd were rude, just more...indifferent and more-ready to fire boxed of Kraft Dinner in an hour than hear about Levi Stubbs' Tears. I would definitely have said it wasn't my thing but hell - he was fantastic; played a bunch of songs from this album. Which is far better than a previous (later release) entry on the list; his music and message hit so much harder for me when it's mostly just him and his guitar - and I more often go in for big sounding music i.e. completely over the top prog or heavily produced. Bragg is the rare (truly) solo act that I'll listen to. Stick it to the goddamn MAN, Billy. 7/10 4 stars.
This would be great to listen to in a bar - live that is. I can see myself drinking a beer and enjoying this show.
Billy Bragg is swagg
Folk punk. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
More songs about socialism and girls, Bragg here is in fine form - sometimes witty, sometimes touching, always passionate.
I do like Billy Bragg a lot but there's only so long I can listen to him. Great songs, well written, excellent sentiments but can get a bit much for me eventually.
Well, my politics have always been aligned with Billy Bragg's, I have always previously found his earnestness bloody irritating. However, having spent the last year striking after 13 years of a government that make the Marcos regime appear the picture of legitimacy and honesty, Power In A Union actually moved me close to tears. Our government is so crap I now like Billy Bragg. That's shocking. They've broken nearly 40 years of resistance. I'd say it's their only success, save maybe getting gay marriage over the line. In short, the only good Tory is a dead one.
Me encantó y me guardé varias.
One of those albums that I had been meaning to listen to for a long time. I'm glad that I got around to it.
I'm a fan of Billy Bragg since his first LP/EP and though I love his first two releases, his third, Talking With the Taxman About Poetry was a step forward. His sound benefits from minimum contributions other than just himself and still conveys a powerful message and musical power that makes Bragg who he is. Personally, I think it's his strongest album and it's his attempt at a slightly more commercial sound, yet the sound here is still raw and it's catchy and enjoyable before he becomes almost too political and complicated.
Really enjoy Billy Bragg. A few of the later songs weren't as successful. Still really good.
love it, I haven't heard this before!
love the song especially the last few songs really just sounds like a guy playing his guitar and singing and you just like could go to sleep to it because it is so nice
I loved it a lot more than expected. Very much like the Pogues.
This is the reason I signed up. Never heard Bragg before but was shocked by the depth and breadth of this one.
This is a great Bragg album to pick for the list, still got enough solo guitar and sandpaper voice Bard of Barking vibes of pre-Don't Try This...Bragg, but with some other instruments now creeping to make it a more varied listen. in Levi Stubbs Tears, Greetings to the New Brunette, The Home Front some of his best songs.
I bought his first album 'Life's a Riot with Spy vs Spy' and played it to death. To be honest this is basically the same thing with different lyrics but the same sentiment. I like his voice and the crisp guitar. He speaks from the heart so you can't pull the guy- he's unique. C'mon guys, this is Britain's answer to Bobby Dylan...... lol
there's power in the union
8/10 pretty cool! a little too british but I really liked it!
this album is so good!
Oy it's the bloody cure mate. British political music? TRASH. Just kidding. Always remember that an employer asking you to not discuss wages with your coworkers is illegal. Make sure you discuss them especially if you are female. Join a union. Respect your time and your family over work. Fuck the higher ups and fuck the monarchy Score: 80 Art: 60
Excellent folk punk with so much vocal and lyrical excellence. The only thing holding this ever so slightly back from 5 stars is that it gets pretty samey as a whole-album listen.
10/10 accent and 10/10 Ideology (both his political standing and the track itself). I think I prefer the more stripped down feeling of his debut, but this was really enjoyable.
Liked it a lot
I really like Billy Bragg. Pleasant vocals paired with rankle-rousing lyrics and acoustic and/or clean electric guitars. Minimalist in the best way.
There's some good lyricism here.
hey i sure had fun
Je dois bien reconnaître qu'on est très gâtés en ce moment au sein du générateur, avec une succession d'albums a minima bons. Ceci s'explique assez simplement par l'arrivée annoncée du printemps, qui a redonné des couleurs à Robert, qui ressemblait jusqu'alors à un vieux papier peint décrépi.
Voice ranged from great to kinda annoying, but really found myself getting into this, a bit silly at times but also oddly powerful
Like a Red Bragg to a bull.
I love Billy Bragg, and I think this is a really interesting album, sort of a transition point from his first two albums that were really raw and sparse, mainly just Billy and his electric guitar. This album retains some of the raw earnestness of the first two albums but adds some nice instrumentation and a bit more subtlety. 4 stars.
I was wondering why this album was included, rather than "Back to Basics", and that's how I learned that "Back to Basics" is actually a compilation! The shame of it! Anyway, I'm a fan of Bragg's schtick, and even though this album doesn't have "A New England" on it, it's still solid. Fave track - "There is Power in a Union" - still as relevant as ever!
I’d been looking forward to this album since I really liked Mermaid Avenue. I have a lot of respect for Billy Bragg. I’m not sure I’ll return to this album but I enjoyed it all the same.
I found it an in interesting country / folk album, but definitely through a British lens. It's a very odd combination, but England has always had an obsession with American music (the blues, for example). So it's no surprise when they would take something like country and view it through their OWN lens. The second disc (I am going to mention it, although it is not really part of it) was interesting, hearing the songs which varied more. There was more of a protest feel, particularly " Hold The Fort." I appreciated the actual album more, because there was more of a focus in what Bragg was doing there. So yeah, country with a british twang. I dug it.
I've definitely heard of Billy Bragg but I'm not sure I've ever heard Billy Bragg. I couldn't identify a single song of his if you put it in a lineup. That's why I love this list - forces me to actually listen. Look at me and Tom Waits now - we're tight. Bragg is another artist who is acclaimed for a reason - a lot like Elvis Costello I feel. Not necessarily the same style, though they both have a certain unique part rockabilly, part country, part folk, part rock thing. But that je ne sais quoi is cool. Bragg almost has that Celtic feel. Whatever it is, he's got a solid voice that tugs at you, intelligent enough lyrics, and good compositions. Solid album and worth exploring more of his stuff.
Billy Bragg was a name that I had either heard about or read about but this is the first time that I listened to one of his albums. His voice on the opening track reminded me a bit of Andy Partridge. It was different on the other tracks so maybe that was what he was going for there. I really enjoyed the folk punk sound of the album. The songs painted some interesting pictures in my mind while I was listening to them. I think there may have been a few lyrics that would have made more sense if I grew up in England but overall I got the general feeling that he trying to convey. I can't help but feel that if I listened to this on the wrong day it wouldn’t have hit me the way that it did but I finished the album wanting to listen to it again and check out more of his stuff.
Heartfelt, earnest and somewhat naive. Still love it.
This album really grew on me! The first few songs felt pretty uninspiring, so I was expecting more of the same for the rest of the album. But somewhere in there, I totally got it. It really reminded me of the Indigo Girls - it's got that same mix of political songs and love songs, all blended into this style of cute head-banging folk-rock. I'm sure there was some mutual inspiration there, and sure enough, it looks like they've played in concert together several times! "There is Power in a Union" is just such an epic ballad that makes your hairs stand up, almost like Pete Seeger if he was a little more rock and a lot more British. And followed by "Help Save the Youth of America," which just has that infectious righteous-anger energy. And then by the start of Side 2, we take a sudden turn into these beautiful American folk tunes! I had to check that I was still listening to the same album! On the weaker side, I think the album definitely suffers from demo-itus. And to my ears, the awesome and beautiful songs are sprinkled in-between with uninteresting ones that disrupt the flow and don't make too much sense. I think it definitely could have been half as long, with just the essential songs. 3.5/5, but I'll round up to 4 :)
I like Billy Bragg’s willingness to take on Thatcher era politics and be so unabashedly pro-union and pro-working class. The tone of this album seems to oscillate between politics and sad country-ish songs about lost love. The music itself is simple but I think his lyrics are worth highlighting because of their conversational storytelling with a moral message nature. If anything, this album is an I portent document if the anxieties of Billy Bragg’s Britain.
Album #50. Unknown entity to me. Heard the name before, but that it’s. No idea what to expect aside from the album name and cover. Let’s see what we’ve got. Wow, love how this is starting off with Greetings to the New Brunette. Dude and an acoustic guitar, sounding essentially like a live track. Great melody. Heartfelt. Really happy to see the album hold up from start to finish. Love this. Honest. Intimate. Stripped down musical arrangements are one of my favorite styles and this album does this so well. Great album...I'll be coming back.
Music that captures the UK working class. Pretty good!
I really enjoyed this album, I looked it up and 'folk-punk' seems a perfect description. Bragg is unashamedly left-wing and his songs are full of meaning and purpose. I particularly like the line "How can you lie there and think of England // When you don't even know who's in the team" in Shirley, which I now note features the legend Johnny Marr.
Quel chansonnier intéressant! Riches textes doux-amers qui contemplent la vie, l’amour et la société humaines accompagnés simplement, presque de façon amateurs. Fascinant!
The taxman isn't interest Billy lad, he's into levies and impositions and assessments and such, not poetry you soft sod. If you insist on communicating with the taxman, why don't you play him one of your nice punk infused political folk songs instead of droning on about Keats and Ginsberg and such? Good lad.
Good stuff, I want to listen to this more.
cool!
Fantastic album. Familiar with Bragg through his Mermaid Ave series, but this one had some great finds. Will dig into his discog more. 4/5
Billy Bragg is great
Good album.
A socialist voice has never felt more important or relevant than now
Still don't like folk punk, but better than expected. Might even be a 3.5/5.
Pretty good stuff, good lyrics and fiddle playing - but would it kill this guy to have a backing band?
Now, this is more my style. I've been familiar with Billy Bragg forever, but I've never done the deep dive. If you asked, the first song to come to mind would be California Stars, but that's really Wilco. I knew Greetings to the New Brunette and There is Power in a Union, but I wasn't relating either to Bragg. Bell Biv Devoe, now I know.
I really enjoyed this. I always thought of Billy as the guy who plugged into a little Fender amp and sang New England. There’s still some of that here, but every now and then there’s these little auditory surprises.
I can't put my finger on this album about why it seems like something so familiar but it does. Listened to the whole thing in one sitting and didn't have to pause it, or skip a track, etc. Added the first track to a playlist..."Greetings to the New Brunette". Overall, just liked it.
Enjoyable. Faded toward the end of the album but the first disc was excellent.
I’ve herd of the name before and I think I’ve seen the artwork so that’s good… The album opens with the song, greetings to a new brunette, it’s quite good to be fair I do feel I have the faintest memory of this but not too sure. I’am not sure about the backing vocals at the end but other than that it’s good. Train train is a good fast paced track a bit heavier pretty short really good simple track. The marriage starts with some really sweet horns then blissfully goes into this it’s got really strong lyrics on this one. Then is ideologically it’s a very good sonic a nice bit of political folk rock Levi Stubbs’ tears is one I definitely recognised has some great guitar moments in the track as well. Just not one of my favourites. Then is the slow little olden days’y Honey, I’m a big boy now now this is definitely my least favourite so far it’s nice to close off the first half but still not great. There is power in the union is another very political song the guitars at the start were kinda American to me which makes sense it’s a very good song to be fair it’s just there’s so many of these songs around. Help save the youth of America is another recognisable one it’s another good political track. Wishing the days away fully slows the pace down and it has some really nice string work just not my favourite. The passion is another slow jam the hook on this song is great and the lyrics as a whole to be fair. The warmest room turns things op just a little bit for a nice penultimate track I can’t put my finger on this one there’s good moments though. The album ends with the home front it is filled with horns it’s honestly an amazing closer to be honest, good smart English lyrics to close a very English album. Yeah it’s good I can see people disliking this but because of that I swear I’ve herd so much of it before I have to give it a 4.
Entre Jam et Television Personalities trop cool! Prefs: Greetings to the New Brunette, The Marriage, Ideology, There Is Power in a Union, Help Save the Youth of America, The Warmest Room, The Home Front Moins pref: The Passion
C'est un album particulier. Un gars qui chante seul avec sa guitare avec quelques arrangements un peu datés, ce n'est pas un hit instantané. Par contre quand j'ai pris le temps de me concentrer un peu plus sur la chose, j'ai quand même apprécié mon écoute. Comme les autres albums depuis le début de l'aventure, j'ai écouté seulement le volume 1 qui est le disque paru originalement en 1986, comme l'artiste l'avait planifié. Ce n'est pas trop folk, c'est un peu country par moment sans les éléments du style que je n'aime pas habituellement, c'est un peu punk, un peu rock et politique. Ideology poussée autour de 164 BPM avec un band complet pourrait être une chanson de Green Day. Honey, I'm a Big Boy Now avec son piano me rappelle Tom Waits. There Is Power in a Union m'a fait penser à certaines pièces de Japandroids sur l'album Celebration Rock. Help Save the Youth of America ressemble beaucoup à I Fought the Power des Clash. Au final, le minimalisme de l'instrumentation en fait quelque chose qui se démarque du lot et c'est peut-être justement la force de cet album. Pièces préférées: Levi Stubbs' Tears, There Is Power in a Union, Help Save the Youth of America, Ideology
Great album y an undereated indie folk singer. His guitar playing is always distinctive as are his vocals. His politics can get heavy handed at times, but that's easy to overlook. Favourite songs; Levi Stubbs Tears, Help Save the Youth of America, The Warmest Room. 4.4 🌟
Solid
Apart from the folk part really good
I really dig it
Great
I really enjoyed this album . Great lyrics.
What I appreciated about this album is that it wasn't all love songs like many albums have. It scores all the points in the relatability category, being in the point of view of a blue-collar man who has opinions, got dragged into marriage and eventually divorced... Good listen overall.
I had friends in college who were Billy Bragg fans. His earlier stuff really was just an angry voice and a guitar. I didn't get into it so much since I didn't think it was great music for a party and I wasn't much for being angry and alone with it. This album is much more musical, and I found that I enjoyed it more now. I'm still not going to put it on for dinner with friends. A few protest songs are timely; a few are dated. The "love" songs express how feelings aren't enough for a relationship. I really liked the last two songs, since they seemed to go beyond lecturing and scolding and get to some more nuance and a little bit of warmth along the anger. "The Warmest Room" and "The Home Front" both expressed uncertainty and the complications between feelings and ideals. The latter definitely feels appropriate to contemporary times.
Apparently I have heard of Billy Bragg before, but I didn't remember, and I certainly had never listened to this album. It was definitely worth the time. Although after my first listen I wasn't certain that this was for me, I did appreciate the album for the musical interest and the lyrical depth. After a second listen, I liked it more.
My streak of misjudging album covers continues. I was expecting a punk album here. I don't really even know how I would classify this, it's a bit rockabilly, it's a bit dancehall, I guess this would be the Alt-Rock of the 80s. Very much its own thing, and it's super Bri'ish. The more I'm listening to this I can just picture this guy in a pub belting it out. You wouldn't see Billy play a stadium, you'd see him in the pub, it's that kind of vibe. It took a few songs but I got into this album, definitely dug it. There's a lot going on, and it's hard to pin down but it's got a lot of character.
I actually really liked the sound of this album, considering I've never heard of this guy. No recognized songs
This isn't particularly my style of music, but Bragg is certainly engaging as a performer. This isn't an album I see myself coming back to, but it's certainly much more of an interesting listen than it would be in the hands of a less charismatic performer 4/5
yes yes I quite like this
4.0 - Someday I’ll make the good choice to tour the English countryside. One evening I’ll duck into an ancient pub. The local barflies will eye me suspiciously as I order my pint. I’ll walk to the jukebox, attempting to appear unconcerned, and see this album. I’ll remember vaguely having listened to it way back in 2021 but won’t remember any specific track, so I’ll choose one at random. At that moment, a drunk hunched over the bar will suddenly break into a clear, steady tenor. Another bloke will join in, then another and another and soon the whole bar will be singing along full-throatedly. By song’s end, I’ll get a few smiling pats on the back and one geezer might even stand me my second pint.
I love the folky, new age-tinged sound this album has. I'm especially a fan of "Levi Stubbs' Tears"!
A bit 80s but solo electric folk really works.
Really admirable the way he storefronts his voice throughout the album. There's no hiding from your lyrics in this context, and the lyrics hold up. The electric guitar really holds its own too.
3,8 Ja dit is nog wel eens een leuke vibe, maar wel lang, maar kzou miss af en toe een nummerke opzetten.
Dit is prachtig the track of my tears is een geweldige cover Levi stubbs tears... damn Nog geen 5 na eerste listen maar wel heel close
A good album that I didn’t think I would enjoy, but ended up liking. Songs of oppression and strength in unity and unionizing. Not something I would expect out of the mid eighties, but not unwelcome.
Love
4/5 - British James Taylor; the accent is a little off-putting
https://1001albumsgenerator.com/kyleb
More my tempo
really enjoyed this one. finally vocals I can deal with. lots of great instrumentation. the overall sound doesn't get old like many other albums. enjoyed it the whole way through 4.0
So, I wasn't sure what I was expecting prior to giving this album a listen. I'm not a punk fan, but I really enjoyed this album. It does sound a lot like other music within this genre that I've heard before, though. Highlights were Greetings To The New Brunette, Train Train, The Marriage, Levi Stubbs' Tears and Wishing The Days Away, but I liked every song. 4/5 stars.
Love a bit of Billy Bragg. Simple, but very effective. He is a great wordsmith
Young
Iznenadilo me odmah prve četiri pjesme, da su sve dost dobre i to zaredom. Nikad čuo za Billya, ali eto drago mi je da je bio kvalitetan što čujem iz ovog albuma.
Lofi protest folk/punk. Love it!
My impression of Billy Bragg's folk-punk music has always been that it's straightforward, blunt and effective in it's political messages and "Talking With the Taxman About Poetry" is all those things and more. With some horn accompaniment and harmonies chiming in here and there, a more fleshed out version takes shape. Charming and purposeful lyrics sung with a commanding voice, I find myself returning to this album. Fav Tracks: There is Power in a Union, Greetings from the New Brunette, Help Save the Youth of America, Levi Stubb's Tears
Crudo, a solas con su guitarra y poco más. Alcanza cimas muy altas en algunos temas pero no termina de ser el disco redondo que podía llegar a ser. Muy bueno.
quite fun :)
He reminded me I have to do my taxes...
Billy Bragg is folk-punk. He sings a lot about left-wing politics. This is one of his less well-known albums. Apparently he played with Wilco for a while?
I do enjoy a good brit. Great tunes
Solid album, i liked the more upbeat songs the best, cover of the tracks of my tears was amazing.
Wasn't expecting to like it that much, but there's a great mix of catchy songs and different sounds here.
Surprised, much better than I expected
Pretty good, Closer to a 3.5
2.75
I've mixed feelings about Billy Bragg aka the Bard of Barking. The original punk folk poet, I agree with most of his political leanings such as shown in Power of the Union (a standout on this album) and adore the song about Scousers never buying the Sun (sadly not here) He was very committed to the miners and the left in Thatcher's Britain in the 80s. Also love the Mermaid Avenue collection with Wilco. And what a great album title ... Talking with the taxman about poetry. These days I'm too TERFY for him though. But this album shows him at he is - committed, romantic, political, earnest, and with some great tunes but maybe not enough unfortunately. 3 stars.
Not bad -- kinda punk-ish, folk-ish. Expecting a lot worse from other reviews, but I could kind of see the appeal (but again, not worthy of this list). 3*
1032 - "Here's your juice box and orange slice. Thanks for coming."
English singer Billy Bragg claims to be talking about poetry here. Maybe, although he definitely is talking about relationships and politics. This is another British artist who is fascinated by USA culture (track about Levi Stubbs, one titled “Help Save the Youth of America”, and a Jack Ruby reference). The album does have a nice variety of music, so let’s give it 3.5 stars.
Is this our first Billy Bragger? I think so. I know he's very popular, both among the hipsters of yesteryear and my students today. Can't go two weeks without hearing 'There Is Power in a Union', not that I've ever been in a union (not that I've ever had the chance to, I should say). I do like that his (English) accent is noticeable to an extent that is rare in songs. And the lyrics are good and the music is mostly unobjectionable. But I don't really like his voice that much. It's like a less interesting Bob Dylan-Robert Smith hybrid. Highlights: 'There is Power in a Union', 'Help Save the Youth of America' (except the unnecessary gendering in lines like "Help save the boys in uniform / Their mothers and their faithful girls" tyvm) Don't mind me, I'm just yearning for the Magnetic Fields: another HDH shoutout here - "Holland and Holland and Lamont Dozier too"
Not as bad as I thought it would be, but once youve heard one youve heard them all
This was very campy in a classy kind of way. Fun listen but nothing new here.
Music is fine but voice is okay
It was an eh album
I can imagine listening to this in your room and feeling so punk and so political.
I recently described a Morrissey album as “the most British album I’ve ever heard”. I was wrong - this beats that one.
I'm a big fan of Mermaid Avenue, the album. That's a collaboration between Billy Bragg, who I've not heard solo before, and Wilco, who I also have to admit I ought to know but don't. Together, they do unreleased Woody Guthrie songs. Brilliant album. Thus, I was excited to listen to this one, but it did not grab me the same way at all. I'll do a re-listen, but Mermaid Avenue may be a lightning-in-a-bottle sort of thing.
Basically every other song here was good, I generally liked the more groovy ones like The Warmest Room
Like this one, with the working class themes and stripped down sound recorded quite well.
Like it 3/5
2.92
Man, this guy should do a Woody Guthrie cover album. I bet that would sound awesome based on his style on this album.
I wanted to like the theme of an early punk rock/folk protest album but man this was boring as hell. Entertaining enough to keep 3 stars but I'll probably never revisit this
good
I like how British it is. Working class struggle shit. It's cool.
Eh
A bit M'Eh, not bad at all but more background noise that something I'd activily listen to. A pity as I had high hopes for this
British folk punk political gobbledygook. He sounds like he really cares about whatever he's saying. I liked it well enough
yeah man we got tom waits at home
It’s really gooby to be like “I just don’t really like singer songwriter stuff” as a default, but it’s the truth. Bragg is cool and good, but ultimately this is just too much of something I don’t have all that much patience for.
it was fine, average
For as much as Billy Bragg is compared to Woody Guthrie and other fokly protest singers, there's a surprising amount of musical variety on this album. The opening song sounds like a jangly post punk song, making the transition to the bluesy song after it a bit jarring. Bragg gets a lot of sounds out of his acoustic guitar, from upbeat modern numbers to more traditional sounding folk tunes. The melodies on most of the songs are quite nice. The lyrics are really the draw here though, and I find them just OK. The political songs are cutting and direct, but they never seem to land the bit hit that a good protest song should. Most of the other songs are stories, and they're often more interesting because they make their points more subtly. A really pleasant album but one that doesn't really ever wow me.
Billy es toda una figura, un moderno trovador con algunos temas realmente buenos (She's Got A New Spell Album) además de la colaboración con Wilco en los imprescindibles Mermaid Avenue. Podríamos decir que es un cruce entre Costello, The Clash y Guthrie, que no es poco. Comprometido y activo, recordemos su gira con Style Council , Jerry Dammers (The Specials) y los Communards. La verdad es que suena de maravilla desde ese luminoso Greetings to the New Brunette o el potente Train Train. El brillo de los vientos en The Marriage, que podrían haber inspirado a R. Smith en The 13th... Ideology que podría ser una actualización indie del Mr. Tambourine man de los Byrds (comparten alguna melodía). Honey I´m a big boy now rezuma music hall. El tema más conocido es Levi Stubbs' Tears, dedicado al líder de los Four Tops que luego sería un mayor éxito con Beats International (la banda que formó Norman Cook después de Housemartins y antes de ser Fatboy Slim). Hay también una estupenda versión acústica de The Tracks of My Tears de los Miracles, y otra de Count Bishop (Train Train). Muy buen disco, que no envejece, y eso hablando de los 80´s es mucho decir. Además cuenta con Johnny Marr (The Smiths) and Kirsty MacColl.
Waow! The more things change the more they stay the same, am I right fellas?
Sorta sounds like pub music. Even the recording sounds a bit like Billy Bragg is playing through his pedal board and out through a pub’s shitty PA system. I like the music well enough, and his voice doesn’t bother me like it seems to bother a lot of folks on here, and I guess I’d prefer this over some super slick studio production, but I wish he’d employed musicians to flesh it all out for the recording; it honestly sounds like most of this was composed and performed with a mic, a guitar, the world’s shittiest chorus and reverb pedal effects, and a synth. 6.5/10
I listened to this and by the time be of the day I forgot what it sounds like.
There's good stuff here. I enjoyed the sparse instrumentation, and politically I can absolutely get on board. Not something I see myself going out of my way to listen to, but glad I've heard it.
понятно
The Good: We get to talk about poetry! The Bad: Who wants to talk to a taxman? The Ugly: The working class delivery to be more… working class? So, according to Apple Music, this is a double album… and trust me, this should not be a double album. Unless you like to get punished… The protest songs aren’t bad. The instrumentations isn’t either. But the fucking voice… Then, on side two, all of a sudden, I started listening to songs that I could really get into… to find out that those were not sung by Billy B… Guess he needs to stop bragging… 3*
Folk rock with a bit of a punk edge. Many of the songs were just some pleasant guitar and singing, but the mix of electric and acoustic guitar makes it seem less minimalist. I really enjoyed the political anthem Ideology, but I'll admit part of the fun was hearing his strong accent.
Two frickin discs is a disc too many. Also way for the vocals to take me right the hell out of this listen. At this point in my journey of this list it just feels pretty generic compared to others here. Overall the music itself isnt bad and has a pretty solid presence but those vocals just dont match up well enough, weird thing to harp on but I cant move past it.
Such an unpleasant accent. The songs were decent and often enjoyable but man oh man had this bozos voice worn out its welcome by song 3
ok union man go off!! if i were the playlist sort i could see myself setting aside a few tracks for future listening but i'm not especially moved by this album as a whole. i think because to me, this has a very similar sound to other british acts of the era that i prefer. while i appreciate some of the lyrics and where this fits in the evolution of folk punk it's nothing that stands out to me personally. fav: there is power in a union
Love some good folk punk!
Rock de Pub com discussão política alcoolizada. Bem legal! Celest Pandamon.
I like Billy Bragg, and love some of his songs, but this is too long. Maybe Bragg is more of an "in the mood" vibe as I think on the right day, maybe hanging out with friends and bbq, this would slap. But as a general listen it's a little too meh.
It’s not bad but forgettable..
Enjoyed it after resisting it for most of the listen 😂
It's probably 2,5 stars for me. Rounding upwards because it wasn't really bad. I liked the acoustic guitar here.
3/5 Favorite Song: There Is Power in a Union
i quite like the idea of Billy Bragg, this gruff commie-poet of the masses who leaves aside subtlety for a kind of gleaming directness, but it's these lovely qualities that also inform the worst parts of his songs. there are clunky lyrics, boring tunes, the same themes warmed over and over - but god, when he's good, that earnestness and steadfastness will bring a tear to my eye quicker than most things. many of the more personal songs are lovely, and then there is the Power that one can find in a Union, a song that is so diamond-cut and eternal i genuinely thought it was a standard. to me, in the circles i run in, maybe the last genuine folk song. not my favorite record by a guy i wish i could love more consistently, but man, when it hits it hits!
Whiny londoner
6.5/10
Huh, not my usual cup o tea. Very vocal-driven music with simple, raw guitar strumming, almost like a modern bard - he is acctually more of a political poet than anything else. Many can't stand his raunchy voice and british accent, so be warned. Suprisingly very touching for me, and works very wll, without any fancy effects added in mastering. His musical range was also quite striking with Socialist Union-Songs, more mainstream-fit 'britpop'-ish music all the way to folk-songs on disc 2. 👏🏼
-mayakovsky title makes me kindly inclined towards this album -"greetings to the new brunette" HI? -i love when singers sing with their accents :-) -all in all i liked it!
This is another one I will need to revisit. The problem with this list is that I need to give more time than I have. I will go back and listen to this one and probably redo my review. It was okay though, definitely English folk in the way some of the early folk pioneers told their stories. It's not so much about the singing as it is getting your message out. Sometimes I am in the mood for it, but most times I am not.
Es ist ein sympathisches, handfestes Folk‑Album aus politischem Biss und Alltagsromantik ohne immer die ganz großen Funken zu schlagen. Die Songs wirken oft wie kleine Straßenszenen mit Gitarre, direkt, ehrlich, manchmal etwas spröde. Stücke wie „Greetings to the New Brunette“ oder „Levi Stubbs’ Tears“ zeigen seine Stärke: warme Melodien, klare Haltung, ein rauer Charme.
7/10 - Really liked this. There's a lot of great story telling here. Adding to my short list to listen to in a dark room. I can see myself coming back and rating this higher Fav Tracks: Greeting to the New Brunette, The Warmest Room, Honey, I'm a Big Boy Now Heard before? ---–- ❌ Saved a Song? ----- ✅ Saved Album? --–-- ✅ Will Listen Again? -- ✅ Album Cover -------tax man be hungry
liked the message, dislike the vocals.
Don't like but do respect
I enjoyed it
Not bad.
Not a lover of Billy Bragg’s politics or the way he tends to preach and stick his views down our throats. But I do warm to the down to earth ‘Englishness’ of his music. His style is unique and whilst he would probably claim to have influences from around the world, the way he delivers his music is firmly rooted in England. So I do celebrate this even though his voice after a while does tend to grate at your senses. 🏴 3/5 25/5/26
Great writing, but the performance is definitely lacking. Feels like there should be a full band to lift the melodies and energy, but it’s always just a guitar or two that can only do so much. But I appreciate the political messaging, reminds me of Guthrie or today’s Jesse Welles.
Light punk, a touch of prog and… country? I’ll take the light punk and prog, and leave the country.
nice, would never have come across this if it wasn't for this list. not my genre though.
Bright and sharp - god bless the civil servants! Love how his voice makes me think "I could do that, as long I believed in what I had to say". Favourite tracks: Ideology, Levi Stubbs' Tears, There Power In A Union
Power to the people
Give me the music without the vocals.
Ihan mielenkiintoista folkia, jossa laulettiin työväenluokan ongelmista yms. Voisin joskus kuunnella uudestaan.