Reviews (page 3 of 8)
This could easily have been a Them and Us album. Bill Vs Wilco. Instead it sounds seamless as they chop and change, sharing duties. Behind the scenes and apparently all was not well. But that doesn't stop both sides pulling off a tough ask. Woody would have approved.
If you listen to this as merely a split album between Billy Bragg and Wilco, it would be a pretty good album on its own. But the story behind it makes it a lot more interesting. Bragg was selected by Woody Guthrie's daughter to go through thousands of pages of unused lyrics to bring them to life. Wisely, she sought out Bragg because she wanted a folk artist with a modern edge to them, rather than trying to explicitly sound like her father. It was too much for Bragg to do on this own, so he enlisted Wilco to record half of the songs. The result is that Guthrie's voice got new life many decades after he died. Given the continued state of the world, Woody Guthrie continues to feel relevant. The experience was apparently meaningful enough to the artists that they went back to two sequels. The albums are a very cool blend of history and modern music. Guthrie isn't features in this challenge because he was never really an album artist. I'm glad to know that he could still fit in in some way though.
Vibes. Some hits. Some misses for me but overall enjoyable
Didn't really listen to closely to it, but what I heard, I liked.
Album is great, but California Stars is an all-timer.
A surprisingly good album. Seems like it could easily slip into a mess of different styles. The Natalie Merchant song is great.
i don't mind some alternative country! billy bragg and wilco collaborated together to make music based on the lyrics of late american folk singer woody guthrie. many tracks are about political commentary and personal reflections. the album is breezy, and nostalgic. the kind of music that a man would play sitting on his front porch with a guitar in hand and a dog by his side. the album doesn't try to mimic guthrie's music, having a much softer and more modern take on the lyrical content. it's a pleasant listen. it's like the band is casually flipping through guthrie's diary.
Weird all over the place sorta album, but it's got some bangers
mjög gott. blanda af bresku fólki og bandaríska alt-köntríinu kemur vel út. skipta lögum til helminga. 4.
I like Billy Bragg and I was unsure about Wilco- but this record actually plays beautifully - understated good songs throughout with a tasteful alt country take to Bragg. On the second listen I found myself already warm to quite a few of the songs and while it’s a little too long for my taste it’s a strong record.
I remember being introduced to Billy Bragg through some album that got a lot of attention in, maybe, the 90s. I hated that album and didnt understand the hype. I stayed away from Billy Bragg ever since. Therefore, I expected to hate this album, but I definitely liked it. It really didn't sound anything like I remember the other one being. The other felt like a lot of yelling. This was enjoyable.
listened to again great album, bumped up from last listen
California Stars is a standout but I like it overall
As a longtime Billy Bragg fan, I’ll admit this review comes with a bit of bias—but I was thrilled to see one of his albums included in the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Well deserved, Billy! Before today, I didn’t realize that this album was built around previously unreleased lyrics by the legendary Woody Guthrie. That alone makes the project remarkable. The album itself is a joy. It offers a little bit of everything—heart, grit, warmth, and soul. Natalie Merchant’s guest vocals are a standout, adding a beautiful texture and depth that complement the material perfectly. “California Stars” is an all-time classic—dreamy, wistful, and unforgettable. “Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key” is another gem, rich in melody and storytelling. Honestly, there’s not a bad track here. Favourite Songs: “California Stars,” “Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key” Least Favourite: None—every track brings something worthwhile. Album Artwork: A great cover that fits the timeless, rootsy feel of the music.
Really enjoyed that
This was a solid folksy album. I could easily mistake this for something from Corb Lund, but maybe it's the reverse - I could mistake Corb Lund for Billy Bragg. The only song from here I've heard before is "California Stars".
Great idea from the Guthrie archive. Billy Bragg is a great choice. Wilco was so-so. Five for Billy’s songs. Three for Wilco’s
4 - great album. Loved the folksy country sound
Very nice album. I really enjoy Birds and Ships a lot!
This album evokes memories of experiences that feel familiar but that I have never had (and maybe neither has Billy Bragg), including being in a crowded dive bar in Minnesota or heading on a sunny road trip in a cream coloured 1981 Buick Estate. A lifting, easy listening album that provides good vibes on an early summer afternoon.
I liked this album. I could get into these guys. I feel regret I did not when I was younger.
There's no questioning Woody Guthrie's lyrical genius and they've pulled it off pretty well here.
4.01. Love good folk and lyrics
Enjoyable!
California Stars is on a short list of my favorite songs ever written. Way Over Yonder In the Minor Key (always thought it was saying "Monarchy") is a nice folksy ballad with support from Natalie Merchant. She shines on the next track Birds and Ships, which is another favorite of mine. Hoodoo Voodoo is a rude awakening after Birds and Ships with the quirky organs that sound almost like an Elvis Costello song. This one is a 4 in my heart. I rarely play it through, but always enjoy it when I do.
Fun that this is done with Wilco. Listened to this one twice. First listen hit around that 3.5 realm, but another listen definitely bumped it up to that low/mid 4. An interesting blend of a great country voice with some folky/alternative vibes to keep it upbeat when needed.
30 odd albums in and this is the first time I've given a little woohoo of joy on seeing today's album. What a great record. Billy Bragg is a little less Billy Bragg than he usually is. Wilco are still the punchy, brilliant Wilco of summerteeth, Woody Guthrie is still truth personified. And oh sweet Mary mother of god Natalie Merchant. 98 I was, somewhat, truth be told, considerably up my own arse. not as up it as I was earlier nor so far as I was later, by any means, I grant you, but this record told me some truth then I needed telling and a whole bunch more I get told a full 27 years later. I miss those days and I wish I'd heard this record with the wisdom of 27 more years in me when I heard it back then. I.l miss the me i coulda been in 98
Another album I’d never heard of…and I’m bummed! This is a fantastic album. Kudos to the Guthrie project for the idea of it. I’ve got a lot of listening to do!
chill
Walt Whitman’s Niece
Some of this was pretty good, some didn't do much for me. Inspired me to go listen to Woodie Guthrie though so it gets a boost for that.
Nice collab! Good songs!
This album is such a mixed bag for me. I loved the first three songs, especially California Stars. Then a stretch of songs I didn’t care for, then the delightful Ingrid Bergman came on. Hard to rate this, but I guess I’ll be generous and give it a 4.
I don’t quite remember how I got to this album years ago (probably was the intersection of Wilco, a band I like, with Billy Bragg, a singer I knew more through his collaborations with R.E.M.), but California Stars and Walt Whitman’s Niece have been longtime favorites. It was good to listen to the album again, which is overall solid. Listening to Natalie Merchant sing anything will also always be a joy.
This was really good. The few tracks that stray away from country/folk were less enjoyable which stopped it from hitting a full 5, but it was close.
I was never really a fan of this album. But I always kind of like it. And it still hasn't changed.
Great reinterpretation of woody Guthrie tracks.
A fine set of tunes
No Woody Guthrie albums on the list, just this? This is a fitting way to honour Woody, the playing and songwriting is sympathetic to the lyrical material. The recording quality is to modern tastes, but I like Wilco's restraint in keeping the presentation unfussy and spacious, and a little rough-hewn. I like these songs more than the couple of Wilco albums I have reviewed. Great hear Natalie Merchant on a few songs (although her harmony singing, fine though it is, made me wonder what Emmylou Harris would have done on this record). Billy Bragg is an odd pairing on a decidedly Americana album, but I do think he can sing Woody Guthrie lyrics with credibility. I believe that he believes what he is singing. best songs are frontloaded on the record, and the second side drags a bit. 3.5 stars, rounding up because I can still hum some of the tunes.
I'd never heard of this before and started listening before learning anything about it. My first thought was that the lyrics were great but the music/arrangements could use some work. After finding out the lyrics were written by Woody Guthrie that makes sense. I still really enjoyed it. Another good job of this list finding an album I probably wouldn't have found on my own.
Good, really low-key. Will come back to again.
A real find for me, lovely
I'm always up for some Wilco.
A really nice collection of tunes. I usually come down on the Son Volt side of the Uncle Tupelo split -- but this was probably the most accessible Wilco I've heard. Just good stuff to have on in the background -- a good listen.
Lots going on here. Irish folk elements, bob dylan emulation. It's folksy, catchy, borderline annoyed me. There was one song that made me want to turn it off, but I vibed with the rest. 3.5/5, but I'll give it a 4, feeling nice.
Really good.
Won’t go out of my way to listen again, but this was a pleasant surprise! Liked the Wilco tracks more than Bragg’s, but pretty good overall
Surprised me how much I liked this album. Immediately went down a Bragg/Wilco rabbit hole.
In the East End of London born and raised On the cobbled street is where I spent most of my days Chillin' out, maxin', relaxin' all cool And all jellied eels and winkles outside of the school When a couple of geezers who were up to no good Started causing grief in my neighbourhood I got in one little fight and my ma just knew And said "You're movin' with your auntie on Mermaid Avenue"
4/5
I really enjoyed this one.
This project is precisely the kind of thing that could seem like a good idea on paper, but could fall apart in execution. Fortunately, not the case. California Stars is a monster. Other good tunes: One by One, Minor Key, Whitman's Niece.
Not a huge fan of either of these artists, but this works. "Mermaid Avenue" augments Bragg's miserable onanism with more authentic alt-country rock, and gives Wilco a more intelligent and political edge. So it turns out two negatives can make a positive.
I really enjoyed this album, it has some great tracks.
An excellent collection of folk rock and vintage country. A mix of vocalists and a variety of moods and styles make this a nice listen front to back. The context of the album feels important. Unused lyrics by Woody Guthrie were turned into full songs decades later by Billy Bragg and Wilco as a sort of tribute and posthumous collaboration. Interesting, thoughtful idea. But the songs also work nicely without the backstory. Warm, friendly, inviting music.
This is a great approach of an album. I feel the history of Guthrie, but still the freshness of Wilco and Bragg. This is also the only time I've enjoyed listening to Bragg.
decent effort, collaborating with another artist to put music to Woody Guthrie words
I liked this album but I think I could’ve died completely content never having heard it
California stars is still the stand out but I hadn’t known how good some of the other tracks were until this relisten. A family favorite.
Serves as both a loving tribute to Guthrie and a strong piece of music. Nice to hear Natalie Merchant pop up here and there too.
## In-Depth Review of *Mermaid Avenue* by Billy Bragg and Wilco *Mermaid Avenue*, released in 1998, is a collaborative album featuring British singer-songwriter Billy Bragg and American band Wilco. This project is unique as it sets to music a selection of unpublished lyrics from the legendary folk musician Woody Guthrie, curated by his daughter, Nora Guthrie. The album not only pays homage to Guthrie's legacy but also revitalizes his words through contemporary musical interpretations. This review will explore the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also outlining its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrics of *Mermaid Avenue* are derived from Woody Guthrie's extensive collection of unfinished works. The collaboration between Bragg and Wilco allowed these previously unheard words to come alive in a new context. - **Playfulness and Depth**: The lyrics range from whimsical to deeply reflective. For instance, "Walt Whitman's Niece" opens the album with a lively tone, showcasing Guthrie's playful spirit. In contrast, songs like "At My Window Sad and Lonely" delve into themes of longing and melancholy. - **Political Undertones**: Many tracks echo Guthrie's political activism. "Christ for President" stands out as a raucous anthem that critiques political systems, resonating with contemporary issues. This duality in the lyrics—balancing humor with serious commentary—captures the essence of Guthrie's voice. - **Emotional Resonance**: Songs such as "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key," featuring Natalie Merchant, evoke a sense of nostalgia and tenderness. The emotional weight of these lyrics illustrates Guthrie's ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. ### Music Musically, *Mermaid Avenue* blends folk, rock, and Americana influences, creating a sound that is both modern and rooted in tradition. - **Bragg's Folk Roots**: Billy Bragg’s contributions are characterized by his signature acoustic guitar work and a straightforward vocal style that emphasizes storytelling. Tracks like "Ingrid Bergman" showcase his ability to convey intimacy through simple arrangements. - **Wilco's Americana Flair**: Wilco brings a more eclectic sound to the project. Their tracks often incorporate elements of alt-country and rock, evident in songs like "California Stars," which features lush instrumentation including steel guitar and violin. This combination enhances the lyrical depth with rich musical textures. - **Production Quality**: The production of *Mermaid Avenue* is polished yet retains an organic feel. The instrumentation is carefully layered, allowing each element—vocals, guitar, strings—to shine without overshadowing the others. This balance creates an inviting atmosphere for listeners. ### Themes The themes explored in *Mermaid Avenue* reflect both Woody Guthrie's original intentions and the contemporary perspectives of Bragg and Wilco. - **Social Justice**: Many songs address themes of inequality and workers' rights, echoing Guthrie’s lifelong commitment to social activism. The track "I Guess I Planted" serves as a celebration of labor victories, reinforcing the album's political relevance. - **Love and Longing**: Alongside its political messages, the album also delves into personal relationships. Songs like "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key" express romantic yearning, showcasing Guthrie's versatility as a lyricist who could navigate both personal and societal narratives. - **Nostalgia for Simplicity**: The juxtaposition of modern life with simpler times is another recurring theme. This is particularly evident in tracks that reflect on lost eras or simpler joys, creating a sense of longing that resonates with listeners today. ### Influence *Mermaid Avenue* has had a lasting impact on both folk music and popular culture since its release. - **Revitalizing Folk Music**: The album reintroduced Woody Guthrie’s work to a new generation while also bridging traditional folk with contemporary sounds. It demonstrated how folk music could evolve while remaining relevant to current social issues. - **Inspiration for Future Artists**: The collaboration between Bragg and Wilco has inspired numerous artists to explore similar projects that honor musical legacies while infusing them with new life. It paved the way for other artists to engage with historical figures through modern interpretations. - **Cultural Significance**: By bringing attention to Guthrie’s unpublished works, *Mermaid Avenue* contributed significantly to the preservation of his legacy within American music history. It reaffirmed Guthrie’s status as a foundational figure whose messages continue to resonate. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Innovative Collaboration**: The partnership between Bragg and Wilco successfully merges different musical styles while honoring Guthrie’s spirit. - **Lyrical Depth**: The album features rich lyrics that balance humor with poignant social commentary. - **Emotional Range**: It captures a wide array of emotions—from joy to sadness—making it relatable across different audiences. - **Production Quality**: High-quality production enhances the listening experience without compromising authenticity. #### Cons - **Inconsistent Track Quality**: While many songs shine, some may feel less impactful compared to standout tracks. - **Pacing Issues**: The album’s flow can be uneven at times; transitions between upbeat and slower songs may disrupt listener engagement. - **Limited Accessibility for Some Audiences**: Listeners unfamiliar with folk traditions may find certain styles or themes less appealing or relatable. ### Conclusion *Mermaid Avenue* stands as a remarkable tribute to Woody Guthrie’s legacy while showcasing the talents of Billy Bragg and Wilco. Through its thoughtful lyrics, diverse musical arrangements, and exploration of timeless themes such as love and social justice, the album not only honors its source material but also breathes new life into it for contemporary audiences. Despite some minor shortcomings in track consistency and pacing, its overall impact is profound—both as a work of art and as an essential piece of music history that continues to inspire future generations.
This is better than just regular Wilco. I enjoyed it so much, I listened twice. 3.5 stars.
Wasn't really too intrigued by this until I found out it was all Woody Guthrie songs. Seems a little sacrilegious to have a British guy singing them, but he proved me completely wrong. 4/5.
Loved this!!!! Laurel Canyon Cowboy shit hell yeah. Unapologetically cool and melodic. I always skirted around Wilco in my indie music absorbing. I always chalked them up to a dave matthews wannabe. But this album sorta changed my perspective.
Better than last Wilco album i was given
I like these 2 artists paired on this album better than anything theyve done before or since. Just great roots rock
Woah! Real fun folk, and couple great songs!
I don’t even know what to write. Some tracks were great. Some were blah. Was it Wilco? Was it Billy Bragg? Who was the woman? Do I like Wilco now? Am I a pothead now?
Never heard this album before but was humming the first 3 tracks all day afterward. None of the rest of the album really compares to the strong open but still a solid album.
Lovely album. Easy listening. Pure domestic vibes.
It's super solid. Not my favorite stuff but it has a lot going for it.
i really enjoyed this. few misses but overall great
Favorite Track: Hesitating Beauty
Wow this album rocks. I have been a passive fan of Wilco but this is really good. Def will end up in rotation.
First listen. Surprised by this one. Pretty good.
reading the history of this album colared by entire reading of this album. it's great, but knowing it's woody guthrie lyrics taken into wilco and billy bragg's hands pushes it up a star.
Nice vibe and clean. American sound
Very known quantity, Wilco much more tolerable in this context and they still had that Jay guy. Natalie Merchant always a cool feature. Really a cool collaborative effort taking big Woody's stuff and making something really beautiful out of it. Christ for president, please.
So good!
Varied, charming - especially good work from guest star Natalie Merchant on these songs with lyrics by Woody Guthrie, found in his archive, and then put to music by Billy Bragg and Wilco. Way Over Yonder In A Minor Key is a standout
This is mood one.
Folk, wandering between pop and rock
Enjoyed it from start to finish and I couldn’t think of anything to make fun of while it played (a rarity for me), so…4 stars.
Some really good songs and production/performance here. I enjoyed it a lot. There are a few less notable tracks but really good to hear this as I never would've bothered without the tip-off.
Y'know the more I've gone through this list, the more I've realized that I actually really like country rock. I was familiar with Wilco before this album (I love the song 'Jesus etc.'), but this was a first for me regarding Billy Bragg. He seems like a pretty cool guy when reading up on him - and that certainly shows on this record. Billy and Jeff Tweedy of Wilco take turns doing the lead vocals on these songs - though I can't decide who I like more with Billy's more outwardly country accentuations or Jeff's more streamlined indie rock flow. What I do know is that every song was a bop, with my favorites being 'She Came Along To Me' and the somber closer 'The Unwelcome Guest'. Instrumentally you're getting the easily digestible sounds and motifs that you'd typically associate with country rock; though it never really comes off as generic - likely due to just how great the songwriting is here. Dug this thing a lot - more than I ever thought I would in fact.
Went into this album blind. Gound myself really enjoying it- its a beautiful blend of simplicity with strong emotion. The singers and instrumentation vary a lot, filling the album with a lot of highs and lows. A lot of catchy songs too- I even went back to re-listen to a few. Reading up on the history of the album, its a recording of unpublished Woody Guthree songs. You can hear the american folk influence- Billy Bragg does a great job capturing the sound and soul of early folk music. Overall- a nice album. A 3.5/5 for me personally but I feel like it earns a 4 star.
I can't remember why exactly, but this was my first exposure to Wilco, and even after becoming more acquainted with their music, this remained my favorite of theirs for a while. I think the band's early sound combined with Bragg's vocal delivery was a perfect vehicle for what a modern Woody Guthrie might sound like.
Нормальный альбом, много песен как в фильмах
I’m a fan of Billy Bragg and have seen him live multiple times dating back to the 1980’s. So I am happy to see he has two albums on this list. It is just aggravating that one of them is this one, and not Workers Playtime, which is one of my top 5 albums ever. Check it out if you have time. This album contains songs that are found lyrics of Woody Guthrie, put to music by Billy and the members of Wilco. It’s a good album, very good even. Taste of Americana via Britain. Billy is a student of American labor history (huge workers’ rights advocate) and of American folk music. He does Woody justice with these songs.
I really enjoyed it. Loved the one with Natalie Merchant
Poetry
No private session used for Spotify, no point as I have listened to this album a fair bit. I like it's mellow, twangy and folksy enough to be different, but not too twangy and folksy to be too much. This goes into music for when I am waking up category.
Really good stuff, very much my thing, though I have to unfairly knock it down a star because Airline to Heaven is on Volume 2. Unfair I know but I don’t make the rules.
I liked this more than I thought I would, although I feel like these interpretations of the lyrics were a bit on the nose. How cool would it be to do something more rock ‘n’ roll, punk, or heavy metal with these lyrics?
this was a really good country indie sounding album the vocals were great and it stayed interesting
California Stars is such a wonderful song. There’s nothing else on here that’s as good. But there’s also nothing that far away from it either. A pretty special album that hovers somewhere between 4 and 5⭐️
This one was a lot of fun and I had no idea who this artist was
I love Billy Bragg and have done for years, his politics his song writing his simple sounding guitar that is actually quite difficult. I did not know until now however that this album is all Woody Guthrie's unused lyrics, thank you for the Wikipedia link. Stand out tracks: - Walt Whitman's Niece - California Stars - Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key - Birds and Ships - Ingrid Bergman - Eisler On The Go - Another Man's Done Gone
Sweet sweet goodness! Thankful to have this in my ears! This was beautiful - from the raucous beginning to the satisfying end. I loved the harmonica, the chorale, the Americana - what an experience. Honorable mentions: - Walt Whitman’s Niece - Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key - Hesitating Beauty - The Unwelcome Guest
It’s hard not to admire Woody Guthrie. A prolific songwriter of American folk music, and an icon in American culture. To me, he almost feels like a mythical figure. Songs that he wrote have become so ingrained in American society that everybody learns at least one of his songs as a child, and never forgets it. So it’s truly a treat, then, that this album was put together. Spearheaded by his daughter, this is an album of songs whose lyrics Guthrie wrote but never published or put to music. That’s where Bragg and Wilco came in. They took these previously unheard lyrics and wrote music for them. The result is mostly great. There’s a couple arrangements that didn’t quite do it for me, but on the whole is positively pleasant to listen to. I do feel like they captured the spirit of Guthrie’s own style, and gave these lyrics a proper and respectful treatment. There are moments where Jeff Tweedy’s voice becomes a little grating, but those are few and far between enough that I don’t knock the album for it. This is a solid four stars. It made me feel good. Standout Tracks: Walt Whitman’s Niece, California Stars, Way over Yonder in the Minor Key, Hoodoo Voodoo, At My Window Sad and Lonely, I Guess I Planted, Hesitating Beauty, Another Man’s Done Gone
Really enjoyed this. A few skips but overall a very strong album
I quite enjoyed this. More than most, I guess
I bought the entire Billy Bragg & Wilco collection a few years ago. It took a couple listens but it has really grown on me.
I was a bit surprised by how much I liked this album.
This is pretty pleasant
I like Billy Bragg, Wilco and Woody Guthrie so was never going to dislike this! I don't think it's strong enough all the way through to give 5 stars but this is lovely, chilled out folk rock. The first 5 tracks in particular are really good, and any album that is critical of the capitalist war machine is alright by me
Really enjoyed this. Not quite 5 stars but close.
I’m surprised how many of these songs I recognized, without knowing they were Billy Bragg & Wilco. Spotify plays them on my Discover Weekly quite often. Plus I remember Bragg playing She Came Along To Me live on The Panel some time in the late 90’s. As a whole I really enjoyed it. Great melodies, good natural production, yeah it makes me want to listen to more.
-This is really really good, I love it. Idk why because it isn’t even a genre of music I usually like, although I do really like Wilco. I also didn’t realize it was all Woodie Guthrie lyrics either which is cool! -Favorites are California Stars, Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key, Hoodoo Voodoo, and One By One
The only Billy Bragg album I truly love and of course terrific Wilco contributions throughout, the most notable being California Stars. They bring Woody Guthrie’s lyrics to life and make them relevant to modern listeners with their spirited, folk/rock affecting arrangements. Great stuff.
All over the shop and I'm here for it
I liked this album. It is simple, but that's the point, I think. Guthrie's folk songs were simple in sound and structure, often, but deep in meaning. I think Bragg and Wilco do a nice job imagining these songs in their style, which fits Guthrie's legacy well. Not all of the songs had a big impact on me, but there was really great ones in there, and I'd listen to this again.
A nice collaboration between Billy Bragg and Wilco. This album feels like it was always meant to be. I would say this album has a nice alt-country, folk vibe to it. Notable songs include "California Stars", "She Came Along to Me" and a fun song called "Hoodoo Voodoo"
Delightful vibes from the GOATs of dad rock. It's silly and folky and heartwarming. Just what I needed. Best Track: One by One Worst Track: Birds & Ships
That was nice to listen to. The two artists worked together very well and the result suits Woody Guthrie very well.
Only heard first song, but I liked it alright
There are far worse choices than Billy Bragg and Wilco to use Woody Guthrie-penned lyrics for songs whose music was never written. Quite an admirable project here, which undoubtedly helped the American band hone their own stellar songwriting skills. Speaking of "stellar", the first three cuts of this album are endearing and memorable tunes, especially "California Stars". And if the rest is a little patchy or pedestrian at times, you will easily find gems there--gems such as "One By One", "Eisler On The Go" or closer "The Unwelcome Guest". 3.5/5 for the purposes of this list of "essential albums", rounded up to 4. 8.5/10 for more general purposes (5+3.5) Number of albums left to review: 151 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 366 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 215 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 272
Very chill, harmonica solo gas, everything else mid. Not mid but mid. Still good but mid. 3.3
I finally listened to some Wilco. It may take a few more listens before I really appreciate this album, but it definitely has something cool about it that I hope I can discover.
3.8/5 listened 2x
This was so interesting and such an inspired project for the musicians to undertake. Mostly enjoyable, though the second half doesn’t quite live up to the first. I would love more bands and artists to collaborate in this style together.
Heard Wilco before but not this one with Billy Bragg. Somehow missed this one in the late 90’s. Quite a find for me and cool story behind working with Woody Guthrie’s lyrics.
This album surprised me. It had a little bit of a country twang that I really liked. It’s a 3.5, but I’ll round up.
I liked the songs with Natalie Merchant best. Jesus Christ for President was also great. 4/5
This is amazing: Woody Guthrie, Billy Bragg, Wilco. Natalie Merchant guests for a couple songs. I had never heard this before. They created a beautiful nest for Guthrie's poetry to soar from. This is co-creation across generations, and a truly inspiring project.
So refreshing to hear this album after the torturous week we've had with Leonard Cohen and others It's tough to not rate the backstory of how this came together along with the music. A great mix of Americana sounds and classic country/Americana. This has been one of the best discoveries of this daily album project yet. Great lyrics from an American hero brought to life years later to fresh sounds with a whole new interpretation. This feels like a mix of Ryan Adams meets Neil Young. Thank you Nora Guthrie for spearheading this project.
I expected to dislike this album. yet here I am giving it a solid 4 stars. Bragg and Wilco managed to capture the vibe of a live bar band at their best. It’s honest and perfectly accompanies the wonderful lyrics left behind by Woody Guthrie.
idk who billy bragg is and im not the biggest fan of yankee hotel foxtrot so i was pleasantly surprised by this album. its inconsistent but cozy and the peaks are great. 7/10
Blues del bueno y rico. Siempre bienvenida esas armónicas.
This was my first time enjoying something with Jeff Tweedy, Billy Bragg was great too. I’ve never heard of him before this
I like this a lot, definitely going into my music rotation.
Ein angenehmes abwechslungsreiches Album mit einem herausragenden Song "California Stars".
3.7. Can’t go wrong with Billy Bragg
California Stars and Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key are two of the best contributions to the alt-country cannon and At My Window Sad and Lonely, Hesitating Beauty, and One by One are just a tier below. The arrangements and performances really sparkle, in different ways they're all sing-along songs with a poignant sense of missing out on a better life going on elsewhere without you, accompanied by a woozy slide guitar. The rest doesn't hit nearly the same level though - competant mid tempo acoustic rock that just chugs along unobtrusively. The idea of turning Woody Guthrie's old lyrics notebooks into 20th century songs is a cool project and this is a very logical pairing to carry out, but I can't help thinking I'd like it more if it was just a Wilco project. The Jeff Tweedy sung songs are the strongest, his voice conveying the tender lonely country feeling works much better than Bragg's more rigid delivery of the propaganda songs.
Terrific lyrics. Maybe a little repetitive on the delivery. But solid musicianship behind that.
When I first encountered “Mermaid Avenue,” I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. However, as the music enveloped me, I found myself pleasantly surprised. The artists did an exceptional job of weaving Woody Guthrie’s poignant lyrics into beautiful songs. It’s more than just an album; it’s a heartfelt homage to a folk legend. The album boasts a captivating mix of musical styles throughout. From soulful ballads to foot-tapping tunes, each track carries its weight. Listening to “Mermaid Avenue” feels like embarking on a musical journey—one that deserves a spot on this list.
I am a sucker for harmonization, and softness in music. This album has quite a range - I enjoyed the first few songs the most (Walt Whitman's Niece, California Stars, Way Over Yonder, Birds and Ships), but still appreciated the rest of the album.
This album starts off good (I won't say how gooooood) But towards the end it slows down, and has a few songs I don't like (I'll not tell which sooooongs)
Good music - matched to found lyrics/poems of Woody Guthrie, who never put this stuff to music on his own. Folksy, but good.
California Stars.
This was brand new to me. I like it! Enough to add it to my streaming library. If I can find the record at a resonable price, I'd add it my vinyl collection . Felt like what you'd get if you took Bob Dylan and added better musicians and an actual singer to the mix.
Solid album with a unique history. I can see myself returning to this. Enjoyed the variety of voices heard on the record. 4/5
I really enjoyed that. Hope it ends up on my daily mix.
Un album plein de cœur, aux racines folk américaines assumées, bien servies sans tomber dans le cliché
This is a really interesting one, it's a collab between Billy Bragg (a British folk singer that I was not familiar with) and Wilco (an American alt rock band that I'm only somewhat familiar with), singing songs (or lyrics really) written by Woody Guthrie mostly in the '40s to '60s. I guess Guthrie's daughter had a bunch of lyrics that he had written (but no music to go with them), she asked Bragg to make an album with them, and he pulled in Wilco. Honestly, it was a really nice album. Wilco is one of those bands that has been on the periphery of my musical knowledge for a long time; they're in the wheelhouse of music I tend to like, but I've never really listened to them much. It's a bit of an odd place to start with them (and with Bragg for that matter) since it's hard to really attribute this fully to anyone, but it was a really enjoyable listen. No major surprise, but it's mostly fairly low key folk-y music (right up my alley). It does pick up the pace a bit here and there though and there's enough variation (partly driven by the multiple singers) that it stays interesting. "California Stars" is a major highlight, it's a really beautiful song and is definitely going to make its way into my rotation. There's a few songs that didn't really land ("Hoodoo Voodoo", "Christ For President") but they're few and far between and don't overly hurt the flow. It's really solid top to bottom. It seems like most of the reason Guthrie's daughter wanted something like this to happen was to try to make his music relevant to a new generation, and honestly it worked on me. This is making me want to listen to Woody Guthrie music. I don't think this album is quite as political as some of his recorded work, but a bit of it does come through at times. "She Came Along To Me" is an example of one of the more political songs on here, and honestly it lands just as well today as it probably would have when he wrote it. I'll wrap up with a lyric: "And all creeds and kinds and colors / Of us are blending/ Till I suppose ten million years from now / We'll all be just alike / Same color, same size, working together / And maybe we'll have all of the fascists / Out of the way by then / Maybe so" Favorite song: California Stars Other: Walt Whitman's Niece, Way over Yonder in the Minor Key, Birds and Ships, She Came Along to Me, At My Window Sad and Lonely, Ingrid Bergman, I Guess I Planted, One by One, Hesitating Beauty 3/3/24
Genre: Folk rock, bluegrass, alternative country 1998 Standouts: Walt Whitman's Niece, California Stars, Birds and Ships, At My Window Sad and Lonely, Took me sometime to start getting into it...but it's very nice. 3.5/5
Great
Really rather enjoyable- the lyrics are , of course, wonderful and the music provided by Billy Bragg excellent. It’s not legendary but it’s very good.
Mermaid Avenue Despite being a fan of Wilco and liking BIlly Bragg I’ve never listened to any of the Mermaid Avenue albums. Has a nice barroom, loose feel, a bit like the Basement Tapes, which was probably an influence, and also with the Dylan Guthrie connection. I like the ones with the Woody Guthrie lyrics but a lot of the Jeff Tweedy/Wilco non Guthrie lyric ones are very strong. A couple of the Billy Bragg ones, Birds and Ships in particular, are great too. California Stars, Way Over Yonder, Ingrid Bergman, One by One, Eisler on the Go, Another Man’s Done Gone highlights for me. Sometimes when Billy Bragg is excessively sing/talking like Billy Bragg it gets a bit tiresome, but when he really sings on a couple of these tracks it’s very tender and affecting. Great playing throughout, not sure what the Wilco line up at the time was, presuming it was the Being There era group, but it’s really lovely. I wasn’t entirely sure what I expected from this, I thought it might be good, but maybe not as warm and enjoyable. I’ve listened through twice now and I think it just pushes past 3 into ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wilco (great band) + Billy Bragg (bit of a knob) + Woodie Guthrie lyrics (actually pretty good) = 4 stars (surprisingly solid would happily listen to again)
Seems country walt whitmans niece California starsss
I already know I like this album, but I’m not sure if I’ve listened to the whole thing in one sitting, so there’s still something new to hear here. But as a fan of both Wilco and Woody Guthrie, I’m a bit biased.
Enjoyable to listen to Standout songs: Way over yonder in the minor key At my window sad and lonely Another mans done gone
Nice album! I didn’t know it was a collection of Woody Guthrie songs, but that just makes things even better. I wonder how Guthrie would’ve orchestrated some of his own lyrics that he didn’t put to music. 4.6/5 Fav: “Christ for President” Least Fav: None
This is fantastic folk music. The album was easy to listen to and featured a lot of different sounds throughout. The short songs length made it easy to step away for a minute if you needed to pause. This is an album I will come back to.
Good! one by one sounds so much like head and the heart. overall i liked this album
This was pretty great — Billy Bragg and Jeff Tweedy kept the feel of Woody Guthrie tunes while making them sound modern. Highly enjoyable.
I'm a bit embarrassed at how recently I've started listening to Billy Bragg. Enjoyed this one.
Listened to this while playing Under Falling Skies. I lost. I'm a big fan of Wilco, but had not heard this album before. I really enjoyed this quite a bit. It is not the style of music I normally listen to, but it really gives a nice dusty campfire vibe. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about the vocals, but by the end I was totally feeling it. The last two songs were particularly lovely!
Liked very much.
A great album! I have never heard of Billy Bragg, or Wilco, or even Woody Guthrie, but it all changed today. This might be the first folk record that I genuinely liked and didn't feel forced to listen throughout. Great, diverse vocals, very interesting lyrics and really nice instrumentation made it an excellent experience. It is an easy 4/5, but I will be very happy to listen to it again in the future and revise the rating, if possible.
Just the right mix of fun folk funny and camp. Good times. Nothting truly captured me, but it was a nice listen
I do not care for Wilco, but I am a fan of Bragg, so I wasn't sure how this album would go for me, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.
Geinige singersongwriterfolk, ik lees dat het oude teksten zijn van de legendarische Woodie Guthrie, met nieuwe muziek van de uitvoerenden. Klinkt tijdloos en fris tegelijk, wat wil je nog meer.
Verzameling covers van een oude cuntry baas in een 'modern' jasje. Het ene jasje past de nummers beter dan het andere. Ik vermaak me hier toch prima mee.
Had no idea this existed, which is kind of shameful being the Wilco completionist that I am. Unsurprisingly liked it a lot, enjoyed the mix of Woody Guthrie lyrics with the more traditional Wilco songs. Happy to have discovered it. 4/5
A nice little album that's calming and reminds me of older times that were simpler and less complicated. Saved a few to folk playlists.
3.5 Some interesting songs.
Not sure why I liked this because this stuff doesn’t usually resonate with me, but I did
California Stars.
This album took me by suprise immediately and I was on the verge of giving it a five no doubt. However, I kept listening and the album was still really good but not the best out there. Still added a good amount of songs
Didn't pay full attention, but seemed good, need to listen again for 3 or 4
I liked the general vibe here. Nice almost-country but with a Brit twist. That said, it had some pretty meh filler tracks. So, good potential on the album, but I don't think it hit as high as it could have.
Actually really liked this!!
This is a cool project! I listened to it before and I really like California Stars. Way Over Yonder..., Birds And Ships, Hoodoo Voodoo, a lot of catchy songs on here. At My Window Sad And Lonely is also great! I’d say this is a 3.5 - 4. Great songs, great performances.
Don’t like Billy Bragg much, not keen on Wilco but this is somehow amazing. Listened to it while out walking on a cold November night and it brightened my night up!
Fun album but a voice like Cee Lo’s can only be handled in small doses, not over an hour.
Liked this one a lot. What could have been overly reverential and staid ends up being a really fun, spirited collaboration among three great artists.
Enjoyed it! Interesting mix artists.
having never listened to Billy Bragg or Wilco (or woody guthrie for that matter) I wasnt sure what to expect, but the more I settled in the more I enjoyed it. Deifnitely suited for a particular mood, like taking a long road trip by yourself to somewhere new. I particularly liked California Stars and Ingrid Bergman.
Really enjoyable album! I’m not familiar with Wilco or Billy Bragg but after listening to this I’d like to hear more. Stand out tracks - Way over yonder in the minor key - Birds and Ships - I guess I planted - One by One - Hesitating Beauty
This is AWESOME! What an excellent album. Beautifully crafted melodies and lovely little tunes! Will definitely be coming back to this one!
Amazing
4.0
Listened Before? N What a cool concept! I didn't know Woody Guthrie had so much unfinished work out there that multiple albums could be made from it all. This is the only one I've heard and it was well done. I was extremely thrilled to hear Natalie Merchant on a couple of songs too. She's one of my favorites and always adds a great voice to a song. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key
A little folksy, a little early rock n roll. Reminded me of several different artists throughout the album. One notable one was Elvis Costello. Nice listen
Wikipedia listed this as alternative country, but I really just thought of this as country. I found the whole project interesting especially after reading more about it. Setting Guthrie lyrics to a whole new set of music seems like a daunting task, but this worked for me. Probably the weakest song was "Hoodoo Voodoo" the nonsensical lyrics made it difficult to take seriously. I am not a huge modern country fan, but this set as more "classic" country worked for me. I especially liked the songs with Natalie Merchant. I would have liked more of those works, really. It seems this idea started a lot of other acts doing the same thing, setting music to unreleased Guthrie material. If it's as good as this, I will be interested in hearing it.
I don't really understand the Billy Bragg and Wilco parir up. Did they ever rcord at the same time? I don't think I ever hear Billy and Jeff singing together on the same song, except for the last song Unwelcome Guest which is an album hilight. Regardless this is a fine album with some absolutely gorgeous songs. The Woody Guthrie lyrics are beautiful and the arrangements are tight and always in service to the lyric. I enjoy the juxtaposition of Bragg's traditional folky sensibility and Tweedy's modern indie rock take. Not everything works but most of it is a home run. 4 stars
I'd forgotten about this album. Hits the Guthrie vibe well. Wilco and Bragg complement each other nicely.
Woody's words are still relevant. Kudos to a non-American for capturing his essence and translating it to a modern sound while still maintaining that raw Woody sound. 4.5/5
Antaa kasvot epäilyttävälle väitteelle siitä, että parhaat biisi-ideat syntyvät tyhjästä ja nopeasti - ainakin jos sanat löytyvät jostain vanhasta kellarista. En minä ainakaan olisi uskonut, että kumpikaan artisteista/bändeistä pystyisi tähän, tai edes että heidän roots-fanituksensa olisi kovin perusteltua. Woodyn paras levy?
I thought I would hate this but really didn’t. I was a big early adopter fan of Bragg but drifted away as he lost his knack for song and lyrics. This is the folk Americana album that Guthrie deserved for his poetry/lyrics.
Quite a pleasent listen Stand out songs: - California Stars - Another Man's Done Gone
I had no idea that this Bragg/Wilco collaboration even existed! Their interpretations of Woody Guthrie's writings are powerful, and the previously unheard lyrics captivating. Ultimately though, this feels more of an anthology than an actual album. A special shout out to 'Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key' - what a wonderful tune.
Who knew what wonders could come out of a collaboration between Bragg and Wilco? Their interpretations of Woody Guthrie’s lyrics are magnificent and his writing is powerful in itself. The early highlight “Way Over Yonder In the Minor Key” almost has me in tears and the album never quite reaches that high again. But this and its successor are not to be missed.
Upon hearing the first track I wasn't sure what I'd think about this record. However, I soon found myself quite enjoying this. It suited my day quite well, on a morning bus to London to spend a weekend as a transient. The songs suited the travels quite well, and I was happy to relax and watch the world go by to this. I don't know if all of this album would fit so well on other, more normal days, but it worked today. Moving and soulful. Favourite: Way over Yonder in the Minor Key
Really fun, folksy music. Right up my alley.
I really liked the two Wilco albums on the list, and this project of putting lyrics by anti-fascist folk singer, Woody Guthrie, to music sounds really interesting. Although I only know Billy Bragg as a socialist folk guy and the Glastonbury 1999 'toiletgate' agitator, I have high hopes that I will enjoy this album. Having listened, I wasn't disappointed. This is a great album, and feels like a real three-way team effort. Woody Guthrie's striking and on-point lyrics are to the fore, and the songs are cleverly split between Wilco and Bragg lead vocals, with Billy taking the more overtly political songs. Sad, folky, interesting, excellent. Rating: 4.5/5 Playlist track: California Stars Date listened: 13/07/23
This was a lovely listen. I think I liked Wilco's efforts more than Billy's... they sound like a new version of The Band.
Enjoyed it much more that I thought I would. 3.5/5
What a perfect album to get on the Fourth of July. First heard of this back around 2010 and loved seeing this pop up... Woody Guthrie is the man. I absolutely love Billy Bragg's melody for Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key, but man would I love to hear how Guthrie would've sung it. All in all great stuff.
O:4 M:4.2
Previously unrecorded Woody Guthrie lyrics, performed by alt-country band Wilco and folk rock singer-songwriter Billy Bragg. Together, they bring a modern spin to some old-school lyrics. Bragg and Wilco feel like natural fits for these songs, as they bring so much life to the forefront. Timeless songs, timeless words. Bragg and Tweedy trade singing duties but neither feel like outshining the other. Bragg has more strength to his voice, while Tweedy has more dimension. I can't help but feel this was an album of respect and love
Certaines chansons étaient un peu trop country à mon goût, mais j'ai quand même vraiment aimé le style et les compositions. Ça sonnait vraiment consistant et bien exécuté. Pas le genre d'album que je remettrais régulièrement, mais d'un point de vue objectif j'apprécie vraiment la qualité générale du LP. 8/10
So first reaction before listening: what the fuck? Why do I have this guy again but also yay Wilco. Post listen: I was pretty much validated in my first look but not quite how I thought because this shit was actually pretty good and I think it’s mostly because of Wilco (yay). Braggs hallmarks are still all over it with yet another song about the godly nature of unions and more political lyrics but this one had way better production and the vocals were far less grating. California stars and way over yonder are my favorites.
Here’s the stuff of music legend, enough to spawn a feature-length documentary (and it has). In “Mermaid Avenue”, salt-of-the-earth protest singer Billy Bragg and alt-country outfit Wilco come together with a set of fifty-something year old lyrics* by folk hero Woody Guthrie. They take the words and craft a lovely collection of simplistic, catchy folk tunes which manage to sound both timely and timeless. It’s by no means innovative, adventurous or edgy music, but it has no desire to be: the artists’ loyalty to the premise wins through. As much as I loved Wilco’s “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” (which in retrospect leans towards a 5), I preferred Billy Bragg’s contributions to this album. His vocals have a little more gumption to them than Jeff Tweedy’s, and his music leans more towards traditional, evocative folk. “Walt Whitman’s Niece” is a knockabout, ramshackle opener calling to mind the Basement Tapes. “Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key” is melancholic beauty, nicely accented by accordion and Natalie Merchant’s backing vocals. “Ingrid Bergman” is sweet innocence in a tiny bottle, and “I Guess I Planted” is a barroom-style knees up. By contrast, “Hoodoo Voodoo” is the album’s first misstep, Guthrie’s throwaway verses being given a novelty record treatment. “One by One” borders on dreary and dirge-like, not breathing much life into the source material. I must, however. single out “California Stars” and “Hesitating Beauty” as exemplary offerings from Tweedy and Wilco: light, airy and awestruck by the world. “Mermaid Avenue” is a delightful place to spend some time. At its best, it recalls the free sunsoaked spirit of the Travelling Wilburys: artists with nothing to prove, coming together to honour their musical heritage. They don’t need to show off their technique or cram in any convoluted chord progressions, because simplicity is key. The fun they’re having is infectious, the joy etched into the grooves. A heartwarming listen. *Incidentally, thirty-five years previously, in the early 1960’s, Bob Dylan tried to get his hands on these lyrics at Guthrie’s request, and failed on arrival at his house. He relates this in his autobiography “Chronicles”, somewhere between wistful and bitter. Given the career he went onto and the pleasures of “Mermaid Avenue”, I’d posit that it worked out okay for everyone in the end.
Got this album in college and loved it. Still really enjoy it.
Woody Guthrie had no way of knowing that his ghost would find ways to linger in the scheme of things. Just when it was all said to be over and done with in regards to his discography, two new interpreters not only came along but breathed new life into the legend. An intercontinental affair that boasted two of the finest talents of their respective genres, Mermaid Avenue is an intriguing and ultimately successful album that does Woody's then-unsung lyrics its due diligence and with the utmost respect it required. Do seek this out, it's worthy of your time. Favorites: Walt Whitman's Niece, California Stars, Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key, Birds and Ships, Hoodoo Voodoo, She Came Along to Me, At My Window Sad and Lonely, Christ for President, One by One, Eisler on the Go.
Love Woodie, Billy Bragg and Wilco - so I knew this was going to go well for me. Loved it, listened twice. Need another!
Some really solid folksy-Americans. There are some truly excellent songs on this record and the powerful vocalists do a great job of sharing the singing responsibilities. I teetered on the edge of a 3 and 4. The first half has some really strong songs but it seems to lull in the muddied. However, it ends strong with some strong melancholy.
was very nice and pleasant if not the most interesting
Classic Guthrie lyrics given new life
The combination or Wilco, Bragg and virtually Woodie Guthrie combing to create an alt country album is a charm Liked a lot
Im torn. Billy Bragg is insufferable but he had the idea & support from Woody Guthrie’s family to start this project. It also gave us Wilco’s California Stars, which is an all timer.
Wilco + Billy Bragg? What's not to like?
Quite a pleasant slice of Americana. I think with repeated listens this could really grown on me. Fave track - "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key" Natalie Merchant's vocals make a superb addition...
Well worth a listen. I will be happy to revisit this album in the future.
This was really strong
Weird setup, with Billy Bragg and Wilco collaborating to do unreleased Woody Guthrie songs. It’s pretty good, as Bragg and Wilco give life to the songs in a nice way.
Really interesting concept and sounds great.
I listen to it often
This was really surprising to me. I was raised on American folk singers like Woodie Guthrie and Pete Seeger and the Weavers and whatnot, so there's a strong connection to the lyrics and message of those types of songs. I know almost nothing about Billy Bragg and only slightly more about Wilco, but I was kind of expecting this to be a little gimmicky and crappy. It wasn't. I ended up liking five of the tracks enough to add the whole album to my "stuff to explore more" playlist. The WG influence is definitely there, the surprise Natalie Merchant vocals were a delight, and overall it feels weirdly authentic given the musicians who put it together are British. This will definitely get more listens!
Billy Bragg and Wilco join forces to complete unfinished Woody Guthrie lyrics (at his daughter’s request) and not only do right by the legendary folk artist, but perfectly meld their own styles as well. The kind of record made to be heard around a summer campfire.
Cool project.
For some reason I was dreading this one. So much I act actually listened to George Michael Faith first. Bad mistake! I really enjoyed most of this!
Great idea for an album and they pulled it off. It’s interesting how Billy Bragg can sound so Americana.
Billy Bragg and Wilco treat "newly" found Woody Guthrie lyrics love and reverence. It served an important purpose in letting current alt-country fans where their roots lie. Not all of it works - I think Bily Bragg does a better job than Wilco. However, their hearts are so in the right place it winds up a tremendous achievement and is a great listen. It also spawned two sequels that pretty damn good.
I liked this one even though it's not something I will come to often that much. Most songs were very enjoyable and pretty and the project is well put together overall. My main perk with this album is that I didn't feel the collaboration side of it that much, since all the songs sounded either like Billy Bragg or like Wilco but never like a mix of the two sounds. Pretty cool album but I feel like these two artists have better albums 7,5/10
Good old authentic music. Scale: 5 - My absolute favorites. 4 - Albums I like. 3 - It was ok to listen to it but wouldn't seek it out. 2 - Didn't like. 1 - Absolute shit.
Some really nice melodic songs on this album
Very beautiful
Enjoyed it
Really good folk if I was still into folk I would indeed listen
Kolejne pozytywne zaskoczenie, bo kto by sie spodziewal albumu bedacego wspolczesna proba podejscia do liryki zostawionej przez pana Guthriego, zagranej przez dobrze znany z poprzednich listowych pickow hamerykanki band Wilco oraz pana Billiego Bragga, czyli rowniez folkowego artysty z uk, ktorego slysze na tym nagraniu po raz pierwszy, a jest on glowna postacia za kompozycjami z tej plyty, dodatkowo dzieli on role glownego wokalu z Tweedym, juz od openingowego walt whitmans niece czuc, ze nie jest to pisane wspolczesnie i to jeden z najmocniejszych stron tego nagrania, bo nie codziennie slyszy sie liryke sprzed ponad pol wieku zagranych w ciekawych aranzacjach, bo co jak co Wilcosowe granie i ich roznorodnosc zawsze byla ich mocna strone, rowniez sam pan Bragg sporo wnosi, nie tylko wokalnie, ale rowniez instrumtalnie, bo mozna uslyszec traki grane praktycznie sama gitarka, ktore odpowiadaja temu jak gral sam autor tekstow, ale dla kontrastu sa rowniez potezne kompozycje w ktorych mozna uslyszec wymyslne kompozycje i granie elektrykowe, na plyte sklada sie 15 trakow o czasie grania prawie 50 minut, wiec dominuja krotkie utwory tak rozne jak tylko rozne moga byc twory pana Woodiego, ale nie spodziewalem sie feministycznych akcentow jak na she came along to me, a nawet nie feministyczne, bo byla poruszona nawet kwestia tego, ze za xxx lat to ludzie beda tak rowni, ze podzial na kolory i plcie bedzie wrecz absurdalny i cos w tym nawet jest, jesli brac pod uwage jak zmienil sie swiat zaledwie w 100 lat po tym jak byly te slowa pisane, woody to jednak postac kultowa, a po tym nagraniu widze, ze tyle lat po smierci nadal ma realny wplyw na tworcow, no i ciekawa historia kryje sie za pochodzeniem tych zaginionych liryk, bo zaczelo sie od tego, ze sam autor poprosil Dylana o wystaraniu sie o nie od jednej z jego kobiet, z ktora pewnie nie zyl zbyt dobrze znajac choc troche jego biografie, ten po wystaraniu sie o skrzynke z tysiacami skorszytow przekazal je pozniej jego corce Norze, ktora odszukala odpowiednich ludzi do tej roboty i bedac pewnego rodzaju cichym producentem nagrania trzymala nad nim piecze, z wyjatkowo dobrym skutkiem, bo byl to jeden z najprzyjemniejszych odsluchow ktore mialem w ostatnim czasie, moze tez ze wzgledu na to, ze nadrabiam teraz czarne zaleglosci 2k22, a taka odskocznia jest zawsze czyms orzezwiajacym, tak czy inaczej dobrze sie bawilem, a na plejke dodam poza openingowym utworem, tradycyjnie najbardziej odtwarzany utwor, wiec california stars i hoodoo voodoo
For some reason, Wilco is huge in my hometown. A few Wilco songs grab me, but for the most part, I don't care for the rest of them. After hearing this album, I discovered the origins of some of those Wilco songs. I also did a little Googling to learn more about Woodie Guthrie, who I only know by name. I was impressed at how many songs are on this album and how many cameos there are.
This album surprised me. Being an on the fence Wilco fan, I thought that I wasn't going to enjoy it. I'd give it 4.5.
I knew nothing about this until I got halfway through it, which made for a kind of cool listen. I've never heard Billy Bragg's music before this. And although I didn't pick up on the fact that the lyrics were all written by someone else (i.e. Woody Guthrie), I did like the lyrics a lot. All the stories were cool, and I wondered about the old-fashioned references, unsure if that was something Bragg was famous for. I will confess when I saw Wilco's name so soon after our last listen my first reaction was an eye-roll, but I dug this even before I knew the deal with it. Also, I didn't recognize Natalie Merchant's voice, but she was cool. Thumb's up all around.
Part 2 was too long and meandering
Am I getting into Wilco? First I vibe with Yankee Foxtrot Hotel and now this. Who knew? C+
Good
Never listened to Billy Bragg before, big fan of Wilco though. This one slipped me by, but it’s going in my frequent circulation pile. Proper underrated gem this, with ‘Way Over Yonder’, being my highlight. In fact the opening 3 or 4 songs were all ace
Really enjoyed this, thought loads of times I should listen to Billy Bragg but never actually bothered, this was pretty much what I expected and I liked it. Interesting story behind the album too.
I like a bit of folk and I've got a soft spot for Billy Bragg, seen him live a couple of times, always a good show.... Helps if you're of a particular political persuasion. Never heard of Wilco but sounded good too. Thought the opening few tracks were fantastic, the rest of the album was good too. Overall really liked it
Amazing atmosphere all the way through. Will definitely listen again
A very diverse alt-country sound. Would love to re-listen.
bom o som, folk e pa
Stand-outs: "Birds and Ships," "The Unwelcome Guest," "I Guess I Planted"
Folk-rock agradable. Un 4.
California Stars.
"Mermaid Avenue" is a folk album of previous unreleased lyrics by American folk singer Woody Guthrie put to music and performed by British singer Billy Bragg and American band Wilco. It was a project organized by Guthrie's daughter, Nora, who approached Bragg about writing music to her father's lyrics as he had left lyrics to over a thousand songs but couldn't recorded them due to his Hunnington's disease. Bragg contacted Wilco and they split and recorded the songs in Dublin, Ireland. This album is a lot of fun. Two interesting notes: Woody had actually contacted Bob Dylan over 40 years ago to do exactly this but Woody's wife and son, Arlo, knew nothing about it when Dylan went to his house. Also, Bragg and Wilco didn't get along at the end with tempers flaring as Wilco wanted a less produced sound than Bragg and Bragg basically told them to fuck off. By the way, I kind of like the Wilco songs a little better. However, there did two more Mermaid albums both of which are pretty good. A great sing-along song "Walt Whitman's Niece" opens the album with Bragg singing, Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) on harmonica, acoustic guitar and plenty of backing vocals. He's going to a brothel. Jeff Tweedy delivers great vocals on probably the most popular song on the album in "California Stars." Great lap steel guitar by bluesman and reggae artist Corey Harris. Great violin by British folk artist Eliza Carthy. A dual meaning in moving to California during 1930's Oklahoma dustbowl and a reference to a famous quilt pattern at the that time. Maybe, my favorite Bragg song is "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key" with 10,000 Maniac vocalist Natalie Merchant on backing vocals. He is going to make out with a girl and then gets beat by her Mother. It was probably worth it. I also like Bragg in "Ingrid Bergman." A simple song about Gutherie's Fascination shall we say with Ingrid Bergman. The album's highlight for me and one of Jeff Tweedy's best-ever vocal performances is "One by One." I read that this was the song that brought Nora Guthrie to tears when she heard the album and what they did with the lyrics. A beautiful song. Organ. Piano. Pedal guitar. About impending death and using nature and personal imagery to describe things that he will never see again. The album ends strong with Tweedy singing again about impending death in ""Another Man's Done Gone" and Bragg on lead and Tweedy on backing vocals in "The Unwelcome Guest" about a poor guy on the run from the rich. I remember liking this album quite a bit when it came out. It has fun songs, poignant songs and some of Bragg and Wilco's best songs. Definitely one to check out if you haven't.
This is a really unique record and a great listen overall. Billy Bragg’s songs definitely capture the essence of Woody Guthrie’s songwriting better than Wilco’s offerings - although “California Stars” is a homely nostalgia trip befitting of Guthrie’s lyrics. Naturally, it suffers from inconsistencies. But this is true of most of Bragg’s output at the turn of the millennium (coinciding with his fixation on adopting a Southern American accent, completely flying in the face of his whole ethos!). However, the songwriting is strong enough across the record to justify a greater audience than it has so far received. This is really a victory lap for Billy Bragg, who not only shot back to some kind of relevance in the twilight of his career, but created a set of timeless homages to one of his heroes.
America's favourite alt country band (maybe!) join forces with the UK's favourite singing socialist (possibly!) to record a bunch of Woody Guthrie songs. Well, blow me down, it works an absolute treat! They could've approached Guthrie with hushed reverence, but instead there's a rainbow of moods here, from pensive through to knockabout. The musical soundscape is pretty lovely too, reminiscent of early 1970s Dylan. My only gripe is that Jeff Tweedy still fails to move me as a vocalist, but there's enough Bragg (and a slither of Natalie Merchant) to offset this. A thoroughly charming album.
This was a nice surprise.! I'm familiar with both artists separately but had no idea they had collaborated before. I definitely preferred the first half of the album and found it tailed off a bit towards the end, bit then the last song was quite good. Overall an enjoyable album, I might check out the others in the series.
Very good vibe, preferred the slower songs
Really good folky stuff, not my genre but love it.
I liked the album for sure, but it was the story behind it that brings it up to four stars. Such a sweet sentimental revival in the memory of a legend.
Nostalgic and homey. I like it a lot, but think it could be a hair shorter.
Listen this to death when in first came out. Fun album, Wlico and Billy Bragg sound great together. Hopefully this isn't Wilco's only appearance on the list.
The combination of artists and the genius of Guthrie makes this album a landmark. It’s a great listen, but it also comes across as if it was a lot of fun to make.
Not sure if I had heard this before. I'm a big Wilco fan and this is a good Wilco album.
Wilco is always good, some of the collaborations work well, some not as much. Not my favorite Wilco endeavor but still very good.
Really good stuff. Not a lot to say about it. It's just a really enjoyable album.
Teriffic melding of styles between Billy Braggs and Wilco. In a few songs it felt like putting the words to music seemed almost forced and unpolished, but overall a fantastic album, and a great memorial to the words of Woody Guthrie Favourite songs: Christ for President, Birds and Ships (Natalie Merchant's voice on this track is beautiful), Hesitating Beauty, The Unwelcome Guest, Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key Least Favourite Songs: Hoodoo Voodoo, Walt Whitman's Neice, Eisler on the Go, Ingrid Bergman 4/5
Really liked the album
Very entertaining folk rock. I like the playful energy. Woody Guthrie's lyrics make this album stick out from the thousands of generic folk rock albums out there.
folk mate 7.5/10
Solid album. Not what I usually would pick on my own but definitely a good listen
This album is a collection of so many things I love; great songwriting, immediately singable, alt-country, and the combo of complementing singers. Now need to go find this album on vinyl.
Great sounds, good songwriting. Great mixing and arrangements.
This was chaotic and I loved it
3.75
Leichte Country Vibes. Singer-Songwriter. Various Artists
Very well executed. Some fantastic songs. Might be my fav Wilco 🤷
I was having a rough morning but this was a really nice, calming listen
Prefs: Walt Whitman's Niece, California Stars, Hoodoo Voodoo, She Came Along To Me, I Guess I Planted, One By One Moins pref: Eisler On The Go
Pretty good overall
Catchy, funny, lovely. Damn good.
Liked it more than I thought I would.
3.75/5. It's a pleasant folk-rock album, but it's just not something I'm drawn to.
This is a great album for me. Really enjoyed almost every song on this however the album is in a bonkers order so is a bit of a rollercoaster sometimes. This album was written from unused lyrics from the deceased Woody Guthrie, Billy and Wilco were invited by Woody's daughter to revive the lyrics into an album. Guthrie is an American Folk hero and activist who did a lot for the poor and working class in the 1940s. Some great lyrical nuggets in this album that hark to that same impact he had. "California Stars", by far my fave. I can picture it now, its sunset, US west coast, I've found myself a small surfing town to lazy around and do nothing in for a while. Sleeping in the back of my 80s Ford Econoline, double doors at the back swung open, ocean air breezing through the van, maybe even a lil camp fire still smouldering away nearby. One day... Other highlights from this album: "Birds and Ships" (really love Natalie Merchants voice in this), "She came along to me", and "One by One".
I am often indifferent to Billy Bragg but being tempered with Wilco and some Natalie Merchant, it's very enjoyable.
Good country Favorites: "California Stars", "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key", "Ingrid Birdman"
Lot of love for this album, the recipe of Billy Bragg, Wilco and Woodie Guthrie makes for good listening. Some bits work better than others, but there are some strong tracks here like California Stars, Way over Yonder and Sha Came Along to me. Good stuff.
Fantastic. Unfortunate that the best song by far is the only one Wilco and Bragg didn’t perform.
the story behind this album is pretty damn neat. I think it worked out fairly well.
The concept behind putting together Billy Bragg and Wilco to record unreleased Woody Guthrie songs is a very interesting idea that is mercifully well-executed here. I'll confess that I'm much more a fan of Wilco than Bragg, but this album works really well. It features a lot of the straight-ahead alt-country sound of Wilco's earlier albums. Guthrie's songs work really well for both artists. Tweedy brings a more modern sound, while Bragg sounds like the specter of Guthrie himself risen out of the past. I think I'll have to look out for this one on vinyl 4/5
Very pleasant listening, I enjoyed the laid back vibe and the instrumental interplay with the band. This is one of the better roots based Americana influenced albums I've heard on this list.
An unexpected joy
Loved this far more than I remembered
Excellent Billy Bragg - Wilco collaboration. I liked this album much more than Bragg's "Talking With the Taxman About Poetry" which was generated by the list generator some time ago. Not sure if this is due to Wilco (probably the best American country-rock band from the last 30 years or so) but will check some more Billy Bragg albums..
Åter igen ett superbra album? Det var några tråkiga låtar från början men sen mm så bra??
cool country
Folk
Pretty awesome modern folk music.
A remarkable project, bringing Guthrie’s lyrics to life with a still unlikely pairing of Bragg and Wilco which, nevertheless, sounds fantastic - a folk rock record with heart, wit and equality throughout. I felt the combination truly soared. Absorbing and compelling.
I genuinely enjoyed the simplicity of this album so much that I would absolutely re-listen at a time I needed to unwind or relax. Cool bluesy blue grass sounds, I really like this.
i love this album, atlough the lyrics were written by someone else, i feel the songs are very well put together lyrics + music
Really nice American-Folk Album. I put the album up for in the background, but it always had a nice atmosphere to it and sometimes dragged my ear back into the music and made me really listen to it. Would definitely listen to it again at some point
4.5
Quite liked this record, all things considered.