Mermaid Avenue

Pretty alright, but Way Over Yonder is enough to pull it up to a 4 for me. Love that song.

I really enjoyed this and saved a number of songs to my faves playlist! Loved the concept too.

Bought this when it came out — liked it then and still like it now. Great idea to set Woody Guthrie lyrics to new music. A solid 4.

Album No. 0190 on my list. I had already listened to another Billy Bragg album on this list (which I enjoyed) and I had been aware that Wilco has a pretty good reputation, but I'm pretty sure that I had never listened to any of their stuff. So i was curious where "Mermaid Avenue" would lead me, even though I had little idea what I was getting into. And the thing is very good actually! Only while listening to this did I realize that this was a recording of previously unreleased Woodie Guthrie songs, and some of those are pretty great, actually! Both parties involved did a very good job transferring Guthrie's ideas into interesting songs and harmonized pretty well on many of the songs. This is a cool country-alternative-folk record, and I'm very glad that I discovered it through this website. Very good stuff, this could really become a staple record of mine. Good tracks, good performances, great recording! I'll add "Walt Whitman's Niece", "California Stars", "Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key", and "Hoodoo Voodoo" to my playlist. 4/5 stars!

This was great; might need to start listening to Wilco. ‘Hoodoo Voodoo,’ and ‘One by One’ were favorites on this one.

more about concept than music. I mean there's an awkward, cover-band feel here but the listener provides grace because of the nature of the endeavor: putting Woody's lyrics to music.

its ok.

This album earns its place on the list for being the single most unique concept I can imagine. We have lyrics by the legendary Woodie Guthrie, sung by Billy Bragg, and music by Wilco. I'm actually disappointed that they didn't have Tom Morello play guitar for the project, but here we are. The lyrics are obviously top notch, and Wilco comes through (my minor criticism here is that Wilco is evidently only capable of producing one song, but it fits the lyrics beautifully). Now we have Billy. I don't think any honest critic or even fan would say that Billy should be known for the quality of his voice. It's not unique enough to get a Dylanesque pass; it's just not the best. Or great. Okay, it's not even good. Billy does seem to bring his personal A game for the sake of Woody, so we'll let it go. Influence 2. Hits 2. Intangibles 5 (this is actually an 11). Quality 4. Once the uniqueness passes, there's not much here, unfortunately 3.

4/10. Fav Track - Walt Whitman's Niece Enjoyable at times however quite dull at others.

Quite enjoyed tbf, but nothing special

The folk genre doesn’t typically get much of a boost from me but something about this album really connected with me somehow. And not in a very clear/concise way either. I’ve had several other albums from Bragg and Wilco throughout the project but I feel this is my favorite yet.

(CD) Good album. Hadn't listened to it in a while. Average compared to great Wilco records

It seems like an earnest and worthy project. I couldn't get into the combination of American Folk with Billy's very British accent. It didn't work for me, maybe I just wasn't in the mood.

Bon. Je pense que c'est le bon mot pour décrire cette album. Honnêtement, il est loin d'être mauvais, même plutôt bien avec des morceaux vraiment agréable au début de la tracklist mais la question c'est plutôt, restent ils en tête ? Honnêtement tout m'as paru assez fade, et c'est assez dommage.

incredible reworking of Woody Guthrie words into amazing songs

I really like a lot of this.

It took a few songs but I kind of got into the groove of this. I could see myself listening again.

idk I struggled with this one more than I expected

Don’t love folk music and not the biggest Wilco fan, so imagine my surprise that I actually really liked this.

I like Wilco, I like Billy Bragg. I like this. Do I love it? No. It’s not the most cohesive thing and at times sounds like one of the less experimental Wilco albums and other times like ten thousand maniacs. But let’s be honest none of those things are bad and it’s a real labour of love

Mwa, beetje protest rock op een klassieke manier. Best saai

..

Great concept and Wilson’s great.

nope

California Stars... Couldn't save the album from being kinda borin/depressing.

6.5/10

Very ordinary album not a must listen

When I started this album I thought it was quite good, but the more I listened the more it just seemed ordinary. I don’t have much to say for this album it isn’t a bad folk album at all. Favorite song: California Stars

Have I listened to this album before? No How familiar am I with this album? Unfamiliar How do I feel about this artist? I’m neutral about Wilco, I don’t know Billy Braggs Favorite song(s)? Walt Whitman, California Stars, Hoodoo Voodoo Overall Thoughts: This album cover speak to me, not sure what it is about it, maybe the bit of handwritten typography. This one was fun, I love the story behind it. It was a nice collaboration, kept me engaged the whole time I listened. A lot of the songs were very catchy but also sounded different from one another, at least to me. I’m not a big country fan but this is more folk and I enjoyed it.

2.5 stars It’s not bad, but I’ve never been crazy about it. It’s an interesting concept and they did a good job turning lyrics into songs, but perhaps those limits kept them from making it more interesting? It just kind of happens. Wilco has better albums that aren’t on this list.

Erfitt að heyra að þetta sé sá sami og á hinni plötunni. Bara fínt

Betri Billy þennan daginn. Leið ljúflega í gegn.

It is a 3.5

Nothing great. Nothing notably bad.

I’m starting a list of albums I’ve listened a thousand times before I die, it includes this, Summerteeth, Sgt Peppers, Raising Hell, and Zeppelin IV.

Definitivamente no es mi estilo de música pero siempre mola descubrir cosas nuevas

Een meerdelig project ontstaan uit onvoorwaardelijke liefde en respect voor OG Woody Guthrie, dat valt te prijzen. Maar het gaat zelfs zover dat de 90s alt folk revolutie bijna als een sekte aanvoelt met als opperwezen de folk-held van weleer. Je komt hem overal tegen; van song credits, tot lyrics tot aan iconografie. Maar die ogenschijnlijke ongezonde obsessie is wel enigszins op z'n plaats natuurlijk, waar andere OGs als Bob Dylan waren al volgelingen van de man met een belangrijke plaats in de Amerikaanse literatuur. Ook de muziek op deze plaat komt er niet slecht uit met hem als inspiratiebron. Ik moet zeggen dat het album waanzinnig sterk begint, met de eerste vijf tracks die van hot naar her gaan en de veelzijdigheid van folk (wat toch weinig mensen beseffen dat die er überhaupt is) in kaart brengt. Maar later vind ik het ver terugvallen, en begin ik me te ergeren aan de wat zeurderige songs waarin Jeff de lead heeft (At My Window Sad And Lonely), en besef ik weer waarom ik ook altijd ontzettend verdeeld ben over de output van Wilco. Maar de chemie en de wisselingen tussen Jeff Tweedy en Billy Bragg houden het album altijd levendig, ondanks dat het later op het album ontbreekt aan een kaskraker als 'California Stars'. 6,5/10 Highlights: Walt Whitman's Niece California Stars

En weer een album met een Brits/Amerikaanse mix. Op zich wel een mooie actie om een Britse socialist de anti kapitalistische songs van Woody Guthrie te laten zingen. Het album staat, ook bijna 30 jaar naar dato, nog steeds als een huis. De songteksten van Woody zijn blijkbaar tijdloos. Wel vind ik het begin van Mermaid Avenue veel sterker dan het eind. Richting het einde begint mijn aandacht te verslappen en ècht interessant vind ik de tracks dan niet meer. 7/10 Highlights Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key

3.25 - Solid first listen.

He's from England but his music is very Americana. I think this music would be better heard live but this album is pretty good. His voice is pleasant but nothing fantastic about it. It's at least worth a four.

Ist ganz nett für einen sonnig warmen Roadtrip aber Spaß macht es mir nicht sonst ist es ziemlich gut ich weiß das mein Freund es mögen würde…. Ja aber ich finde das eine Lied total schön mit der Sängerin

Interesting. I'd heard of this album but didn't realize it was all lyrics written by Woody Guthrie. Love me some Jeff Tweedy, but most songs are a bit boring.

Chicagoan rock band Wilco (my first run-in with them for this challenge, although I wish I'd received a non-collab from them before this) and Essexian singer-songwriter Billy Bragg were given a rare gift here by one of the most important figures in the last century of American popular music. see, the director of the Woody Guthrie Foundation (his daughter Nora) gave them a trove of unused lyrics from his archives, as well as full permission to create original music to go along with them. Wilco's fondness for country-tinged indie Americana and Bragg's long history as a left-wing activist put them well in line with Guthrie's traditions as an artist, so I think Nora chose quite well. rather than trying to replicate the Woody Guthrie style directly, Wilco and Bragg bring a lot of their own personalities through his words. the highlight is "California Stars", yet another demonstration from the 1001 Albums... roster that, if you're making guitar music, Three Chords And The Truth are really all you need; whatever else you do from that point is a matter of taste. decent 7/10.

An all time favorite. Total control over its vibes. Rocks sometimes, swoons when it wants to, could shred if it came down to it. A magical marriage.

This feels like the perfect album to make a case for a place on a list of "albums you must hear before you die." It's not that this is the most perfect, enjoyable or influential album of all time but it's so unique and hits on so many aspects of why music is great. You have two seemingly unrelated bands / musicians, who in their own right have substantial cult followings, covering unreleased music of another musician of cult status. It's like the crossover episode of TV that noone saw coming but united totally different fan bases. This showcases the quirky brilliance of Billy Bragg, musical fortitude of Wilco and ironic songwriting ability of Woody Guthrie. Truth be told, I actually don't think this album is a 5 star based on the quality of music of the end product, but as a concept and contribution to the cultural zeitgeist this is amongst the best!

This album warms the lover’s glass like a friendly wine. One of the easiest fives in the whole list.

I was really hopeful after California Stars, but it kinda gets a little flat towards the end. Was a 4 for the most part, but overall it's a 3 for me.

California Stars is much the best here. That and Jay Bennett's playing are the only reasons to listen to this album, though, and it has no business being on this list. If you want more exposure to Woody Guthrie, your best bet is to read his most excellent and entertaining and moving Bound For Glory.

It's interesting to get a quasi-tribute album in this collection, but I'm not complaining, especially since I enjoy both Billy Bragg's and Wilco's music. It's really striking how different the Wilco-only songs are from the Bragg/Wilco collaborations, and that makes the opening combo of "Walt Whitman's niece" and "California stars" a particularly nice contrast. I can't even imagine how either Bragg or (eventually) Tweedy and company figured out which of the (literally) thousand or so lyrics to choose from from Woody Guthrie's estate, but they seemed to have chosen great selections, and that presumably goes with volume 2 as well. It's striking too how much these don't really sound like what I think of Guthrie folk songs, and I'm glad that Guthrie hadn't written any music to accompany the tunes (apparently not his forte), giving both Bragg and Wilco plenty of room to envision a more contemporary sound. My favorites were probably "Way over yonder in the minor key", "At my window sad and lonely" and "The unwelcome guest", in part because all of them sounded like they could have been Bragg- or Wilco-penned songs (unlike, say, "Birds and ships" or "Christ for president"). I'm not entirely sure the entirety is exactly a four-star album, but I really enjoyed the blend of Guthrie, Bragg and Wilco in a worthwhile project.

I really enjoyed this album. Bragg and Wilco did a great job bringing some worthy Guthrie tunes into the light, and the whole is much better than Bragg or Wilco on their own.

Rather uninventive

this had some good moments, and then some 'jug band' moments

I like Wilco, I hate Billy Bragg. Meet in the middle.

A very interesting concept for an album: 15 songs-worth of unheard Woody Guthrie lyrics put to music by English singer/songwriter/activist Billy Bragg and American alt country outfit Wilco. The story is Woody's daughter, Nora Guthrie, approached Bragg about writing music to a number of her father's songs written between 1939 and 1967, and Bragg (upholding Nora's request to make the songs contemporary and fit for a modern audience) approached Wilco about getting involved. So 'Mermaid Avenue' (named after Guthrie's song 'Mermaid's Avenue) sees Bragg and Wilco vocalist Jeff Tweedy going blow-for-blow on lead vocals, with the rest of Wilco providing the full-band sound to bring the songs into the flesh. It's quite interesting because Bragg's heavily British, socially conscious orations contrast heavily with Tweedy's dreamier drawl, but somehow, they both bring out the best in Guthrie's lyrics. Through songs like 'California Stars', 'Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key', 'I Guess I Planted' and 'One By One', Bragg and Wilco convey a wide range of Guthrie's emotions: Tweedy's voice suits the deeper, more emotional songs, while Bragg's empassioned delivery is perfect for Guthrie's more socially-conscious material given Bragg, in his own right, follows the same aporoach to equality and social change that Guthrie did. It can feel like two different albums at times, as the voices of Bragg and Tweedy are noticeably different, but what they do well is keep the spirit of Woody Guthrie alive by presenting his messages with a more contemporary feel. Apparently Bob Dylan was approached by Guthrie himself to write music to these lyrics, but the circumstances never aligned. So it's almost like Bragg and Wilco were meant to commit these songs to tape. Best songs: California Stars, Way Over Yonder In the Minor Key, I Guess I Planted, One By One

Fuck Wilco, already... they don't have one essential song, let alone this many "must hear" albums....

Wilco for a third time?

This might be one of the more annoying albums I've ever heard. I read that this was a collection of songs based on unrecorded lyrics by Woody Guthrie, but either way it was really lame.

Pretty dull

I cannot be bothered with this. I’m trying not to write albums off after a few tracks but this is really dull. (I did power through to the end)

This was alright in my book

Love Wilco so I was surprised I wasn’t familiar with this album. Fun and beautiful compositions and there’s the interesting angle of all the songs being previously unrecorded Woody Guthrie lyrics. Overall a nice surprise.

5/10… american folk / singer songwr / *1998

Sort of decent

this was a very pleasant surprise

This was a tough listen. This is like who Jools Holland says is a big star and he’s super excited to have on the show and it’s billy bragg singing a weird combination of over exaggerated lyrics and a folk based guitar while the audience stand in silence around him. But jools is loving it so that’s all that matters x

Not sure about the hard panning on 'California Stars', found it a bit distracting. Why does everything rhyme so much?

Every song sounded the same

Decent country

Top Songs: California Stars Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key I Guess I Planted Hesitating Beauty

Love Wilco! If I ever get to Yankee Foxtrot Hotel I'm gonna give that bitch a 5 star so haaard! First time listening to this and hrm.. maybe last time? It's alright, but I wouldn't say it's an essential listen. Also California Stars is great!

Ålreit dette 🧜🧜🧜

Høyrte feil album, Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions. 47 tracks og 2t 38min. Det var litt mykje. Men det eigentlege albumet kan nok få ein gjenlytt etter kvart. Må berre få litt pause.

Nearly a 5 star album, some incredible songs, drags a bit in the middle which keeps it from perfection.

I feel like albums that are too big just keeps flinging stuff to see what sticks. There's no cohesion in the album to tie things together. Either way, I didn't really liked any of them.

not my favorite

I gave this two listens. An intimate 1am spin on a good set of noise cancelling earbuds, and a clean midday jam on my portable speakers. The difference in the sound is enough to recognize quality production. I can also admire the talent, it's folk-country heading into the pop-rock world and they blend it into something that sits well after you've finished it. I like how it can be admired beyond its target audience. That being said, in order to make it work it had to be just a few extra dashes too pop, and too overproduced for my liking. I'm also not generally a huge fan of the Americana-forward musical energy, but if I were to get into it, I suppose this is the type of effort that would take me there. It feels genuine, crafted with love. Still not something I'd look forward to putting on. 2.3/5

Sorry Billy en Jeff, maar dit is niks; 2.5 sterren afgerond naar beneden

Ik had gehoopt dit wat leuker te vinden, maar vond het echt oersaai en eigenlijk ook best wat nummers een beetje kut. Niet het kutste album, op zich nog wel wat losse okay dingen, maar in het algemeen niet echt een toffe plaat

Billy is blijkbaar ongelooflijk based, als we zijn wikipedia pagina mogen geloven. Los daarvan: Deze plaat is interessant maar helaas niet heel boeiend. Liedjes uit de jaren 40 en 50, in een moderne jas gestoken door Billy en Wilco. Luisterbaar is het zeker, maar het is weinig spannend.

A really cool idea for an album done very well. I really enjoyed the thought and care taken to do this project justice.

Didn’t like

Billy Bragg & Wilco – Mermaid Avenue (1998) On Day 61, Mermaid Avenue turned out to be a total snooze fest. To be honest, the vocals just weren't there for me. It felt like Billy Bragg was just "Bragging" without delivering the vocal quality or the "triumphant" energy I look for in a project. The only thing that prevented this from being a 1-star disaster was "California Stars," which stood out as a decent track and the backstory behind the LP which I found touching. Other than that, the album lacked any real soul or momentum to keep me engaged. A disappointing 2/5.

Honestly, it is not bad, but it is also not really that special. You listen to it and the songs go on and on, and you don't really love any of them, but also don't really hate the album, kinda meh.

good album

Not unlistenable, but pretty boring and forgettable.

This is as much Billy Bragg and Wilco as it is Woody Guthrie, obviously. A really pleasant surprise.

So I love Wilco but I was really bored with this one. I also just found out that this is a woody Guthrie covers album, so it makes sense why it feels so traditional. Traditional songs+90’s production is a no for me. However, this does have one of my favorite Wilco songs ever on it (California stars) I also really enjoy “one by one” and “at my window” 1001 has a lot of mid tier albums, and I’ve got to break the spell of 3’s. This is a sold 2.5 for me. Don't see myself revisiting other than for those 3 tracks.

Actually pretty good I really like Wilco I just find it hard to rate being it’s covers but this made my list of albums I wanna buy. She came along to me is one of my favs. I guess I planted too. I think Wilco fits Guthrie vibe perfect sounds a bit like Randy Newman lol

Not sure but this is utterly forgettable to me. Nice but one of those "did I listen to this"? 3/5

Hoodoo voodoo was good full of energy, the rest of the songs were a bit bland for me

This is not a no-skips masterpiece, as there are a good handful of skips here. When it's good, though, this album is as good as it gets for me. It's emotional, romping, diverse, soaring. I absolutely love it. 4 stars is probably the true rating, but in my heart this is absolutely a 5 star classic.

Was this in "The Little Mermaid"?

I thought this album was initially a 4 star but it's really a 5 star.

This wasn’t that Hoodoo Voodoo that you’re used to hearing. Listen to these songs One By One and you’ll see.

6.8 I liked this album a lot more than I thought I would. I had no idea what to expect when going into it, but I was pleasantly surprised while listening. I don’t know if I will ever do a full revisit to this album. However, a few songs did make it into my liked songs and could be put into my regular rotation. Favorite Song: Walt Whitman’s Niece

This machine tickles fascists.

Well produced country/folk album. I didn't not like it, but don't think I'd revisit it. Still to those who enjoy this style of country would like this album. Not my fav but didn't hate life while it was playing, so 6/10

Not my thing at all

I love Billy Bragg, I like Wilco so I had high hopes. So this was a huge disappointment. Really liked Way Over Yonder In A Minor Key and Birds and Ships but most of the rest is pretty meh.

Kinda fun. Irish folk esk but with a modern twist.

If I wanted to listen to Guthrie, I’d listen to Guthrie

A decent experience, unlike most other country music out there.

Listening session: february 11th, while commuting to internship Listened to before: no Thoughts: this is definitely not my preferred genre because everything just sounds bland to me but it was nice that they put a female singer on this as well because she sounds nice Favourite tracks: Birds and Ships & Another Man’s Done Gone

I got a few tracks in but wasn't that fussed on it. I liked the female singer, not so much fussed on Wilco

As a casual fan of both artists, i've not come across this record before so was very intrigued when it popped up. 'Walt Whitman's Niece' is a great upbeat opener from Bragg with a fun singalong section that sets you up nicely for the album, and California Stars is a lovely follow-up. Then, we go back to Billy Bragg for 'Way over Yonder in the Minor Key' and 'Birds and Ships', two beautiful tracks which both feature Nathalie Merchant. Then, 'Hoodoo Voodoo' kicks in with a catchy riff and it feels like we're back to a Wilco sound which left me questioning whether this was really a joint album, or a collection of tracks from two different artists? Having read into the background of the album it became clear it was in fact the latter, but all written using lyrics written in the 1950s by Woody Guthrie! A very cool and unique project which must have taken a lot of buy-in from different parties. After the strong first half, the album starts to feel more confused and the song quality dips, but it is well worth a couple of listens for the novelty alone. 6/10

I promised myself when I started this 34 albums ago that I would listen to each album in full as part of the project…. But apparently sometimes I just can’t. Only giving it 2 because HooDoo VooDoo was okay.

not my cup of tea

A nice to listen to album, liked the folk influence and it's lyrics. You cam listen to this one anytime and it's a pleasant time.

Not my thing, and worse yet, really boring.

I’m a long-time Wilco fan but this is my first time listening to this album in full. It makes sense why these acts are critical darlings; I mean, who’s going to criticize a tasteful collection of Guthrie adaptations? You might even call it a bit too safe, but there are moments of true excitement (the vocal performance on “Hoodoo Voodoo”) and transcendent beauty (“Ingrid Bergman” and “The Unwelcome Guest”) that make it more than just coffee-shop-core. I also enjoyed the format of Bragg and Tweedy trading off vocals.

This album starts with a good old fashion sing along and then follows with a heart warming ballad. I've bitten the hook and the third track has me thinking of REM and I get PTSD from all the other fucking times REM has appeared on this list and try and swim away, but the hook has been planted and I've been caught. It all comes together to be a nice folky/rocky collection of tracks by two...wait, they didn't write this stuff? Unheard lyrics by WHO? What a cool project.

Boring yank bollocks

"En el capítulo 3 de "Crónicas. Volumen 1", las memorias de Bob Dylan que parece que nunca tendrán volumen 2, titulado Tierra Perdida, el adusto rockero dedica sus últimas páginas a recordar una curiosa anécdota. La que explica como Woody Guthrie le contó en el sanatorio en el que estaba ingresado que en su casa de Coney Island había unas cuantas cajas de cuadernos con textos de canciones a las que nunca había puesto música. Imaginen cómo debieron abrirse los ojos de un jovencísimo Dylan, que no dudó en plantarse allí para conseguir tal tesoro. Con lo que no contaba Bob es con lo que iba a encontrarse allí. Margie, la mujer de Woody, había salido. En la casa solo estaba el pequeño Arlo, hijo el músico y todavía lejos de seguir los pasos de papá, con su cuidadora que, viendo las pintas que traía Dylan, no le dejó entrar. Con cierta acritud poco disimulada, la historia se finiquita con Dylan escribiendo que “cuarenta años después, esas letras caerían en manos de Billy Bragg y del grupo Wilco, que les pondrían melodía y les darían vida para grabarlas. Todo se llevó a cabo bajo la supervisión de Nora, la hija de Woody. Aquellos intérpretes quizá no habían nacido siquiera cuando realicé la expedición a Brooklyn”. Una coletilla final que no deja duda a la sensación que tenía Dylan de que él debía haber sido el elegido para tamaña aventura." https://www.mondosonoro.com/blog-musica/billy-bragg-wilco-mermaid-avenue/ Este artículo merece realmente la cada letra. Y el documental al que hace referencia también. Del álbum, no tan bueno como hubiera sido esperable, la mejor canción es California Stars de Tweedy. Otro clásico de Wilco es Hesitating Beauty. Bragg musicó 8 temas, con The Unwelcome Guest como cierre perfecto, Tweedy tres y con Bennet dos, el resto fueron cosa de los tres juntos como en la animada Hoodoo Voodoo. Los problemas de Benneth con Tweedy algo tendrían que ver en el resultado final. Way Over Yonder In THe Mirror Key cuenta con Natalie Merchant en los coros, luego es la voz de Birds And Ships. Los discos de Wilco, la última gran banda americana, están bien representados en esta lits. bragg también tiene alguno. ¿Qué aporta este álbum? Las letras de Woody y la actualización de su legado. Me alegro de que Dylan no hubiese insistido en meterle mano.

Curti

I truly did not enjoy this very much.

Pretty decent

Solid folky americana. Didn’t stand out but was pleasant

Solid folk tunes that were only amplified by listening to them while driving through the country.

When i first heard tracks from this i thought there was something very wrong about Billy Bragg doing americana folk, and oh, covers of Woody Guthrie songs? But i was wrong. Its a good album straight up just to listen to without knowing the concept behind it. Thw lix with Wilco shows neither Billy or Wilco are the star, they play as a band (i get that Wilco are a band and probably nothing to prove on that front but it ahows Billly is a competent band member and both have egos under control). Now the concept, Woody Guthrie lyrics but not music, his daughter gets Billy Bragg and Wilco to write the mysic and bring it to your speakers. So much trust and reapect all round to make that happen i suspect. Is it Woody Guthrie, is it Billy Bragg, is it Wilco. No it is aomething that stands on its own but is the sum of the parts.

Always loved this album, it's one I can go back to again and not tire of - I loved Wilco when I first heard it, but can't say I revisit them now. This album is different though and stays fresh for me. Tons of great tracks here from both Bragg and Wilco. The writing from Woody Guthrie is amazing - love the storytelling and imagery the songs create. Great sound and good vocals back them up well.

An album of previous unheard Woody Guthrie lyrics, with music written and performed by British (Bragg) and US (Wilco) alt-country icons. This shit is bound to be good, right? Yes, yes, it is. I’d heard songs from the album, but despite being a Wilco fan, with friends who are fanatics, I’d never heard this album in its entirety. Another situation where a random pick from the book led to a wonderful discovery. I’ll be revisiting this one again. Great stuff!

Wilco made this album very monotone and uninteresting. Billy Bragg singing wasn't necessary in any way. Some projects are better left on paper.

I’d generally avoid Billy Bragg and this album reminded me why.

Rv

snooze fest

Alright, but nothing special in my opinion. With one glowing exception, ”Birds and ships” is a subtle masterpiece, Natalies brittle voice is amazing. And this song alone brings it from a 3 to a 4

Nice songs and nice voice from Billy :) 4/5

This is so far away from tje music I was listening to in 1998… I didn’t hate it, but unlikely to listen again

Limp wristed shite.

really liked some of the songs on here! specifically california stars. some of the other songs a bit dull though. may be a bit biased bc this got me into wilco, and i found foxtrot to be incredible

It’s like a Very Special Wilco album

Ihan ok, vaikken jaksanut kuunnella loppuun. 2,75/5.

Very strong start

What a cool idea

This is a great record. I think Bragg's political sensibility made him a good match for Guthrie, and while most of these songs aren't political, still, it feels right. And though I don't really know Wilco much though I appreciate them, I like Billy Bragg, with his political British punk/folk work. Of course I'm sure part of what I'm enjoying about it this morning is nostalgia for listening to it all the time when it first came out. I was listening to less noisy music in the late 90s, lots of British and Scandinavian folk and world music kind of stuff. And "California Stars" is still one of my favorite songs; it makes me cry for some reason. 4/5

Böyle tatlı da gibi ama çok ölmedim ilginçli

Meh

Solid work,not a huge fan though

Knew two songs. Fan of both artists.but never gave the album full attention. Great Woodie project. Will listen again.

Another day another UK singer/songwriter. Dit keer meer aan de country side, wat niet echt in mijn straatje ligt. Ik zou de songwriting waarschijnlijk wel kunnen waarderen als ik het wat vaker en aandachtiger luister, maar daar heb ik eerlijk gezegd geen zin in 😂. Er is niet veel dat me naarbinnen trekt, maar opzich zit het prima in elkaar.

Better than I expected the gets better as it unfolds.

3.5

its ok.

I own this Album and know it well. I listen to it regularly and thoroughly enjoy it. It is a perfect collaboration between Billy Bragg and Wilco singing the songs of Woody Guthrie. There is vocal support with Natalie Merchant - so Three artists I hold in high esteem. Of course I am going to love it. The album never falters and keeps you invested from start to finish. Chock full of Notable songs, but, "She came along to me" is the standout. "Hesitating Beauty" is a close second. I was going to say 4.5, but fuck it. This is 5 stars

That's not my taste in music - But ok

Sounded very country to me, but for country digestable. Not my thing but didnt explicitly hate it.

This is country. Idc. It's boring enough that I didn't even finish the first song. If I somehow missed a piece of generational art, I'll die a rube (or the opposite I suppose). Instead I listened to the amazing 2024 record "The New Sound" of Geordie Greep. An amazing record I expect with time to only ripe and become better. It mixes prog-rock, samba and elements of jazz. It's a thrilling ride following one mans descent into insanity as he loses his grip on life because falls in love with a lady of the night. It is an album with energetic highs such as the amazing "Holy, holy", but most songs will have me moving. Only "Motorbike" is a little bit meh. But by the time you reach the last three songs you might, like me, be an emotional and physical wreck. Then is the exact moment Greep hits you with the most touching songs "As if Waltz", "The Magician" & "If you are but a Dream". The first time I finished this record I felt my brain synapses make new connections and I knew my life was changed. That is the power music can have. 10/10 Of course unless its a country record which I'll give a 1.

Nah.

...and 16 days later I got another Wilco album. This was fantastic and I played all the songs that came after the album on Spotify for the next 2 days!

наче саундтрек головного героя підлітка з фільму про дорослішання, який приїхав з маленького містечка в Каліфорнію. короче зовсім не relatable

Torturous at times to listen to. God awful terrible music. I can’t believe this was made in the 90s??

the definition of nothing burger music I couldn't remember how the music sounded less than an hour after listening

Didn't love this one, just a bit too folksy and substanceless for me. I don't think it helped that it took me the whole day to get through the album because I kept having to stop as the entire thing was plainly dull and unenjoyable.

Not exceptionally memorable but a nice background listen

Performative millennial liberal slop

This album is wonderful. I was familiar with Wilco prior, but I wasn’t really a fan. This album may have changed my mind. The differences in styles showcased, and the mastery therein, genuinely impressed me. Every new track feels fresh and unique. Folk, Appalachian country, jukebox country, jazz, and alternative rock all make an appearance. I was never bored or distracted. The guitar work, vocals, lyrics, all of it was fantastic and well worth your time.

This album is the perfect litmus test for what average music is.

4/5

favorites: loved most

Encore du rock blues de cowboy, avec quelques originalités plus modernes

Sympa Mais je pense que c’est mieux en concert

Quelques chansons sympa mais globalement la vibe country c'est pas trop mon truc

Snoozefest

Det her er sådan noget sydstats coyntry folk rock, det må det være. men ikke den type jeg kan lide, jeg kan sgu ikke forklare det. Fordi det er ikke fordi jeg ikke kan lide country folk, men der er bare noget jeg ikke kan lide. Jeg må lige prøve at dykke ned i hvad det er, men måske er det fordi der er så meget rent akustisk guitar og det er på den kedelige måde? jeg ved det sgu ikke helt præcist. Måske er det fordi jeg ikke læser teksterne? Jeg kan desuden også godt lide sydstats rock, for jeg kan godt lide Kings of Leon så det kan heller ikke være det. Måske er det dét rootsinspirerede med vokalerne og det instrumentale. Nå men historien er, at det åbenbart er et album som er blevet skrevet af en gut tidligere hvis datter så har spurgt andre kunstnere om de ikke ville nyfortolke dem ikke på en museums agtig måde men give dem nyt liv. Så det er jo en meget speciel måde at "kuratere" musik på, så tænker det også har noget at gøre med at det er med på listen. At det nærmest er sange som går i arv eller bliver holdt i live fremfor bare at ligge og samle støv. Det bliver ikke topkarakter for mig må jeg sige, det er bare sådan lidt hey det var godt osv. Ved ikke om det igen er noget med dagen at jeg ikke værdsætter det på, for jeg synes konceptet og historien er super cool så det burde være mega interessant.

I’ve liked this album since it first dropped. It was my first introduction to both Billy Bragg and Wilco and that alternative easy, folksy-bluesy jam sound that now dominates my listening.

#827. This playlist threw a lot of hipster folk at me in the beginning, but it's been a while since the last one. I kinda forgot how same all of it is. I actually think Way over Yonder in the Minor Key was pretty good, but the rest wasn't really doing it for me. 3/5: fine. Or fine-adjacent anyway.

I think this is a decent album, there's just a few moments that go a bit too folksy for me. Maybe I'll change my opinion on another listen through, which I'd like to do sometime

clunky, nothing sticks. Very medium.

Woody Guthrie left thousands of songs worth of lyrics without music behind. Guthrie’s daughter then worked with artists to write accompanying music, including Billy Bragg, who approached Wilco to collaborate on this album. Wasn’t familiar with Bragg, but I love Wilco. What you get are some really great tracks (mostly Jeff Tweedy’s) and some that are just so-so. The big standouts for me are “California Stars”, “Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key”, “One By One”, and “Eisler On the Go”. This found its way to the low end of 4/5.

In my book, Billy Bragg is AOK, Wilco is great, and Woody Guthrie, whose lyrics are covered here? Love him. But here is the thing, all of these artists are known for their lovingly lo-fi approach to songwriting. This just sounded like bad pub rock, except for Way Over Wonder in the Minor Key (thanks to Natalie Merchant for backing vocals). I find it interesting that Dylan tried to get these lyrics in the 50s but the relevant people were “not at home” when he visited. He later commented on Mermaid Avenue “These performers probably weren't even born when I had made that trip to Brooklyn." Disappointed much? Well I sure was.

Good. Not super memorable but I enjoyed it

a breeze.

I’m a Wilco fan and have listened to this album many times. What I wasn’t aware of was that there were 2 more follow-up albums, including a performance from Natalie Merchant. I find the Jeff Tweedy vocal’s preferable to Billy Bragg but that’s nitpicking. This album is great and I love the premise behind it. 4 stars. Fave track - Californian Stars.

Never really 'got' Billy Bragg but this was OK

Kinda dug this and Guthrie’s lyrics are just so good

An interesting concept to the album, well executed. Would I listen again? Probably not but I can see why it's on the list.

i have no strong feelings about billy bragg or woody guthrie but i do like wilco. this is pleasant

Nice combo of John Denver mixed with John Prime. Excellent listening experience, from an artist I can’t say if heard of. Will be adding to the playlist.

Album #1,009 Better than the Wilco albums on this list. Folky and a little bluegrass sounding. I liked the song with Natalie Merchant.

Listened to this so much as a kid - love love love it !!! Still so good after all these years!! Walt Whitmans Niece is probably my favorite song

Buen disco que tampoco me estaba flipando demasiado, hasta que llegó por el final el tema Eisler On The Go y casi me vengo abajo. Qué buen tema. El resto bien pero más sin más. Nunca había escuchado más Wilco que Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, y Billy Bragg cero, pero el que más me interesó con este disco fue Woody Guthrie, y me dediqué a escuchar más música suya durante el día. Bien pero no me volvió loco.

Had to listen again because I had no idea of the context lol. Second impressions basically the same as the first though, I quite like this. Which tracks, as I like Billy Bragg, Wilco, and Woody Guthrie.

What a great project! I loved this album when it came out, and I appreciated having a good reason to return to it now. Woody’s lyrics are respectfully and thoughtfully showcased by Billy Bragg and Wilco. Special highlights include “California Stars” and “ Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key.” Bragg’s quirky, charming vocals suit the lyrics particularly well. Highly recommended! 4.5?

It was fine

The premise of this project is really cool and I respect that Billy Bragg and Wilco saw this thru, bringing Woody Guthrie’s words to life. California Stars is the obvious standout here, excellent song. There are some other decent tunes peppered throughout but it just doesn’t feel like a cohesive album overall. It’s worth listening to but I’m not gonna return to it. 3 stars

I love the concept of this album and they did a fantastic job in realising the concept. There are lots of strong melodies and the songs are really nicely arranged.

Was expecting it to be more of the sound of Billy Bragg than it was but pleasantly surprised by this one. I feel like both Wilco and Bragg have treated the songs covered here with sincerity and respect but also not been afraid to do something a little more modern than I suspect the originals would have been performed like. Particular shout out to ‘one by one’ which I particularly enjoyed with the use of slide guitar and Rhodes piano in. Overall, a really lovely album that I’d like to listen to again.

Pretty solid listen for me. California Stars is a heck of a tune and I've listened to it plenty of times before. This makes 3 (2.5?) Wilco albums on this list thus far for my listening group, which _seems_ like a lot of Wilco...?

oh my god.

Interesting.

I feel like the best thing about Billy Bragg is when he sings in his strong accent, but I don't think he really does that here, unless the dude from Wilco sings a lot of the songs. There's a fair few more emotive country type songs, and I think Wilco being a more modern band, they feel quite good, like the most popular song, which might be the best. Favourite songs: California stars, birds and ships, she came along to me, at my window sad and lonely, eisler on the go. Overall around 6/10

Not bad, but a bit boring. Wilco’s here which I think you can really tell from the first song. My heart wasn’t really in it, maybe because it was a little to traditional for me

Not really my cup of tea. Can see how it is a banger for some though

Mermaid Avenue - Len Houmous’ pet name for his 5th wives lady garden! 3.2 2/15 California Stars

Wilco was the first band I ever saw live when they opened for REM when I was around 10 years old. Unfortunately they still sound as boring as I remember. Some decent lyrics though! 2.5 -> 2/5

Favorite track(s): California Stars, Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key, Christ for President

Just a fantastic recording, and the Woody Guthrie tie-in is really cool. Super impressed.

Couldn't finish it

Folksy protest music? Fuck yeah. Also listened to the Wilco half of this album and liked that too, which is funny bc I gave the other Wilco album 2 stars.

Better than I was expecting

Starts a bit twangy but that goes away. Really enjoyed it. Can't remember any lyrics aside from Ingrid Bergman, but enjoyed the vibe of the album a lot

3.5/5

A few stand out tunes. But otherwise not my favorite Wilco. 3.5

Fun, liked their vocals, great variety, the album wasn’t boring which is all I ask for. 3.4

Good ol fashioned folk. Not incredible, but not bad.

Well this kicked ass. Billy Bragg’s voice has gotten a lot better with age I guess. I listened to one of his early solo albums for this list and I couldn’t stand him but I liked him on here. I’m also a Wilco fan so the Tweedy sung songs I very much enjoyed. Usually I save my fives for absolutely perfect albums but this one is close enough so a five it is.

Truly one of the best albums (and series of albums) of all time. So many happy memories discovering and rediscovering these songs.

Me hearing every Wilco song: 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘 Me hearing every Billy Bragg song: 😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠 So basically not that good.

It was Ok, but forgettable.

Enjoyed it. Makes sense since it is Woody Guthrie’s lyrics. Cool idea for an album. 3.5/5 Might listen again

3.5 (49:20, 15 tracks, 1998, compilation) Wilco and Billy Bragg split duties writing music for previously unheard lyrics by Woody Guthrie. Woody's daughter, Nora Guthrie, contact both to create Mermaid Avenue. A second volume of recordings, Mermaid Avenue Vol. II, followed in 2000. I love Wilco, like Bragg a lot (love some songs) and respect the hell out of Guthrie so I wanted to love this album but for me it's just OK. Beautiful in many ways but not an album I plan to put on frequent repeat. Best song - Songs in a Minor Key 1. Walt Whitman's Niece 3:53 - Bragg 2. California Stars 4:57 - Wilco 3. Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key 4:06 - Bragg 4. Birds and Ships 2:13 - Bragg 5. Hoodoo Voodoo 3:12 - Wilco 6. She Came Along to Me 3:26 - Bragg 7. At My Window Sad and Lonely 3:27 - Wilco 8. Ingrid Bergman 1:50 - Bragg 9. Christ for President 2:39 - Wilco 10. I Guess I Planted" (Music: 1997) 3:32 - Bragg 11. One by One 3:22 - Wilco 12. Eisler on the Go 2:56 - Bragg 13. Hesitating Beauty 3:04 - Wilco 14. Another Man's Done Gone 1:34 - Bragg 15. The Unwelcome Guest - 5:09 Bragg

Love the concept behind this album. Well executed and catchy.

Eh. I enjoy Wilco but this just wasn’t my cup of tea.

I didn’t really connect with this. The other Billy Bragg album I really liked but here I think the instrumentation is distracting and the lyrics aren’t as good.

Alt det værste på ét Album. Langt, kedeligt, belærende, grim cover art.

Jeg syntes det var ret ringe folkish country lort. Så hørte jeg en sang der foreslog at gøre Jesus til Præsident. At ønske mere medmenneskelighed fra sine politikere er da et dybt sympatisk synspunkt. At personificere det ved en religion der har misbrugt, dræbt og undertrykt flere end nogen andre i verdenshistorien giver mig kvalme. Der klemmer sig et par fine melodier ind, desværre er det alt for få til at trække det her album op af sumpen.

нормалек, негатива не испытал, позитива тоже особо, поэтому 3 очка.

Not for me!!

I knew a few of the songs off this album already, but really enjoyed the rest of it. Thought there was enough variation to stay interesting throughout and I also just really liked the style. Would definitely listen again. Fav song: Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key Least fav: Hoodoo Voodoo

Like the first song, even though I can see people finding it annoying. Gets a bit folky at times but still enjoyed. I think I liked billy Bragg more than Wilco for sure. Specific rating - 3.9 Fav song - Walt Whitman’s niece Least fav - Eisler on the go

✨connecting to my american roots✨ I do tend to quite enjoy folk music tho, granted it doesn't necessarily have to be american folk 3.8/5

This album is a collaboration not only between Wilco and Billy Bragg (and Natalie Merchant) but also Woody Guthrie whose daughter gave them these lyrics that Woody had written some 50 to 60 years before this album was recorded. There is sometimes a noticeable difference in the songs with music written by Wilco vs Billy Bragg but I enjoyed both the softer and more upbeat songs, however the transition from Birds and Ships to Hoodoo Voodoo was jarring. I heard a couple of the songs on this album before but I like them even more knowing the story behind them and the amount of love and respect that had to go into making this an album. Favourite song: Way Over Yonder In the Minor Key Least: Hoodoo Voodoo or The Unwelcomed Guest

decent country, still country

great combo with Wilco

Couple of great songs, couple of trash ones

who knew wilco and billy bragg performing woody guthrie songs would be a good idea nice album she came along to me and eisler on the go are highlights

As a big fan of Wilco, I have to say that this album kind of bores me, as it is too slow alt country and I am not a big fan of Billy Bragg

3-4

I like this album more than others by Billy Bragg because there's more going on here. Some songs sound very American though which is not a surprise since they are all Woody Guthrie songs. I'm not sure that this concept is great and that Bragg could've done something better

Strange, don't know what to make of this, a perfect match or a weird and unnecessary project? The jury here is still out...

I only knew Billy Bragg from his politics (which I kinda rate) so was nice to hear he also makes music which I kinda rate. You go Billy.

This is simply not my musical genre. I couldn’t listen to it. The droning vocals do absolutely nothing for me. A few faster tempo songs would have been ok as instrumentals.

Und da hani scho ghofft gha, dass mir scho all country Albe dure hend. Leide ned, da het sich no eis inegschliche. Veränderet het sich nüd, finds immerno schrecklich. 2 speuzer in Spucknapf

Classy durchschnittlichs 3 meerjungfraue album

Well made, well sung, well played, but doesn't really grab me. I find Wilco to be a good band, but their studio albums often feel a bit boring. I can't really find fault with the album, but I just don't have that much interest in a lot of the songs here. Still a really decent tribute to one of the greatest American songwriters out there. Wonder why we didn't get an album from Woody Guthrie himself though.

It starts out great with the there best songs on the album. Then Birds and Ships doesn’t quite hit the mark, and Hoodoo Voodoo misses it completely. From there on, only She Came Along to Me, Eisler on the Go and Hesitating Beauty get honorable mentions. The middle part of the album I could do without

Track 2 great. 3 good aswell. 5 bad, sorry. 7 is lovely. Two last songs are incredible. Lyrics especially. Loved that it finished on such a high note. One by one is my favorite so far. I absolutely get behind the lyrics of this songs, written by Woodie Guthrie. If that's the intention, it kind of does the job. I prefer wilco songs here over billy songs. They have more contrast and I find them more interesting here I have some problems, though. It's not perfect at all, but some songs here are beatles and opened me up for some great lyricism from Guthrie

A wonderful album this. I’m not the biggest Wilco guy, but they really add to Billy Bragg’s sound here. I do prefer the tracks where he’s singing though, something about his delivery always stirs an emotional response from me.

7/10

Some great songs here

First listen Saved 1/15 Top track: One By One

I think the idea of creating new music from old lyrics is really interesting. Not really my vibe though. Best song: California Stars

Didn't love the last album by him and didn't love this one either. Can't imagine I will be coming back to listen to it.

My first folk album on this platform, and what a great one to start with. After a few punk/alt sessions right in a row, the light-hearted Americana stomp-clap of “Walt Whitman’s Niece” felt like a warm fire and spoonful of sweet molasses. I love this genre and how homey it feels. It was a fun surprise to hear instead of a southern drawl, some exaggerated Essex vowels. “Another Man’s Done Gone” sounds quite like the Beatles “Let It Be”? I’ve added Mermaid Avenue to my Homesick folk/americana playlist and look forward to hearing it alongside some of my favorites.

PRETY DAMN GOOD

I guess this is a collection of songs written by Woody Guthrie, and you can hear that in many songs. Stripped back with simple yet effective lyrics on some, others have a bit of a alt-country vibe. Enjoyable album with "California Stars" being an all timer

sooooo boring

Mid et bkoo if sdjwzfvbopbvd

Very folksy. Not folk. Folksy. A kind of Americana that I struggle to get behind. That snare is dry as yer maws Sunday roast. The acoustic stuff was better than the full band. Went on too long. I think they stoned and having a good time but as a sober listener, didn't float my boat.

Feel like I’ll end up listening to this one again

I liked this but theres at least 5 Wilco albums I like more. A good album? Yes. Must hear before you die? Only California Stars.

This was an interesting project and I liked the songs a lot. I like the idea of artists interpreting another artist's work like this.

This is a stellar idea and collaboration. Many memorable songs combining Guthrie lyrics with Bragg / Tweedy music, played with heart and spirit.

The songs are well fleshed out, upon listening it seems they have less in common than I thought. They are both enamored with Woody Guthrie's lyrics, it's evident while listening who's turn it is. It turns out not bad, and kinda enjoyed myself. Best tracks: Way over Yonder in the Minor Key, She Came Along With Me. At My Window Sad And Lonely, One By One, Eisler On The Go

I hate Walt Whitman. Everyone is supposed to just love the guy because he was so BOLD and had such CHARISMA, and HE SHOULD BE ON THE TEN-DOLLAR BILL, but no, I think he's pretentious and egotistical and I would never want to hang out with him in real life, so why would I want to wast emy time reading his poetry? And he killed poetry. Everyone lining up to be the next free-verse, lyric-obsessed, bombastically introverted American voice, that it drowned out everything else. If you didn't like his form of self-ingulgent, ticker-tape crap, then clearly you were some sort of philistine. Poetry isn't for THE PEOPLE. It's for ME. Jesus Christ. Imagine if cinema veered hard in this direction, and the only thing at the cineplex 10 were ten different movies about directors making movies. Forget narratives. Forget variety. Just give me more of that Woody Allen look-at-me bullshit. GOD I HATE WALT WHITMAN. People throwing out "I contain multitudes" or "Barbaric Yawp" - he gets a barbaric NOWPE from me. Self-indulgent tripe.

Probably overplayed it so it’s lost its luster but some good tracks to revisit on this one. Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key is a good one.

Album 61/1001 🧜‍♀️ 🧜‍♀️ 🧜‍♀️

Hadn't listened to this in a while. Definitely belongs on this list.

Masterpiece and unique recording. A mix of talents to make the perfect tribute to a legend.

Started off feeling bland but by the end there were a few songs I liked.

I do like some Wilco, but this one I gave away - much to John Green's disapproval.

Un peu trop country à mon goût. Quelques bonnes tounes. Musiciens compétents.

It feels wrong to compare this to yankee hotel foxtrot. This was worse

Great collaboration both Wilco and Bragg and the Woody Guthrie this is touching, so much feel and soul. And probably closest this list gets to Uncle Tupalo. . 4 Star

I really liked this album. The last few id been assigned were fine but this is a bit more down my alley.

Love this album. Sometimes getting two legends on the same stage doesn’t work, but here it does.

This is a special project, Billy Bragg and Wilco putting to music unpublished lyrics of Woody Guthrie. The storytelling is absolute poetry and Bragg and Wilco play with various incarnations of Americana, folk, and even midcentury rock to bring the songs to life. Hugh quality throughout. My favorite track is “Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key,” with a transcendent Natalie Merchant harmonizing.

Decent country music. Best Wilco I've heard so far.

Opening track must be a joke. Generic folk updated for a modern audience. Hoodoo Voodoo is just juvenile. Overproduced drivel.

This album feels extremely average for me. The music is decent, the vocals are interesting, and the production/flow feels coherent and well polished. It's just a decent enough folk album. But like a lot of folk albums I just can't connect with it. Maybe it's just not my genre, but the entire listen feels very middle of the road, pleasant without making an impact. Having said that, California Stars is a great track and bumps the entire thing up from a 5/10 to a 6/10 on its own.

This was actually fairly enjoyable

Pleasant enough

This has quite the unique backstory with the connection to Woody Guthrie's undiscovered lyrics. Not sure how he would have wanted them set to music but I have to think Bragg and Wilco did a very good job with what they had.

Country music sucks.

Yeah not for me. Sorry. I am just not a country/folk listener. Some folk I can attach to but this is doesn't do it for me. Sorry.

Beautiful playing on this record. However the voices do not mesh. Bragg is an acquired taste and Wilco are Americana personified and just not very interesting. A lot of the time I wished for less vocals not more. Not a case of what might have been but just what should not have happened!

Not my style, but I enjoyed parts. ★★

Not my cup of tea

This falls right down the middle for me at 2.5 stars but I'll round up. Not bad, and I'll give it credit for the variety in genre/style but I probably wouldn't return to this album or artist.

Favorite Song: She Came Along to Me Overall This album sounds like the soundtrack to a 2007 indie stoner comedy. Maybe that’s why I like it, idk.

This is a pairing I never would have imagined. Think less chocolate and caramel, and more marzipan and sprinkles. quirky and eccentric, a interesting mix of folk and rock. Some good songs, and while it's nit a home run, Im glad it exists

Four (California) stars from me, and very nearly five because there’s so much to love. Hits the sweet spot for the balance between reverence for the source material and the irreverence of so much of Guthrie’s writing. Joyful.

Horrible voice, awful lyrics, terrible genre

Bragg > Wilco, but all very good

A good album, I liked Walt Whitman's Niece, California Stars, Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key and Hoodoo Voodoo the most.

A rather strange and disparate collection of songs, but decent enough. Not enough politics, mind.

California stars

I have enormous love and respect for Billy Bragg and I had a great time finally giving Wilco the time of day a few months ago on Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, so I really wanted to like this more than I did. It took me a few goes through to really appreciate it but of course the key is the lyrics and I've never been one to really hone in on lyrics until I have been truly hooked by the music. It did get me in the end but I still just don't think I'll be putting it into regular rotation. What a lovely idea and well executed by some fine musicians but it's just outside the sphere of what I really enjoy listening to.

Love Billy, early stuff only though not a bad album

"...and maybe we will have all the fascists' out of the way by then." Great album! Will jam again! As a matter of fact, I already did. I jammed this one back-to-back.

1 star

Liked it overall.

Decent folk-country.nVery chill and sleepy. Boring as well.

I dig how much this list is into Wilco. This is a particularly good choice. Two great artists combined (plus a few assists from Natalie Merchant) - very nice.

First one in a while I’ve liked

Moram lupit jednu ličnu anegdoticu. Probudim se jutros, promijenila se ova vremenska zona. Sva pogubljena, gledam šta je na generatoru. A reko otkud Billy Bragg s dosadnim Wilcom. Kad skontam da razmišljam o Billyu Oceanu. Hiljadu puta zanimljivija priča nego album. Billy Bragg je bolji čovjek nego muzičar pa nek se drži toga. Wilco opet, ne mogu da vjerujem.

Nice Sunday music for pottering around

A lovely surprise. Perfect Sunday album.

not my favourite billy but OK.

Really, really nice. Feel-good music from top to bottom, and such a unique project too. It really wouldn't be the same without the contributions from Wilco, Bragg, Guthrie, or even Ms. Merchant -- what a wonderful thing to have the strength in a collaboration come from the collaboration itself.