Reviews (page 4 of 8)
One of my favorite so far !
This is a great album. I listened to it years ago but didn’t care for it. This time around I connected with it.
riktigt gött häng
A really neat concept: putting Woody Guthrie's lyrics to contemporary music. The result is something fresh but more timeless than if it was entirely made in the 40s or the 90s
Listened to on 4/22/22 4.5/5 Favorite song: California songs This album was great - so easy to listen to and every song was different but all worked together - folk, indie, country - it really had it all
Very chill, I enjoyed almost every song. Over yonder in the Mountain is def being added to a playlist
I'm a sucker for folk music on Fridays. Probably liked it more than I regularly would but here we are.
Folk off, mate
What an interesting pedigree this album has. Bragg, who I'm unfamiliar with, composes music to go with unpublished Guthrie lyrics, and gets some help from Wilco. I love Guthrie and I love Wilco. After this, I'm not sure if I love Bragg, but this was a cool project to do. Birds and Ships is beautiful, and Christ for President is funny/poignant. God, Woodie Guthrie was a cool sumbitch.
Lovely album! California Stars is one of my all-time favorite songs.
Very Friday music!
Good listen.
Billy visiting Americana and his hero Woody Guthrie with his mates Wilco here. I love Billy, the "Bard of Barking" as he really knows how to write love songs for blokes and political songs for everyone. What can I say, he has been on my musical journey with me for the last 30 years. Get to see him when I can because he is both jolly decent chap and a political hero. This isn't his best album but can see why it is on the list. I would prefer to see earlier works like "Don't Try This At Home" or "Talking to The Taxman About Poetry" on the list. Favourite tracks "Walt Whitmans Neice" "Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key" and "Ingrid Bergman". Interesting That Nora Guthrie chose Billy as an heir to Woody to but together songs from Woody's unrecorded lyrics. (Above Bob Dylan to his chagrin!) some great tracks, love it really.
Enjoyed listening to it, and watching the baby move her feet in time to it!
Surprisingly serene
Compelling stuff.
Rock americano melódico y tranquilo
There is a soul to the performance of these songs with lyrics by Guthrie that give you goosebumps. While the music is not anything super exceptional in terms of its country and folk, but it is an enjoyable listen.
Great album
Cool country singer songwriter Americana style. British singer.
Lyrics by Woodie Guthrie, music by Billy Bragg, with Wilco as the backing band. What a wacky idea. Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key has a familiar melody and is a great song. Birds And Ships is great. The compression on Hoodoo Voodoo basically sucks the life right out of it. She Came Along To Me has a knock at the facists. Thanks for that Woodie, kind of crazy how of all the things coming back into fashion, thats one of them. Eisler On The Go, Hesitating Beauty. Lots of great songs on this record.
When the first track started I thought that I would'nt like the album, but then I was proven wrong, this LP is fantastic and is an awesome piece of folk music that really sounds like a mix between alt rock and country.
Solid alt country album. I'll listen again
I liked it! They really brought Guthrie's songs to life. Good stuff.
Very eclectic...
good stuff, i like lil billy
An easily digestible mix of alt-country and Americana that does a good job of showcasing the blend's most charming qualities. The folk-tinged song structures and solid vocal performances also help broaden the sound's appeal. While not every track stands out in a unique way, Mermaid Avenue is a great record, even for non-country fans like myself. BEST TRACKS: California Stars, Hoodoo Voodoo, I Guess I Planted WORST TRACKS: Walt Whitman's Niece
Fun, foot tapping folk album. "Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key" my favourite song on the album, also liked "One By One"
Another new one I liked quite a bit
Folk-rock agradable.
much better than i remember
7/10 pretty enjoyable, with a few standout tracks.
Very enjoyed
Album is very mixed. After reading about it that makes sense. Really liked all of it though. Going to look more into Natalie merchant, liked birds and ships a lot
A fine album. I've read opinions that California Stars doesn't fit well with the album but damn I love that song. And it's true that the Wilco songs more like Wilco songs than Guthrie songs performed by Wilco and the Billy Bragg tunes sound more like loving tributes but I appreciate both contributions. Aside from California Stars there are a lot of other excellent songs; Way Over Yonder in the Modern Key, She Came Along to Me, At My Window Sad and Lonely, Ingrid Bergman, One by One and others. I listen to this album quite often and always leave it with a good feeling. 4.5 stars
May have been a media maneuver to merge these acts, but it works. One of my favourite songs (stemming from playing guitar at Jack Duggan’s Irish Pub in Bathurst) is on this album- Way over yonder in the minor key. Sounds like an album that would grow on me to be a classic
Love this - know some of Billie Bragg's music but not Wilco's - so found this a great collaboration - more country/bluesy than anticipated (i.e. Hoodoo Voodoo) - on my 3rd listen now!
Didn't even need a second full listen, y'all knew I was gonna love this. No offense to Billy Bragg, but every time there were Tweedy vocals I mostly just wished this was a Wilco album. I do think they work very well together on The Unwelcome Guest, though Already Saved: California Stars; Hesitating Beauty Saved After Listening: Walt Whitman's Niece*, I Guess I Planted, The Unwelcome Guest
Saved Prior: None Off Rip: Walt Whitman's Niece, California Stars, Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key, I Guess I Planted, One By One, Hesitating Beauty Cutting Edge: None Overall Notes: Cool story behind the making of this album, and this album is a well executed application of Guthrie's lyrics to the modern day without losing Woody's identity along the way. I don't typically care for this style of music but it nails what it's going for so well that I'm going with a 3.5 rounded up to a 4.
I enjoyed this, but there are a few jarring moments
cbb , vetarna vet
I wish they maid mer of these. Oh wait!
An album I don't think I'd heard before. Nice collection of sounds, and Wilco consistently enjoyable.
Really like this album
Uncovering these treasures half a century after they were written is a fascinating storyline especially since they were offered to Dylan decades earlier but when he got to their house they couldn't find them. Natalie Merchant provides wonderful harmonies with Billy on the very cute song Way Over Yonder . . . . It's very entertaining when a singer who doesn't sing that well sings a line such as "There ain't nobody who can sing like me". It reminds me of L. Cohen's very charming line on Tower of Song "I was born with the gift of the golden voice". Nathalie also knocks it out of the park with her haunting lead (and back up?) vocals on Birds and Ships. I saw both Billy Bragg (at the Music Hall) and Wilco (at RPM) shortly after Mermaids was released. I enjoyed Wilco a lot more and the highlight of the concert was when all five grabbed guitars and lined up at the front of the stage playing California Stars. (OK it might have been only four but you get the picture.) I didn't enjoy Billy's concert as much since he spent too much time between songs doing long rants about how wonderful unions were. I wanted to yell "Just play 'I Guess I Planted' and let Woody's words do your yapping" but they stocked the pond with union folks so saying such things might have got me tossed. The star of the album is Wilco's California Stars but my second fave is Billy's "The Unwelcome Guest". He, unfortunately, didn't have time to play this one when I saw him. I always thought it was Jeff Tweedy singing the backup vocals on this track but the wiki notes are silent. Neither Billy nor Jeff is a great singer but their harmony is magical. This album would get rated 2 if it included Billy's side notes the way Ravi's album did. Thankfully it doesn't.
I hadn’t heard this before, except for ‘Way over Yonder in a Minor Key” which me and my co-judge remembered fondly from the early days of Spotify. The album reminds me a bit of The Band. I like the overall sound and material. One of the things that struck me on first listen was that the Billy Bragg sounded different to the Wilco songs, beyond the vocals, in contrast to The Band, for example, who, when Levon Helm came to the mic, still sounded like The Band. It turns out that Billy’s and Wilco’s songs were mixed separately. Also, I think that Jeff Tweedy’s voice could a be little gritty-er and twangy-er for these Woody Guthrie songs.
Ohne nachgelesen zu haben, dachte ich: wenn ich das seinerzeit im Plattenladen gehört hätte wäre es sicher viel gelaufen. Mit dem Hintergrund schafft es es vielleicht auch im aktuellen Zeitalter!
Alternates between slow folk songs about sadness and love and songs that sound kind of like throwing instruments down the stairs, but not in a bad way.
Big fan of Wilco, and overall, I've really been enjoying this album. 'California Stars' is the stand-out, but I have yet to encounter a bad song in the bunch.
Solid as hell, inventive and comfortable
Some crackers, and what a great backstory for the album. Not my usual thing but enjoyed this ‘supergroup’ offering.
This is great, can't believe I've never heard of it. Love the heavy use of organ. Sounds modern but also like folk music. Some great lyrics. It's a winner.
folky af
Great album. Brings together several of my favorite things - Guthrie, Wilco, folk, and union songs. Love California Stars. This is the just the first volume. The complete sessions are terrific.
Liked it. Didn’t get to listen too closely though, need to hear again
Very good very nice very swag
Kinda exactly what you’d expect. Not bad, but not remarkable. The female vocalist had a very nice voice though
Liked a lot Favs are "California Stars" and "Way over Yonder in the Minor Key"
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Walt Whitman's niece, California Stars, One by one
So who would've guessed that of all the highly decorated and well-known artists on the list, the first one we would see twice would be Billy Bragg?? When the first Billy Bragg album came up, it was one of our driving days on vacation and we tried it in the car. It wasn't our kind of driving music, so we stopped and never got a chance to come back to it. But with that first album, I thought that name sounded familiar. Why? A little searching revealed this album, and that rang a bell. "Billy Bragg and Wilco" sounded like something I had heard of before. I've only listened to a little Wilco, and never listed to this collaboration, but for some reason I had heard of it. What I didn't know until now was that this was a collection of unrecorded Woody Guthrie songs, and the interesting story of how this came to be. And it turned out to be a great folk rock record. I went back and listened to the Taxman album, and I've gotta say I liked Bragg's voice and the song arrangements on this album better. I thought I would prefer the songs where Wilco's Jeff Tweedy sings lead, but I actually like both. "Way Over Yonder in a Minor Key" was a standout, but only "Hoodoo Voodoo" didn't really do it for me. Good stuff, and I'm glad to have returned to Billy Bragg.
Much more pleasant than the solo Billy Bragg album.
An album of unused Woodie Guthrie lyrics put to music generated for us on Woodie Guthrie’s birthday? Yes please. A coincidence? I appreciate that some of the music exudes country influences, which ties the songs back to Woodie even more. On She Came Along To Me, Woodie writes, “But I’m sure the women are equal. And they may be ahead of the men.” Smart. Walt Whitman’s Niece is my favorite song on the album. I enjoy the “I’m not telling you which…” structure to the lyrics. This would be a good album to play while sitting around a campfire.
This is the album that introduced me to Billy Bragg. I think I already knew Wilco because of Uncle Tupelo. I like Billy Bragg. I’m a big fan of Wilco, Natalie Merchant and Woody Guthrie. I have occasionally put “California Stars” to memory enough to play it in the guitar. I wonder how come I don’t have a copy of this album anymore. “Way Over Yonder...” and “Birds and Ships” are my next favorite songs. I saw them play “Way Over Yonder...” live on Letterman
This one is floating just above a 3 for me but if I'm honest with myself I know I could really get into this album on a road trip.
Hey, pretty good! First half I liked more than the back half though for sure. I'll give it a 4 for being surprisingly likeable
Fun folk! Cool to hear the collaboration.
.
Twangy folk songs. 0RS
I enjoyed it, never really listened to Billy Brag and only knew him as a caricature of political singer song writers
Really like it. Not exactly what I was expecting and was surprised to recognise a few songs....Interesting that Wilco is not also listed as the artist? a couple of songs got a little too twang country for me. A few songs were super beautiful too.
Me gustó la verdad, tiene una melancolía y una solemnidad gringa que sí pone medio sad. Me gustó más Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key, suena tristalegre. En general el disco da la vibra de un roadtrip introspectivo como en película indie :V Mood: Wow, esto no es la calle de las sirenas.
Grande Wilco.
Del chill
I don't know how but I accidentally listened to this album in reverse order
Este álbum me sonó muy a Estados Unidos (?), tradición gringa, música como muy cinematográfica a veces. Siento que funciona bien en roadtrip o incluso como viaje introspectiva al USA profundo. Con todo, pues estuvo bueno escucharlo en su mayoría y hay algunas letras muy efectivas. Las canciones que realmente me gustaron fueron: "California Stars", "Hoodoo Voodoo" y las tristes "At My Window Sad and Lonely" y "One by One". 7.5/10
Really nice. Eclectic. Love "Birds and Ships", "One By One", "Way over Yonder in the Minor Key" and "Ingrid Bergman"
Bon folk rock un peu country. Le melange des deux chnateurs est tres bon et l’ecriture des chanson fit tres bien avec le style.4*
Really enjoyed this. Great working music - think I listened about 4 times whilst I worked late. Not sure how to analyse the music but it was certainly enjoyable
Was shocked over how much I liked this one.
this was a brilliant album! beautiful lyrics, the composition of the songs, and variety was just gorgeous. the track "Birds and Ships" had Natalie Merchant singing, probably my favorite track on the album, but "One by One" is definitely a close second. all-in-all, this was a joy to listen to.
this is the second day in a row i got wilco and i am riding this high. i really only liked the songs with jeff tweedy singing but this album was a great combo of the two - neither lost their voice but actually complemented each other.
Osittain tuttuja biisejä johtuen projektin Wilco-yhteyksistä. Levy kokonaisuudessaan on kuitenkin jäänyt kuuntelematta aiemmin. Tykkäsin rennon letkeästä countrymeiningistä hyvin Wilcomaisella musisoinnilla varutettuna. Jatkoon ja uudelleenkuunteluun.
Fav Song: California Stars
Nice album. I met Billy Bragg at a record shop in Austin, lovely man - hated Thatcher
Pretty good album, lots of great acoustic parts, love the song with Natalie Merchant. Some good tracks would like to listen again High 3.5
I liked it. Fun rock with lots of folk undertones. Story telling lyrics. There was just something about it that I didn't need to add almost any songs to playlists. Not that its bad, just less my cup of tea.
For years I've enjoyed the song "California Stars" without listening to this album or looking into its background. What a great listen this turned out to be though. I love this style of folky rock from the late 90s/early 00s. It's a bit long but I can't fault it too much for that.
Has some cool songs
The first song made me doubt I'd like this album, but it turned out to be a red herring. The album is really good, mixing a country-rock and folk style. Lots of different singers as well. And they lyrics are worth a listen by themselves.
Awesome. And it had my new funeral song.
8,2
Bragg and Wilco put some old Woody Guthrie lyrics to music, and it mostly works. They stayed true to his aesthetic while making it their own, which is how you have to approach a project like this, I think. The issue I keep coming back to is that for all three major players, this isn't their best work. It's really good, but it doesn't particularly stand out. Best track: Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key
Big Wilco fan. This album was a great listen. Will definitely give a spin again in the future. Christ for President was my favorite and Hesitating Beauty was a great one too. Woody Guthrie could write great ones.
This definitely has to be country, right? California Stars will definitely go to the playlist of songs my grandpa would listen to Birds and Ships?? OMG WHAT A LOVELY VOICE Eisler on the go was cute I liked the slower songs better Very nice record 👏 Solid 3
Broke a solid week streak of 4s and 5s I had going with this mid album. Whats this doing here.
This was really well done. Not particularly my style, but it was enjoyable. There were good moments for sure. Very well done and fun...actual rating....3.5 Liked Songs: "California Stars" , "Birds And Ships" , "Hoodoo Voodoo" , "She Came Along To Me" , "I Guess I Painted" , "Hesitating Beauty"
An enjoyable enough folksy mashup of two great artists. But, by the end all I could think was that I’d prefer an additional album from each on the list rather than this colab.
Walt Whitman's Niece - 3/5 California Stars - 4/5 Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key - 4/5 Birds and Ships - 3/5 Hoodoo Voodoo - 2/5 She Came Along to Me - 3/5 At My Window Sad and Lonely - 4/5 Ingrid Bergman - 2/5 Christ for President - 2/5 I Guess I Planted - 3/5 One by One - 4/5 Eisler on the Go - 3/5 Hesitating Beauty - 3/5 Another Man's Done Gone - 3/5 The Unwelcome Guest - 3/5 Average score: 3.1/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ not bad. there were a few standout tracks, but most of the album was a little too country for my liking. alt-country is sort of a hit-or-miss genre to me for that reason, sometimes the balance between alternative and country is just off
Звучит приятно
I like the odd bit of Billy Bragg. I like the odd song by Wilco. There's not much on this album though that makes me desperate to hear it again. It's fine but no more than that.
California Stars was easily the standout track for me. Both its sound and Woody Guthrie’s lyrics gave it a timeless quality, making it feel as though it could belong to almost any time or place. As for the rest of the album, many of the songs blended together for me on a first listen. I suspect I’d appreciate them more by paying closer attention to Guthrie’s lyrics.
Billy Bragg and Wilco do justice to Woody Guthrie's lyrics with a set of sometimes pensive, sometimes upbeat songs. The artists collaborate a few times but most of the songs are helmed by either Bragg or the band. Bragg's songs are more successful, as his simple and direct songs are a good fit for Guthrie's simple and direct lyrics. "Ingrid Bergman" and "Eisler on the Go" are particularly poignant. Wilco's songs sound like Wilco songs from this era, which is to say they're good country tunes without the experimentation the band would later try. They're a worse fit for the lyrics, and work less often. "One by One" is an exception there. This is an interesting experiment and it's nice hearing these lyrics, though I would argue they're not good enough to carry a set of mostly just alright songs.
Folk rock. Bien otro meh
Country
I liked and didn’t like this one. Some of the instrumentals were fun and I liked the vibe, but other songs were a bit too slow for me.
Enjoyed a lot of these, Bragg's voice really suits the lyrics
Decent stuff here, second song is way better than the rest though there's def some other songs here that are pretty good
A great idea: take the lyrics Woody Guthrie left behind and set it to a style of music that appeals the tastes of a younger generation.
3/5
Meh
California Stars - simple straightforward song. Enjoyed Natalie Merchant’s contribution on Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key. And At My Window Sad and Lonely also strong. Alt country, folk, Americana (doesn’t seem right with Bard of Barking)? It’s almost a 4. Just don’t think it’s something I’d ever really decide to go back to.
Despite being a Bragg fan and more recently a fan of Wilco this album never quite resonated with me. Not really a fan of Bragg's forced American accent. The high points are undoubtedly California Stars for Wilco and Ingrid Bergman for Bragg but very much a mixed bag
I like me some early Billy Bragg and feel Spy v Spy or Brewing Up would be far more appreciated by me than this album. It’s not a bad album, it’s just pretty derivative and doesn’t offer anything of great interest beyond the obvious pick of California Stars
felt like a goddamn cowboy listening to this.
Something about it doesnt match my style but it is pretty pretty good, 7.5/10
I love Wilco and Billy Bragg individually, but admit that this project isn't quite the sum of the parts. It's good and I've listened to it many times since it's release, but I'd rather listen to one or the other do what it is that they do
was prima.. country oodellallyy
The songs are really great, both musically and lyrically, and are they're consistently good enough that I can't go through the tracklist and pick on any of them, but... they do end up getting forgettable in the second half. Some of that comes down to the production, which is kinda same-y with just a few exceptions. These songs are much more engaging in live performance. But that's picking at flaws of an album I really like, a 3.5/5. I don't think I'd put it in list of 1000, though.
Solid background music to start the day to
a couple of standouts but overall i really didn’t care for the arrangements. The instrumentation felt very bland from track to track. The lyrics, of course were fantastic and kept me interested.
I wasn't expecting much but really enjoyed this. Great songwriting.
It was fine
3/5
Tällaista holkkia jossa paljon hyviä rytmejä mutta myös kivaa melodista laulantaa. Nais-ja mies solistit molemmat osasivat asiansa.
I liked the concept of this album. The fact that they are Woody Guthrie songs but recorded by a backing band with a different then usual singer. I very much enjoyed the Natalie Merchant cameo and the Christ for President song was a good one for my 'Merica - fuck yeah playlist.
Quite nice.
Not my favorite from Wilco, but Hoodoo Voodoo was good.
Some highs and lows. But overall pretty good and a cool story behind the album itself. I knew California Stars pretty well but morning else and enjoyed it
Not really sure what I thought of this - might take a few more listens. Love Wilco, never been a fan of Bragg, and that kind of was the theme. Some fab songs, some duds. Will definitely listen again though.
irgendwie boring... billy bragg ist so countryesque, wilco ist eigentlich cool aber es ist mid
A bit of country, a bit of pop rock, a bit of other stuff I don't remember. I had too little sleep. But I remember it was quite mid, but not bad. So 3 stars it is.
I was surprised that I knew a few tracks off this album! I have kind of liked more Billy Bragg but I still liked this album more than I would have thought. 3.5
Hmm. Fun and interesting premise. Liked the Wilco vocals the least.
I had high hopes for this, both because the first cassette I ever owned, aged 8 or 9, was Woody Guthrie, and because I have always felt I really should like Billy Bragg…. But it just seemed rather bland.
Jeg kan godt lide idéen om at genoplive kunstnere ved at lægge musik til deres uudgivede materiale. Jeg er også for nylig blevet glad for en håndfulde Wilco numre, og kan godt lide den mere moderne lyd de tilføjer. Må også indrømme at jeg bedre kan lide de sange hvor Jeff Tweedy har lagt vokal til. Albummet har en meget chill energi med et par enkelte jigs indimellem. Lyrikken på dette album er fantastisk! Standouts: California Stars, Birds And Ships, At My Window Sad And Lonely, One By One, Another Man's Done Gone
Most friend groups have a fairly unified taste in music, with a few outliers here and there. For us, Wilco was one of these points of controversy. Some think Tweedy is a genius who deserves the legacy of Bob Dylan, others (my brother) belong to the more quietly devastating school of thought that “Wilco sucks”. I’m currently somewhere in the middle, and I’m sure I will explore this further as the list progresses. As for this ambitious concept album, I thought it actually worked rather well. Exceeded my expectations, but Spotify was no help to the cause by recommending “California Stars” to me relentlessly for years, like a total pest.
Concept good
Feels like a compilation of songs all by different artists, rather than a cohesive album
Wasn’t too bad, nothing was sticking with me though.
Put this on at a bar where everyone is drinking beer out of mugs.
It’s an okay album, not bad, not great. The songs are usually pretty decent, but very many of them are quite repetitive in composition and by the end I get tired of them. The lead vocals is pretty much shared by Billy Bragg and Jeff Tweedy. The best song though is the one sung by Natalie Merchant… Favourites: Birds and Ships
cool …if your 75 years old
Like this more for the spirit of Woody Guthrie’s lyrics and wit than the actual execution of them behind it. Ah well.
Enjoyed this more than I thought. The tunes were very 90s, but nice to hear. 3.5
Not bad, kind of has a folk vibe to it with a bit of rock.
A very uneven album with a lot of highs and lows. Bragg is incredible as always, but he alone can't counter how awful Wilco sounds on the songs they take lead. There's a commercial sound Wilco brings that really cheapens the lyrics in their focal songs. Unfortunately, and would be a 5/5 if it was a Bragg solo album. Top tracks: California Stars, Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key, Birds and Ships
Good lyrics smooth sounds not a bad package overall
not a big fan of country, but i really love the lyrics and instrumentals Favorite Songs: Walt Whitman's Niece, California Stars, Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key, Hoodoo Voodoo, Ingrid Bergman, Christ for President, One by One, Hesitating Beauty, Another Man's Done Gone, The Unwelcome Guest
This is so cool! I like the idea of modernizing old song ideas. I think if some of the songs went in different directions, I would have loved it.
I feel that I should like Billy Bragg more than I do. I don't know if it's his singing style, or the music he makes, but it never hits quite as well as I hope it will. Sorry Billy. This album in particular is good, I can't deny it, but just not great.
no suena mal pero no es mi estilo de musica medio yankee aburrido 6/10
No fav song
I guess I need to rethink my “I hate all country music” attitude
This was cute. Im not mad that I wasn’t on the initial Wilco bandwagon. They’re fine and this was fine
A bit of a slog in a few places, but mostly rather enjoyable.
This one washed over me, no complaints but nothing I feel called to particularly comment one, except I mistook the northern uk accent on the first song as distinctly Australian so that got a second play
I was excited because I love Billy Bragg (another top played artist in my household growing up) but then realised I didn't know any of the songs from this album and also it was stylistically not at all what I was expecting. Which is obviously the Wilco collab aspect (I am very aware of them and Pitchfork's historic love for them without ever hearing one of their songs) and the Woody Guthrie lyrics tribute concept. Which I think is cool! But not really the sound I would go for
An interesting concept. Quite listenable but nothing to really stand out or stay in mind. Weak three stars. 2,5
Did I need to listen to this? no. But I enjoyed my time with it and will 100% forget it in about an hour Best Song: California Stars Rating: 6.5/10 Stars: 3
Don't really have much to say on this one. I think both Wilco and Billy Bragg have done much better work than this.
Nothing wrong with this, just kind of boring. I'm not really into the indie sound. This feels like a spiritual ancestor to the stomp clap thing that I really hate.
I do like Wilco a lot! And Billy Bragg is a person as well.
It's ok. I've listened to some Wilco before and I think they got some good songs. I'm not too crazy on this album though.
I want to like WILCO more than I do. They are raw and simple musically while still being good. They are honest but almost overly so and feels sometimes like it's ironic. 3.
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I can't help but feel like this is on the list to make sure Woody Guthrie was included somewhere. I do think it's a shame his "Dust Bowl Ballads" isn't placed here. He is, without a doubt, one of the most important folk songwriters, whose body of work would influence the political folk singer-songwriters of the sixties. His lyrics are what stand out on this album—the music itself is fine, but nothing to write home about. As a preservation of lyrics that would have otherwise been forgotten in his archives, it's a worthwhile venture, and I don't regret hearing it. As a work of art, I wasn't particularly impressed.
Consistent and enjoyable throughout but never connected on a hit.
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.
Quite enjoyed tbf, but nothing special
(CD) Good album. Hadn't listened to it in a while. Average compared to great Wilco records
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.
It took a few songs but I kind of got into the groove of this. I could see myself listening again.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
this had some good moments, and then some 'jug band' moments
I like Wilco, I hate Billy Bragg. Meet in the middle.
This was alright in my book
5/10… american folk / singer songwr / *1998
Decent country
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.
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.
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
Was this in "The Little Mermaid"?
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
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
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.
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
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.
"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
Pretty decent
Solid folky americana. Didn’t stand out but was pleasant
Rv
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.
Böyle tatlı da gibi ama çok ölmedim ilginçli
Meh
Knew two songs. Fan of both artists.but never gave the album full attention. Great Woodie project. Will listen again.
3.5
its ok.
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.
Not exceptionally memorable but a nice background listen
This album is the perfect litmus test for what average music is.
favorites: loved most
Encore du rock blues de cowboy, avec quelques originalités plus modernes
Sympa Mais je pense que c’est mieux en concert
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.
#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.
clunky, nothing sticks. Very medium.
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.
Never really 'got' Billy Bragg but this was OK
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
Album #1,009 Better than the Wilco albums on this list. Folky and a little bluegrass sounding. I liked the song with Natalie Merchant.
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.
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 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 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
Favorite track(s): California Stars, Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key, Christ for President
Better than I was expecting
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.
Me hearing every Wilco song: 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘 Me hearing every Billy Bragg song: 😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠 So basically not that good.
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
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.
нормалек, негатива не испытал, позитива тоже особо, поэтому 3 очка.
decent country, still country
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...
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
7/10
Some great songs here
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.
Mid et bkoo if sdjwzfvbopbvd
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.
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 🧜♀️ 🧜♀️ 🧜♀️
Started off feeling bland but by the end there were a few songs I liked.
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
Decent country music. Best Wilco I've heard so far.
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.
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.
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
A rather strange and disparate collection of songs, but decent enough. Not enough politics, mind.
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
Decent folk-country.nVery chill and sleepy. Boring as well.
Nice Sunday music for pottering around
not my favourite billy but OK.
This is fine, not really my cup of tea, but there are some nice moments. A few songs really bothered me ("Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key" was distressing in its repitition), but overall pleasant enough. I'm not much for lyrics, which are clearly the star of the show here, so without much in the way of musical interest, it's hard for me to get excited about this. Sonically speaking, pretty monotonous.
This record is a strong Alt Country showing. Folks who are into that style of music will probably connect to it much more than I did, and I wouldn't argue with a four or even five-star ratings for those who are into this genre. It has some excellent moments, but I don't plan to listen to it again. Three stars.
This was a pleasurable album to listen to not because it was revolutionary, but just solid songs, great production, and emotional fluctuations that keep the listener active. It was Americana at its best. One of the things I appreciated about it was the variation, including songs by Wilco and throwing a little Natalie Merchant in there as well. I could definitely come back to Mermaid Avenue. It’s a perfect chill kind of day.
* "And maybe we'll have all of the fascists out of the way by then" - I'm so sorry Woody. We're still working on it. * California Stars is one of the best songs and is one I've seen Wilco perform many times. Just an excellent song that is well done. * This was one of the first Wilco albums that I heard. However, it's not really a Wilco album even though they regularly play a few of the songs. * I dig these pick up old songs from famous songwriters (like the New Basement Tapes). These songwriters (woody and Dylan) left so much good stuff on the cutting floor. *This is pure Americana even if Billy Bragg is British.
The only time my ears perked up was for Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key. Otherwise this just washed over me.
A little long - but some good folk tunes throughout
I fell asleep.
One of the leads sounds OK, the other sounds like the times at a concert during the 2nd encore when the drummer takes a verse and everyone is amazed. Doesn't work well for a lead singer. That said, I enjoyed the upbeat songs. 3.4.
Americana folk, nothing else really to say.
Dragged a bit by the end, but a couple of good tracks near the start
это то как я шентиз представляю) но вообще довольно эклектично и не поняла кто их них Билли а кто Вилко, когда женщины поют