Reviews (page 5 of 8)
Excellent
Anglobard, but thanks for The Internationale.
Average album
Wilco being apart of this album was a pleasant surprise. Definitely enjoyed their vibe on California Stars and Hoodoo Voodoo. Some of the songs later in the album were not my favorite, but overall I found this enjoyable to listen to. Solid-to-high 3.
California Stars is on a short list of my favorite songs ever written. Way Over Yonder In the Minor Key (always thought it was saying "Monarchy") is a nice folksy ballad with support from Natalie Merchant. She shines on the next track Birds and Ships, which is another favorite of mine. Hoodoo Voodoo is a rude awakening after Birds and Ships with the quirky organs that sound almost like an Elvis Costello song. This one is a 4 in my heart. I rarely play it through, but always enjoy it when I do.
Fun that this is done with Wilco. Listened to this one twice. First listen hit around that 3.5 realm, but another listen definitely bumped it up to that low/mid 4. An interesting blend of a great country voice with some folky/alternative vibes to keep it upbeat when needed.
Not really my usual jam but it was an easy enough listen that I couldn't hate it. Had some nice indie and country mix with some good singing. High 3
I can fuck with some Wilco though I prefer the more experimental stuff compared to their Americana/Country scene. Still assuming we're getting Yankee Hotel Foxtrot at some point. Interesting all these songs are written by Woody Guthrie but performed by Wilco and Billy Bragg. California Stars I've definitely heard this song is catchy as hell. Also really loving One by One. Was definitely more into the Wilco side of this, with most of their songs being a 4 and Braggs a 2. So we'll go with an even 3.
327/1001
30 odd albums in and this is the first time I've given a little woohoo of joy on seeing today's album. What a great record. Billy Bragg is a little less Billy Bragg than he usually is. Wilco are still the punchy, brilliant Wilco of summerteeth, Woody Guthrie is still truth personified. And oh sweet Mary mother of god Natalie Merchant. 98 I was, somewhat, truth be told, considerably up my own arse. not as up it as I was earlier nor so far as I was later, by any means, I grant you, but this record told me some truth then I needed telling and a whole bunch more I get told a full 27 years later. I miss those days and I wish I'd heard this record with the wisdom of 27 more years in me when I heard it back then. I.l miss the me i coulda been in 98
Another album I’d never heard of…and I’m bummed! This is a fantastic album. Kudos to the Guthrie project for the idea of it. I’ve got a lot of listening to do!
chill
Billy Bragg with Wilco? No thank you.
Walt Whitman’s Niece
Some of this was pretty good, some didn't do much for me. Inspired me to go listen to Woodie Guthrie though so it gets a boost for that.
Nice collab! Good songs!
Oh last night I put this album on (I won’t say which album) and sure, I thought it started strongly (I won’t say how strongly) but then sure enough I started to lose interest (I won’t say which interest) until finally I read a Wikipedia page (I won’t say which Wikipedia page) and then I saw that this was the result of a project (I won’t say which project) that was bringing to life the works of famous songwriter (I won’t say which songwriter) who had died an untimely death (I won’t quite say how he died) and whose legacy deserves to draw fresh breath (I won’t say what kind of breath) and I realised this endeavour is the result of an awesome idea executed thoughtfully and with so much love – even if there’s only one song I actually really liked (I won’t say which song I liked).
This is fine. I didn't find the work to be very engaging, but the idea begind it is fun. Probably not going to revisit this one
This album is such a mixed bag for me. I loved the first three songs, especially California Stars. Then a stretch of songs I didn’t care for, then the delightful Ingrid Bergman came on. Hard to rate this, but I guess I’ll be generous and give it a 4.
I don’t quite remember how I got to this album years ago (probably was the intersection of Wilco, a band I like, with Billy Bragg, a singer I knew more through his collaborations with R.E.M.), but California Stars and Walt Whitman’s Niece have been longtime favorites. It was good to listen to the album again, which is overall solid. Listening to Natalie Merchant sing anything will also always be a joy.
This was really good. The few tracks that stray away from country/folk were less enjoyable which stopped it from hitting a full 5, but it was close.
Didn't really dig it.
I was never really a fan of this album. But I always kind of like it. And it still hasn't changed.
Country. No me gusta
Good energy, but not great songs.
This was a delight. I had always liked California Stars so it was great to hear the rest of the album. Given the fact how much I hated Yankee Hotel Foxtrot I was pleasantly surprised with this.
I can't. I know it's "folk" or whatever, but it sounds an awful lot like country. Too much slide guitar and twangy shit. It's really annoying.
Chris TT has a song called Preaching To The Converted that questions the use of singing protest songs to people who agree with you. A line in that song is "Billy Bragg's gone fishing in his 4x4". I would rather listen to 50 minutes of BB driving than this to be quite honest.
I’m really not into this kind of music but I’d suggest this album to someone who was. I didn’t mind California Stars.
Wonderful.
Great reinterpretation of woody Guthrie tracks.
That was worth a listen, but just once.
Possibly my favorite Wilco album
Really enjoyed this album. 3.5 stars
Bored listening to this
"Christ for President" just different in 2025 than in sure it did when it was written and recorded. 😬
A fine set of tunes
Zderzenie country i Velvet Underground. Dziwny album, rozbity pomiędzy dwóch twórców o zupełnie różnych stylach, z tekstami napisanymi przez jeszcze kogoś zupełnie innego i zaadaptowanymi po śmierci autora. Teksty są zdecydowanie najciekawszą częścią albumu - przewrotne, soczyste, niektóre bardzo wyraziste. Ogólnie całkiem dobrze się tego słucha. Na początku nie byłem przekonany, ale przy drugim przesłuchaniu trochę zyskało. Takie 3,5/5.
Most forgettable music in history. I have vague memory of listening to it.
Woody Guthrie is a towering figure in American music. Dylan. Copland. Gershwin. Porter. Brian Wilson. Smokey Robinson. Stevie Wonder. Bacharach. Chuck Berry. Goffin/King. Hank Williams . Willie Dixon. There are others. Those are the figures he stands with even if he’d reject all of them. So the lyrics donated by his daughter of unrecorded songs are hugely important. This is competent. But I feel Billy Bragg was the wrong choice. Why not Springsteen? Or Dylan. Or some other leftist American. Billy comes across like a young enthusiast who doesn’t really know this stuff but wants to learn. That’s ok. It’s a bit awkward though. And I note that the project stalls after this. Wilco is fine and thank god it wasn’t the grateful dead or its remnants. I think an American singer who had studied woody would have got it better. 3.5. Rounded down because it’s not a four star.
No Woody Guthrie albums on the list, just this? This is a fitting way to honour Woody, the playing and songwriting is sympathetic to the lyrical material. The recording quality is to modern tastes, but I like Wilco's restraint in keeping the presentation unfussy and spacious, and a little rough-hewn. I like these songs more than the couple of Wilco albums I have reviewed. Great hear Natalie Merchant on a few songs (although her harmony singing, fine though it is, made me wonder what Emmylou Harris would have done on this record). Billy Bragg is an odd pairing on a decidedly Americana album, but I do think he can sing Woody Guthrie lyrics with credibility. I believe that he believes what he is singing. best songs are frontloaded on the record, and the second side drags a bit. 3.5 stars, rounding up because I can still hum some of the tunes.
I understand what they were trying to do and the concept is definitely interesting but this album had trouble holding my attention. I would find myself zoning out during the middle of songs to the point that I had to restart a couple. It's not a bad album but it just isn't interesting to me. It's a shame that Woody Guthrie didn't write songs to accompany these lyrics because he probably would have done a better job with them, in my opinion. This is the issue that I've had with Wilco, overall. Their music isn't bad. It's clear that they're actually quite good at what they do. It's just boring to me and I'm generally a fan of folk, indie, and alternative.
I'd never heard of this before and started listening before learning anything about it. My first thought was that the lyrics were great but the music/arrangements could use some work. After finding out the lyrics were written by Woody Guthrie that makes sense. I still really enjoyed it. Another good job of this list finding an album I probably wouldn't have found on my own.
Gear: Aür Audio Aurora Artwork: 🏠🏚️🏠 Production: 😐🙂👌 Music: 🙄🙄🙄 Rating: 🙄/5
Good, really low-key. Will come back to again.
Like Billy wander over the minor e fantastic. Like his guitar plucking his voice his attitude regarding unions and his politics. this was however a little long and samey.
A real find for me, lovely
I'm always up for some Wilco.
A really nice collection of tunes. I usually come down on the Son Volt side of the Uncle Tupelo split -- but this was probably the most accessible Wilco I've heard. Just good stuff to have on in the background -- a good listen.
I don't really know what to say about this record other than it's just pure magic. Billy Bragg's songs are especially great. "California Stars" introduced me to this album, songs like "Walt Whitman's Niece" made me fall head over heels with it.
Lots going on here. Irish folk elements, bob dylan emulation. It's folksy, catchy, borderline annoyed me. There was one song that made me want to turn it off, but I vibed with the rest. 3.5/5, but I'll give it a 4, feeling nice.
Really good.
Great acoustic guitar
Fast jag inte ofta är en så stor fan av sån här musik så gilla ja det här. Catchy melodier och nice lyrics Stark 3
Won’t go out of my way to listen again, but this was a pleasant surprise! Liked the Wilco tracks more than Bragg’s, but pretty good overall
I appreciate that the art direction on this was to not make new Woody Guthrie songs, but rather to imagine that Guthrie was a collaborator with Bragg and Wilco. This sort of Americana hits me right in the heart. I'm the sort of person who doesn't register lyrics right away -- the vocals are just part of the music, and there are words, but they don't have semantic value for me until I hear the song a number of time. But these lyrics I hear, clear and evocative. Why did Dylan get a Nobel Prize for literature when it's so obvious that Woody Guthrie was a true troubadour poet? A noble warrior with a machine that kills fascists.
Surprised me how much I liked this album. Immediately went down a Bragg/Wilco rabbit hole.
I have heard the name Billy Bragg before and Wilco seems familiar but I can't say I know if I have heard a single song by them. The songs are smooth and calm with a good tempo. After listening through the album I don't really know what to write. The album didn't really make me feel anything special or react in a certain way. I just leaned back and enjoyed the songs and a lot of the times that is exactly what you need from an album.
In the East End of London born and raised On the cobbled street is where I spent most of my days Chillin' out, maxin', relaxin' all cool And all jellied eels and winkles outside of the school When a couple of geezers who were up to no good Started causing grief in my neighbourhood I got in one little fight and my ma just knew And said "You're movin' with your auntie on Mermaid Avenue"
imagine the parallel universe in which Woody Guthrie covers Billy Bragg
Great album, cool concept (old Woody Guthrie lyrics put to new music), fun times!
Interesting
Too slow for me
4/5
I really enjoyed this one.
This is cool. I don't know about Billy Bragg, or enough about Wilco, or even enough about Woody Guthrie to be over the moon, but it works. “California Stars” was such a hit that many people don’t realize it’s a posthumous collaboration with a man who died in 1967.
I honestly did not love this. I’m getting fatigued of getting albums that feel like a two rating. Haven’t discovered anything new or amazing for quite some time.
This project is precisely the kind of thing that could seem like a good idea on paper, but could fall apart in execution. Fortunately, not the case. California Stars is a monster. Other good tunes: One by One, Minor Key, Whitman's Niece.
Great idea for an album. Some good songs, some not so good ones.
Not a huge fan of either of these artists, but this works. "Mermaid Avenue" augments Bragg's miserable onanism with more authentic alt-country rock, and gives Wilco a more intelligent and political edge. So it turns out two negatives can make a positive.
Seemed like they couldn’t quite agree what kind of music to make well, so they did an okay job or 4 or 5 genres.
Really like this collection of Woody Guthrie songs...updated by Bragg and Wilco .great guests and the follow up is great too
You definitely know what era this is with this album.
I really enjoyed this album, it has some great tracks.
This album brought old vibes to the table. I can't believe it was from the 90s.
An excellent collection of folk rock and vintage country. A mix of vocalists and a variety of moods and styles make this a nice listen front to back. The context of the album feels important. Unused lyrics by Woody Guthrie were turned into full songs decades later by Billy Bragg and Wilco as a sort of tribute and posthumous collaboration. Interesting, thoughtful idea. But the songs also work nicely without the backstory. Warm, friendly, inviting music.
Interesting album, as it's composites of lyrics from Woodie Guthrie that Billy Bragg & Wilco put to music. Some nice modern production boosts it a little bit, but I often find this genuine American folk to be a little boring. Because of the simplicity of it, I often find myself listening and thinking "is this song beautiful? Does it speak to me somehow?" because I don't really have a lot of elements to grab on to. With that being said, there's quite a few songs that are beautiful on this; "Birds and Ships (feat. Natalie Merchant)" is stunning, and "Way over Yonder in the Minor Key" is very nice as well.
This is a great approach of an album. I feel the history of Guthrie, but still the freshness of Wilco and Bragg. This is also the only time I've enjoyed listening to Bragg.
mmmmm
decent effort, collaborating with another artist to put music to Woody Guthrie words
Album 671 of 1001 Billy Bragg - Mermaid Avenue (1998) Rating : 5 / 5 Great album. This collaboration features music set to previously unreleased lyrics written by Woody Guthrie. I first heard the track "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key" when I was first listening through the playlist and it has become one of my favorite and most repeated songs. An awesome and unique blend of Americana, folk rock, and alt-country.
3 stars
Feels a bit weird listening to Folk music from the UK, but hey, I didn’t hate it. Fav track was Hesitating Beauty
I appreciate this album but it’s just not a genre I’d revisit much - but for the genre I’d say it’s pretty good! If that makes any sense!
Wilco & BB doing Woody, but no Woody greatest hits. Woody's house on Mermaid was torn down long ago. The cover is of nearby houses. California Stars is one of my favorite tunes, ever. I just listened to Night at the Opera, I would rather listen to this then that again, and its one of the greatest, supposedly.
What a boring album. Lyrics like nonsensical poetry, no meat to it whatsoever. It’s not the worst instrumentally, as I do like folksy music, but nothing there to bring me back.
En av världens mest underskattade artister. Han har gjort så mycket bra. Det här är inte det bästa men är ändå förbaskat bra.
Excellent stuff
I liked this album but I think I could’ve died completely content never having heard it
No es lo suficiente para mover las olas
California stars is still the stand out but I hadn’t known how good some of the other tracks were until this relisten. A family favorite.
Serves as both a loving tribute to Guthrie and a strong piece of music. Nice to hear Natalie Merchant pop up here and there too.
- An interesting project and Guthrie's lyrics are the real standout. That being said, I wish they had been put to a more musically creative Americana...the choices here are fine, but all could be produced by any live band at any bar on a Saturday night. - "Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key" was the high point, but "Eisler On The Go" may be the most interesting. - Yeah...I will pass on "Hoodoo Voodoo," thank you.
Carried by the one song... but what a song.
Will be introduced into my regular rotation!
## In-Depth Review of *Mermaid Avenue* by Billy Bragg and Wilco *Mermaid Avenue*, released in 1998, is a collaborative album featuring British singer-songwriter Billy Bragg and American band Wilco. This project is unique as it sets to music a selection of unpublished lyrics from the legendary folk musician Woody Guthrie, curated by his daughter, Nora Guthrie. The album not only pays homage to Guthrie's legacy but also revitalizes his words through contemporary musical interpretations. This review will explore the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also outlining its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrics of *Mermaid Avenue* are derived from Woody Guthrie's extensive collection of unfinished works. The collaboration between Bragg and Wilco allowed these previously unheard words to come alive in a new context. - **Playfulness and Depth**: The lyrics range from whimsical to deeply reflective. For instance, "Walt Whitman's Niece" opens the album with a lively tone, showcasing Guthrie's playful spirit. In contrast, songs like "At My Window Sad and Lonely" delve into themes of longing and melancholy. - **Political Undertones**: Many tracks echo Guthrie's political activism. "Christ for President" stands out as a raucous anthem that critiques political systems, resonating with contemporary issues. This duality in the lyrics—balancing humor with serious commentary—captures the essence of Guthrie's voice. - **Emotional Resonance**: Songs such as "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key," featuring Natalie Merchant, evoke a sense of nostalgia and tenderness. The emotional weight of these lyrics illustrates Guthrie's ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. ### Music Musically, *Mermaid Avenue* blends folk, rock, and Americana influences, creating a sound that is both modern and rooted in tradition. - **Bragg's Folk Roots**: Billy Bragg’s contributions are characterized by his signature acoustic guitar work and a straightforward vocal style that emphasizes storytelling. Tracks like "Ingrid Bergman" showcase his ability to convey intimacy through simple arrangements. - **Wilco's Americana Flair**: Wilco brings a more eclectic sound to the project. Their tracks often incorporate elements of alt-country and rock, evident in songs like "California Stars," which features lush instrumentation including steel guitar and violin. This combination enhances the lyrical depth with rich musical textures. - **Production Quality**: The production of *Mermaid Avenue* is polished yet retains an organic feel. The instrumentation is carefully layered, allowing each element—vocals, guitar, strings—to shine without overshadowing the others. This balance creates an inviting atmosphere for listeners. ### Themes The themes explored in *Mermaid Avenue* reflect both Woody Guthrie's original intentions and the contemporary perspectives of Bragg and Wilco. - **Social Justice**: Many songs address themes of inequality and workers' rights, echoing Guthrie’s lifelong commitment to social activism. The track "I Guess I Planted" serves as a celebration of labor victories, reinforcing the album's political relevance. - **Love and Longing**: Alongside its political messages, the album also delves into personal relationships. Songs like "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key" express romantic yearning, showcasing Guthrie's versatility as a lyricist who could navigate both personal and societal narratives. - **Nostalgia for Simplicity**: The juxtaposition of modern life with simpler times is another recurring theme. This is particularly evident in tracks that reflect on lost eras or simpler joys, creating a sense of longing that resonates with listeners today. ### Influence *Mermaid Avenue* has had a lasting impact on both folk music and popular culture since its release. - **Revitalizing Folk Music**: The album reintroduced Woody Guthrie’s work to a new generation while also bridging traditional folk with contemporary sounds. It demonstrated how folk music could evolve while remaining relevant to current social issues. - **Inspiration for Future Artists**: The collaboration between Bragg and Wilco has inspired numerous artists to explore similar projects that honor musical legacies while infusing them with new life. It paved the way for other artists to engage with historical figures through modern interpretations. - **Cultural Significance**: By bringing attention to Guthrie’s unpublished works, *Mermaid Avenue* contributed significantly to the preservation of his legacy within American music history. It reaffirmed Guthrie’s status as a foundational figure whose messages continue to resonate. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Innovative Collaboration**: The partnership between Bragg and Wilco successfully merges different musical styles while honoring Guthrie’s spirit. - **Lyrical Depth**: The album features rich lyrics that balance humor with poignant social commentary. - **Emotional Range**: It captures a wide array of emotions—from joy to sadness—making it relatable across different audiences. - **Production Quality**: High-quality production enhances the listening experience without compromising authenticity. #### Cons - **Inconsistent Track Quality**: While many songs shine, some may feel less impactful compared to standout tracks. - **Pacing Issues**: The album’s flow can be uneven at times; transitions between upbeat and slower songs may disrupt listener engagement. - **Limited Accessibility for Some Audiences**: Listeners unfamiliar with folk traditions may find certain styles or themes less appealing or relatable. ### Conclusion *Mermaid Avenue* stands as a remarkable tribute to Woody Guthrie’s legacy while showcasing the talents of Billy Bragg and Wilco. Through its thoughtful lyrics, diverse musical arrangements, and exploration of timeless themes such as love and social justice, the album not only honors its source material but also breathes new life into it for contemporary audiences. Despite some minor shortcomings in track consistency and pacing, its overall impact is profound—both as a work of art and as an essential piece of music history that continues to inspire future generations.
This is better than just regular Wilco. I enjoyed it so much, I listened twice. 3.5 stars.
I like early Billy Bragg. This album really didn't do much for me though.
A few great songs on here 3.5
Standout tracks: "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key" "She Came Along to Me" "At My Window Sad and Lonely" "Hesitating Beauty" Worst tracks: "Hoodoo Voodoo" "Ingrid Bergman" "Christ for President"
This is an interesting one. It's a collection of unfinished Woody Guthrie songs (that were just lyrics, no music) that was commissioned by Guthrie’s daughter to be finished and recorded by Billy Bragg (who I had never heard of), who chose Wilco as his backing band. Apparently she wanted the songs to be in a style that would appeal to a new generation, but maintain her father’s original lyrics and meaning. It’s very well done, and I like a lot of it. Certain songs are more captivating than others, and there isn’t anything that particularly resonated with me upon my initial listen, but it’s ok. Like I said, I enjoyed it, but I don’t know that I would necessarily come back to it. We’ll see.
Wasn't really too intrigued by this until I found out it was all Woody Guthrie songs. Seems a little sacrilegious to have a British guy singing them, but he proved me completely wrong. 4/5.
Investing project but dragged on a little bit for me.
Would not listen again, kind of a tough one; California stars is nice?
Late 1990s alternative country/US folk rock album by Billy Bragg with previously unheard lyrics by Woodie Guthrie. It was a nice listen but nothing remarkable or memorable, probably I won't listen to it again.
At first, I really did not like this album, but it got better on or around Christ for President. I like One by One also. Overall, just not to my liking. Too many songs in this album. 2.
I first got into Wilco with the release of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (four years after this release), but I quickly caught up on the back catalog of these 'alt.country' pioneers. Though Wilco's sound has evolved greatly with Yankee Hotel Foxtrot onwards, this recording (and subsequent Mermaid Avenue Volumes II and III) sit perfectly well with their 'Being There' sound of Americana; country without the twang, just as God intended. And what a great project this is! From my understanding: Woody Guthrie's daughter found all of these lyrics of her father's that were never put into songs. The famed folk singer from Oklahoma who penned "This Land Is Your Land" was a protest songwriter, his acoustic guitar brandishing a hand written message that "This Machine Kills Fascists" in the 1940's. The daughter contacted Billy Bragg, similarly a folk songwriter, political activist, and protest songwriter from England, believing he would be the perfect person to take her father's lyrics and add chords and melody to complete the songs. He needed a band, and called up Wilco who were part of the 'new country' for the alternative crowd at the time, and together Billy and Jeff Tweedy completed a series of songs using Woody Guthrie's lyrics in what would eventually become a three volume set, of which this is the first. Jeff also pulled in the distinct voice of Natalie Merchant for any songs that would benefit from a female touch; she sings lead on a handful of tunes throughout the series. The end result is an amazing collaboration of songwriting greats, breathing life into a dead legend's words with their own convictions which align with Woody's, generations ago. Though I entered this recording as a Wilco fan, in the end it was Billy Bragg's contributions and deep voice that really delivered the goods. "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key", "Ingrid Bergman", and "Eisler On The Go" display a vocal approach that can be sentimental or haunting, and there were countless times I pulled out the guitar to play the humorous sing-a-long of "Walt Whitman's Niece". Jeff Tweedy got stuck with the nonsense lyrics of "Hoodoo Voodoo," but he really shines on "California Stars", "At My Window Sad And Lonely", "One By One", "Hesitating Beauty", and "The Unwelcome Guest." Wilco was one of the main reasons I went to Coachella 2004 (along with Radiohead, The Cure, Pixies, The Flaming Lips, Air, Death Cab for Cutie, Bright Eyes, Belle and Sebastian, and many others), and they were the only ones who dropped out due to Jeff's stomach problems which got him addicted to painkillers. When they toured the next album, I saw them at The Fabulous Fox Theatre with the same Coachella friend; and when they played "California Stars," he said, "This is the apology song for Coachella," and I felt it. On another note, I played an outdoor show in Midtown once, and during the last set, a small group of guys stumbled in. I spoke to them and found out that they were a bachelor party and could hear us from their hotel balcony, and they walked the streets trying to find us; we chatted a bit longer and then we went into the next song, which happened to be a cover of "Hesitating Beauty," a song about trying to win over a girl and convince her to marry him. It was pure luck of the moment, but I felt like the universe did me a solid in the eyes of that group. Anyways, many of these songs or lyrics continue to pop into my head over the years. There are occasional timing variations and interesting meters and arrangements, but the strength is really in the collective songwriting and each individual's performance, knowing when to pull out the full band, and when to keep it simple. This project creates, elongates, and captures a moment in American history, but ultimately the backstory is not even needed to appreciate the quality of solid musicianship on Mermaid Avenue.
Folk-y music with a country twang, kind of reminiscent of Bob Dylan, especially when the harmonica breaks out. Not the kind of music I'm super into, but not bad. Some of the first music I ever knew were folk songs, those classics we all learned in school, so maybe the ubiquitousness of folk music and the way it's sort of a baseline for everything else makes me take it for granted as a genre. "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key" was kind of repetitive, but it was probably my favorite song here for the harmonies, the sweet nostalgia and humor, and, well, the minor key. 3.5
These songs are performed well, but the overall sound is not really my thing. It was kind of dreamy and show gazer ish at times, which is not bad, but it just didn't grab me. Seems like an album that you have to be in a certain mood for. Elements of Hoodoo Voodoo reminded me of The Beatles' Lady Madonna.
Loved this!!!! Laurel Canyon Cowboy shit hell yeah. Unapologetically cool and melodic. I always skirted around Wilco in my indie music absorbing. I always chalked them up to a dave matthews wannabe. But this album sorta changed my perspective.
Bragg kan mycket bättre. Saknar gnista. Två.
It's Billy Bragg and Wilco putting unrecorded lyrics of folk-hero Woody Guthrie to music and committing them to tape. The album meets some level of "It's important" criteria by existing at all. It doesn't hurt that it's broadly listenable to the modern ear too. We have the expanded, complete sessions in the house somewhere and so listening to just this record is a welcome, focused revisiting. There's heartbreak and humor, up and down tempos, and some blue-collar, working class truths in here. Although, speaking of the truth, the record is not as singular and incandescent as the best work from any of the contributors. It's charming and okay. It's more like a middle American roadside diner than it wants to admit.
Better than last Wilco album i was given
Not really appealing to me, quite boring. The only reason this is on the list as far as I can tell is that the lyrics are from Woody Guthrie’s rejected song notes. 2⭐️
I like these 2 artists paired on this album better than anything theyve done before or since. Just great roots rock
Woah! Real fun folk, and couple great songs!
I like the sound of all three main constituent parts of this project, albeit the combination could risk becoming arse-clenchingly earnest. In the end, I think it walks that line really rather well, honouring Woody Guthrie without being too worthy.
Strange enough as a concept to warrant a place on the list alone… thing is though it’s not that interesting, Wilco are an alright band and billy bragg is solid but I feel the in your face Britishness to his voice is completely redundant and that’s what I found charming about his work 2/5
Lo escuché hace como 4 horas y ya se me olvidó por completo. No fui muy fan, en general se me hizo algo repetitivo y no conecté con las canciones. No me lo pasé mal, pero se me olvidó rapidísimo.
Часть Wilco – нормально, партии Billy Bragg`а не впечатлили. Лучшая песня: California Stars
2.75
I don’t even know what to write. Some tracks were great. Some were blah. Was it Wilco? Was it Billy Bragg? Who was the woman? Do I like Wilco now? Am I a pothead now?
Right now I’m kinda into this type of music. I did enjoy it tbh.
3/5. A contemporary take on older lyrics written by Woody Guthrie. The lyrics contain themes of companionship, love, sarcasm, and politics, normal for Guthrie. Although some songs work, especially the more serious ones that they slow down, the faster paced ones do not hold up. There is a rawness missing of just a man and his guitar that these lyrics would thrive in. I think Billy was a good choice but the full band of Wilco feels out of place. To be fair, the album was a good listen but the lyrics do not match the vibe sometimes. Would be interested if they were redone in a bare bones style. Best Song: California Stars, The Unwelcome Guest, At My Window Sad And Lonely
was alright kinda country vibe
Not a Billy Bragg fan unfortunately. I like great vocalist and melody, and he brings neither to the table.
My god i hate it
Saai, 5/10
I like both artists individually - but something is missing here....is ok
I like that one song, but mainly shit.
Really enjoyed. Was totally unexpected. I like a little bit of Billy but this was way outside what I was expecting. Did not think I liked Wilco either so again another surprise. It just sneaks a 5.
Got a couple of songs in and just wasn’t me for. Didn’t really like this one
I don't like country
I had never heard of this album before. I never previously warmed up to Wilco and I wouldn't say this album transformed me in any way but I do think it has it's moments.
I like the concept of the album, taking unheard Woody Guthrie songs and putting them to Billy Bragg/Wilco music. A couple tracks here really stood out (California Stars, Way Down Yonder in the Minor Key) but overall it didn't blow me away.
Very boring.
Never heard this album before but was humming the first 3 tracks all day afterward. None of the rest of the album really compares to the strong open but still a solid album.
Not terrible, just a bit of a snoozer even for the genre. Would be a great album if I wanted to wind down after work, but then it merits no more attention than a lo-fi playlist
It was kind of all over the place, stylistically. There were two songs on the album that I did like.
Folk is not necessarily the genre that I particularly like. The music didn't bother me, but it didn't excite me either. The album was playing in the background and it was only when Rufus Wainwright was mixed in that I became aware of it again. 3/5
good
Mwa ja, geen verkeerd album maar ik had het pas 1 keer geluisterd. Klinkt als barmuziek met teksten die vgm wel wat diepgang hebben, dus zal het nog eens luisteren. 3.5 ster omlaag afgerond omdat de potentie er wel is
Was entertaining maar herinner er nu niks meer van dus arguably forgetful
Good, very good, but I think i prefer both artists separately. It's a nice album, I could probably do with it being 40 mins, but it does what it does. Probably a grower
This was actually fine but I just didn't like it for some reason. There was nothing wrong with it. There was also nothing right with it. Very odd.
the music itself is fine but the guy's style of narrative almost spoken word pissed me off really
decent folk rock
Lovely album. Easy listening. Pure domestic vibes.
New for me. Need to listen to more from Suzanne Vega
It's super solid. Not my favorite stuff but it has a lot going for it.
i really enjoyed this. few misses but overall great
Nothing to Bragg about with this album. It's just expensive coffee shop music, nothing more, nothing less. 5/10.
Decent enough songs, but I don't think this is an album you must listen to before you die
Favorite Track: Hesitating Beauty
Ban all harmonicas. I get the value of this record. It’s an interesting project by very talented musicians. That said, I don’t enjoy listening to this and probably won’t ever listen to it again. 3/5 just for digging up Natalie Merchant.
Alun perusteella dumasin, mutta oli olihan siellä hyvääkin musiikkia.
I found this a pleasant album, one I may revisit in the future
Wow this album rocks. I have been a passive fan of Wilco but this is really good. Def will end up in rotation.
First listen. Surprised by this one. Pretty good.
One of the most hit or miss albums I’ve listened to in a while. I liked a lot of songs but also disliked a lot so I feel like a 3 is fair here. Felt like every time I liked one, I disliked the next one or two. But overall had a good time with it. Never heard of these guys beforehand.
Was really excited when I read about the concept of the album, but it ends up just being pretty meh.
I couldn't get myself to care too much about this.
It was hard to stay awake during this at points.
reading the history of this album colared by entire reading of this album. it's great, but knowing it's woody guthrie lyrics taken into wilco and billy bragg's hands pushes it up a star.
Nice vibe and clean. American sound
I'm not American or British, so I have absolutely no idea who any of these people are. I fully accept that there might be some context that turn this into a masterpiece, but my impression while listening was mostly confusion. I truly do not understand how an album like this made the list. The lyrics are subpar. There's no amazing musical ability on display. Who did this influence? This did nothing to change my view on past albums, or my perception of future listens. It did not provide any insight into the evolution of anything.
Pretty Country & Western. A good mixture between Wilco and BB.
Very known quantity, Wilco much more tolerable in this context and they still had that Jay guy. Natalie Merchant always a cool feature. Really a cool collaborative effort taking big Woody's stuff and making something really beautiful out of it. Christ for president, please.
Was a bit of a rough listen for me. Sounds a lot like a mixture of classic country with Irish folk/bar music. Not as innovative as My Morning Jacket, just blah songs one after another. I did enjoy "Birds and Ships" though. 2.33/5 according to my album rating on iTunes, so I'm going with a 2.
First some tracks had some good energy and vibes but it seemed to taper off towards the middle and later part of this album. 2.5 goin down.
So good!
No. 273/1001 Walt Whitman's Niece 3/5 California Stars 3/5 Way Over Yonder In Minor Key 4/5 Birds And Ships 4/5 Hoodoo Voodoo 2/5 She Came Along To Me 4/5 At My Window Sad And Lonely 4/5 Ingrid Bergman 3/5 Christ For President 2/5 I Guess I Planted 4/5 One By One 4/5 Eisler On The Go 4/5 Hesitating Beauty 3/5 Another Man's Done Gone 2/5 The Unwelcome Guest 3/5 Average: 3,27 Interesting listen. Some songs more leaning towards country music.
Varied, charming - especially good work from guest star Natalie Merchant on these songs with lyrics by Woody Guthrie, found in his archive, and then put to music by Billy Bragg and Wilco. Way Over Yonder In A Minor Key is a standout
Mermaid Avenue is interesting to me because I'm a little bit familiar with the project to bring loads of Woody Guthrie's work to life, Dropkick Murphys have done a couple of albums worth in the last few years, but I didn't realise how widespread it was or that it was going on for as long as it has been. Billy Bragg's a decent figure to try to do some of this, he's got that accessibly authentic style without actually being able to sing very well, it gives it a groundedness. The songs themselves are lyrically quite impressive, the compositions simple and never trying to dominate the content, it's not a remarkable album or anything but it's a fairly solid 3 (the DKM stuff is better but not spectacular either), not one I'd say you have to listen to but worthwhile anyway.
This is decent, if a little one-paced. Not a combination I would've thought of, but it works surprisingly well together. Not mind-blowing, lyrics are nice, arrangements are decent, singing voices are a little ropey (other than Natalie Merchant, the guest vocalist, who is great), a solid 3 but nothing more.
This is mood one.
A Billy Bragg & Wilco crossover sounds like one of the most dull duos I can possibly imagine. Update: alright it wasn't dull but it still wasn't for me
It's a fine album that didn't really do anything standout to me. I did like Walt Whitman's Niece and California Stars, but after that, it started fading into background noise and slipped from my attention. Nothing offensive, but I probably will not be coming back.
Holy shit is this bad. I made it about 20 seconds into any given track. While I’ll give Tweedy a partial pass for being a third-rate musician, Billy Bragg should be banished a long, long way away. Can’t sing, can’t play and can’t write songs worth a damn. This is an album that owes me some time back.
Pretty solid album and was a little surprised how much I enjoyed this one considering I saw folk and singer/songwriter in the genre. The first half off the album was stronger than the 2nd, but overall was pretty good. Was nice to hear Natalie's voice. Several songs stood out to me including, Walt Whitman's Niece, California Stars, Hoodoo Voodoo, Birds & Ships, Way Over Yonder and Another Man's Done & Gone. Wilco and Billy make a good team. Seeing Woody Guthries's name reminded of Thanksgiving at Grandma Morrows. It use to be a big deal to play/listen to Alice's Restaurant after Thanksgiving dinner. Never really understood it then, but maybe we'll revisit this Thanksgiving im memory of the Morrows! Very good album and really enjoyed my listens. 3.5
3 The concept of this album is cool - Woody Guthrie’s daughter took a collection of her father’s lyrics that never found their way into his music and asked both Billy Bragg and Wilco to finish them, each with their own contemporary styles. In execution, this feels kind of lopsided to me - and heavily in Wilco’s direction. I don’t know much about Bragg, nor do I have anything against him, but I couldn’t really bring myself to give a crap about most of his stuff here. It seems he went fully in a country direction with Guthrie’s work, whereas Wilco seems to have captured the independent, folksy nature of his music much better - or at the very least, I just thought Wilco did a better job with the songwriting here (I also really dig Jeff Tweedy’s voice). California Stars is far and away the best song here by a mile, though Hoodoo Voodoo, One by One, and to Bragg’s credit, Eisler on the Go were all favorites as well (I really dig the Western vibes on that last one). I also had a bit of a soft spot for Hesitating Beauty, but I think that’s mostly because it reminded me a bit of Another Travelin’ Song by Bright Eyes. And then there’s Christ For President - look, I get what Guthrie was going for, but that one probably should have been left in the unused pile. I just don’t feel the track has held up super well, and it doesn't really seem to fit in with the rest of the album. Overall, a net decent. Something about the album makes it feel longer than its 50-minute runtime would suggest, but I still think there are enough enjoyable moments to be found (mostly from Wilco), to keep this in the “good” category for me.
I saw the words 'country music' and sighed. I'm not a fan. Luckily though this is actually, more specifically, 'alt-country' which is less southern drawl and more just an alternative rock type sound with country elements. Plenty of catchy stuff to choose from here. 'Walt Whitman's Niece' is a solid opener and I liked the back and forth between Billy Bragg and the backing vocals. 'Christ For President' has a good foot tapping beat. 'I Guess I Planted' gives me strong The Beatles vibes. 'Eisler on the Go' is a lovely tune. In 'Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key' Billy Bragg sings "Ain't nobody that can sing like me" and I do think that's true. It's quite a unique voice, but I'm not a huge fan in all honesty. Not that every singer has to be able to belt, but I find it a little weak and not the most satisfying voice in the world. It's fine. It's serviceable. The absolute best song on this album is actually the only one where Billy Bragg doesn't sing. 'Birds and Ships' features Natalie Merchant on vocals and it's a really beautiful song and it's a damn shame it's only two minutes long. I don't know who Natalie Merchant is, but I'm now a fan. She has a really lovely voice. When I first listened, I gave it two stars. But I actually had time to give it a second listen and decided a three. Would maybe have been a four if I liked Bragg's voice.
Fascinating combination with Billy and Wilco. Enough variety to keep it interesting and some great songs at the start of the album. Welcome input from Natalie Merchant too.
3 stars. Some hidden gems. The complete sessions is miles better though (4 stars for the that one)
I actually am a big fan of this. I thought it was quite a nice and easy listen
Maybe one day I’ll appreciate it more but I found it basically to be pretty dull
Folk, wandering between pop and rock
Enjoyed it from start to finish and I couldn’t think of anything to make fun of while it played (a rarity for me), so…4 stars.
Some really good songs and production/performance here. I enjoyed it a lot. There are a few less notable tracks but really good to hear this as I never would've bothered without the tip-off.
Y'know the more I've gone through this list, the more I've realized that I actually really like country rock. I was familiar with Wilco before this album (I love the song 'Jesus etc.'), but this was a first for me regarding Billy Bragg. He seems like a pretty cool guy when reading up on him - and that certainly shows on this record. Billy and Jeff Tweedy of Wilco take turns doing the lead vocals on these songs - though I can't decide who I like more with Billy's more outwardly country accentuations or Jeff's more streamlined indie rock flow. What I do know is that every song was a bop, with my favorites being 'She Came Along To Me' and the somber closer 'The Unwelcome Guest'. Instrumentally you're getting the easily digestible sounds and motifs that you'd typically associate with country rock; though it never really comes off as generic - likely due to just how great the songwriting is here. Dug this thing a lot - more than I ever thought I would in fact.
Rubbish. This is not the Billy I know. Boring meh.
The story behind the album is interesting. The music itself is just ok. High 3.
Not for me
Crossover episode. I wish this had more uplifting Billy Bragg songs and fewer depressing Wilco songs. Stand-out: Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key, California Stars
Another one that hit big when I used to listen to WXPN all the time. I knew those first 3 songs pretty well already. Turns out the rest are (mostly) really good too. This is the kind of quirky interesting stuff that belongs on this list.
Definitely not my taste in music. In all fairness, that was a pretty tough album to get through, However, i didn’t mind track 2 “California Stars”. The riff and melody were pretty catchy but unfortunately, that's the only highlight on the album. 23/100 ⭐️
Went into this album blind. Gound myself really enjoying it- its a beautiful blend of simplicity with strong emotion. The singers and instrumentation vary a lot, filling the album with a lot of highs and lows. A lot of catchy songs too- I even went back to re-listen to a few. Reading up on the history of the album, its a recording of unpublished Woody Guthree songs. You can hear the american folk influence- Billy Bragg does a great job capturing the sound and soul of early folk music. Overall- a nice album. A 3.5/5 for me personally but I feel like it earns a 4 star.
Wilco is one of my top 3 or 5 favorite bands of all time. I basically revere them and love about half of their records and, at worst, really like the other half. California Stars, off of Mermaid Avenue, is one of the first Wilco songs I ever heard and still one of my favorites. That said, the album itself has never been one that I've listened to much. When I tried in my younger days I couldn’t take Billy Bragg’s vocals (I used to feel the same about Springsteen, now another artist I revere), and I couldn’t help but think all the songs are inferior to California Stars. I’m so glad this album is on this list, because after giving it three dedicated listens I’ve realized that I absolutely slept on this album for years. It’s a masterpiece, one that was right in front of me for so long. I’m not sure why I was so dismissive of Bragg on this. I actually now think he’s very effective at channeling Woodie Guthrie, it’s easy to imagine it’s Guthrie singing on songs like Walt Whitman’s Niece and Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key, two of the album’s best. The album’s first three tracks (these two and California Stars) are absolutely incredible. Walt Whitman’s Niece is an amazing song and hilariously racy for Guthrie’s time. There are many other great moments. Natalie Merchant’s take on Birds and Ships is fantastic. Hoodoo Voodoo is a fun take that would have fit right in on Being There, Wilco’s first masterpiece album. I Guess I Planted and Hesitating Beauty are also highlights to me. Of albums that I had heard before on the 1001 albums list, I think my opinion of this album was most improved thanks to a dedicated listening. It’s enjoyable experiences like this that keep me going through this list each day.
I can't remember why exactly, but this was my first exposure to Wilco, and even after becoming more acquainted with their music, this remained my favorite of theirs for a while. I think the band's early sound combined with Bragg's vocal delivery was a perfect vehicle for what a modern Woody Guthrie might sound like.
Old dust bowl ballads sprouting through contemporary cracks.
Нормальный альбом, много песен как в фильмах
naw
I always heard amazing things about Wilco but maybe this wasn’t the album to introduce me. Not bad by any means but it just didn’t work for me.
An interesting project that had its moments but can’t say that it did that much for me.
I’m a fan of Billy Bragg and have seen him live multiple times dating back to the 1980’s. So I am happy to see he has two albums on this list. It is just aggravating that one of them is this one, and not Workers Playtime, which is one of my top 5 albums ever. Check it out if you have time. This album contains songs that are found lyrics of Woody Guthrie, put to music by Billy and the members of Wilco. It’s a good album, very good even. Taste of Americana via Britain. Billy is a student of American labor history (huge workers’ rights advocate) and of American folk music. He does Woody justice with these songs.
I really enjoyed it. Loved the one with Natalie Merchant
One of the best folk albums of all time IMO
Poetry
I don't know a single Bragg song. When this album came up, I didn't see that it's him AND Wilco - not that that makes a difference, to be honest. But I don't get it. Only one track really stands out: Hoodoo Voodoo. The more I listen to it (though at this point, I'm just sampling bits from each song), I think I get what I don't like... he's got that Bob Dylan apathetic drawl in his voice. I'm not engaged.
Post-humous music really rubs me the wrong way. Taking Woody Guthrie's unreleased lyrics feels like peeling back a curtain we weren't supposed to see. I understand that his daughter asked for this, but it still feels like plundering incomplete ideas for the sake of money.
No private session used for Spotify, no point as I have listened to this album a fair bit. I like it's mellow, twangy and folksy enough to be different, but not too twangy and folksy to be too much. This goes into music for when I am waking up category.
California Stars is a great song. Rest of the album of fine.
Really good stuff, very much my thing, though I have to unfairly knock it down a star because Airline to Heaven is on Volume 2. Unfair I know but I don’t make the rules.
I liked this more than I thought I would, although I feel like these interpretations of the lyrics were a bit on the nose. How cool would it be to do something more rock ‘n’ roll, punk, or heavy metal with these lyrics?
Solid
Americana. Next time I'm cruisin' and endlessly winding American Highway during the fall, I'll remember to put this on. 3/5
DEFINITLEY not my thing. nothing bad about it, i just dont really like country/folk if i'm being honest. i liked california stars though that track was kind of nice
Enjoy the songwriting here. For example, the opening song has a fun call and response structure. Overall a nice folksy country album.
So far, it's started off awful. At song 3.. it's still awful. And there are a lot of people who can sing like you because lots of people also sound terrible, just like you. No, this is just terrible.
Decent.
this was a really good country indie sounding album the vocals were great and it stayed interesting
California Stars is such a wonderful song. There’s nothing else on here that’s as good. But there’s also nothing that far away from it either. A pretty special album that hovers somewhere between 4 and 5⭐️
This one was a lot of fun and I had no idea who this artist was
I love Billy Bragg and have done for years, his politics his song writing his simple sounding guitar that is actually quite difficult. I did not know until now however that this album is all Woody Guthrie's unused lyrics, thank you for the Wikipedia link. Stand out tracks: - Walt Whitman's Niece - California Stars - Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key - Birds and Ships - Ingrid Bergman - Eisler On The Go - Another Man's Done Gone
Goodness this album is incredible.
Sweet sweet goodness! Thankful to have this in my ears! This was beautiful - from the raucous beginning to the satisfying end. I loved the harmonica, the chorale, the Americana - what an experience. Honorable mentions: - Walt Whitman’s Niece - Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key - Hesitating Beauty - The Unwelcome Guest
California Stars Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key
I'm really not a big fan of the is album 2/5
# 307 : boring folk country, can listen to it, but it's not real good and nothing stood out. Not much to Bragg about
It’s hard not to admire Woody Guthrie. A prolific songwriter of American folk music, and an icon in American culture. To me, he almost feels like a mythical figure. Songs that he wrote have become so ingrained in American society that everybody learns at least one of his songs as a child, and never forgets it. So it’s truly a treat, then, that this album was put together. Spearheaded by his daughter, this is an album of songs whose lyrics Guthrie wrote but never published or put to music. That’s where Bragg and Wilco came in. They took these previously unheard lyrics and wrote music for them. The result is mostly great. There’s a couple arrangements that didn’t quite do it for me, but on the whole is positively pleasant to listen to. I do feel like they captured the spirit of Guthrie’s own style, and gave these lyrics a proper and respectful treatment. There are moments where Jeff Tweedy’s voice becomes a little grating, but those are few and far between enough that I don’t knock the album for it. This is a solid four stars. It made me feel good. Standout Tracks: Walt Whitman’s Niece, California Stars, Way over Yonder in the Minor Key, Hoodoo Voodoo, At My Window Sad and Lonely, I Guess I Planted, Hesitating Beauty, Another Man’s Done Gone
Really enjoyed this. A few skips but overall a very strong album
I used to own this album. Interesting album of lost Woody Guthrie lyrics. Great work by Wilco and Bragg to put then to contemporary music.
I quite enjoyed this. More than most, I guess
The best part is Natalie Merchant appearing on Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key and Birds and Ships. Her voice is transcendent. Otherwise I found the album repetitive and forgettable. Except for Hoodoo Voodoo. Which would have been great on Sesame Street. I hope Woody isn't turning in his grave.
Too country for me.
More enjoyable than I expected...solid 3.
Huh, just had Yankee Hotel Foxtrot a few days ago and said there that the only Wilco I'd previously listened to was this album. Bought this when it came out largely because of Bragg, and I'm finding I like the Wilco aspects of it more now than I did then. You know what, maybe it's because I just had to endure Alexander 'Skip' Spence, but this feels like a five. Highlight: "She Came Along To Me"
I bought the entire Billy Bragg & Wilco collection a few years ago. It took a couple listens but it has really grown on me.
Fine. Made me think I need to go pull out The Freewheeling Bob Dylan or Bringing It All Back Home
I was a bit surprised by how much I liked this album.
This is pretty pleasant
I like Billy Bragg, Wilco and Woody Guthrie so was never going to dislike this! I don't think it's strong enough all the way through to give 5 stars but this is lovely, chilled out folk rock. The first 5 tracks in particular are really good, and any album that is critical of the capitalist war machine is alright by me
3/10. This album really bored me. It felt never-ending. I think that it's cool that this album revived some of Woody Guthrie's old works, but it doesn't make the album any more pleasant to listen to. Just because it's an important record doesn't mean that it's a must-listen.
Really enjoyed this. Not quite 5 stars but close.
I’m surprised how many of these songs I recognized, without knowing they were Billy Bragg & Wilco. Spotify plays them on my Discover Weekly quite often. Plus I remember Bragg playing She Came Along To Me live on The Panel some time in the late 90’s. As a whole I really enjoyed it. Great melodies, good natural production, yeah it makes me want to listen to more.
This was unimpressive and a little boring. I didn't have the urge to track over anything, so I guess that's something, but this just doesn't seen to be my thing.
I like the Wilco parts, but the rest doesn’t have much teeth.
Incredibly boring album. Not a single song grabbed my attention for long
-This is really really good, I love it. Idk why because it isn’t even a genre of music I usually like, although I do really like Wilco. I also didn’t realize it was all Woodie Guthrie lyrics either which is cool! -Favorites are California Stars, Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key, Hoodoo Voodoo, and One By One
The only Billy Bragg album I truly love and of course terrific Wilco contributions throughout, the most notable being California Stars. They bring Woody Guthrie’s lyrics to life and make them relevant to modern listeners with their spirited, folk/rock affecting arrangements. Great stuff.
So Billy Bragg and Wilco - both of whom I'm not exactly a fan of, but don't have anything against, either - write music to go with unsung Woodie Guthrie lyrics. Which...you know. Is grand for Guthrie fans, I suppose. Because they also stay really close to how music by Guthrie himself would have sounded. But I really, thoroughly do not get why this made the list. It's perfectly fine musicianship, combined with perfectly fine lyrics. But if Guthrie had written, recorded and released the music himself, this wouldn't be one of the Guthrie albums on the list. So... Why is it on the list with Bragg and Wilco doing the honours?
Woody Guthrie was an amazingly prolific songwriter, leaving a collection of over a thousand songs in a box after his death. Apparently Bob Dylan went looking for them in the late 60s but it took another 40 years before Guthrie’s daughter uncovered the trove and passed the works over to Billy Bragg and the band Wilco to set some of them to music. The end result is inspiring, uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable, and the politics are as relevant as ever.
This is an honest alt-country/folk album. The story behind the album is nice, it is well interpreted, but I'm not really sensitive to this specific genre, it lacks edges, and I honestly find it a bit boring.
okay de erst song isch chli arsch gsi gad. zu folky. de zweit isch sehr schön gsunge und schön gspielt mit de pedal steel gitarre. bin mi recht am langwiile gad sorry woody guthrie. hoodoo voodoo isch recht okay. 2.
was isch denn das wieder fürn schmarre ouhouh momentan gar kei bock uf so musig ja das isch mier gad chli zu amerikanisch ah ich chegg wiso dassmers chan schön finde aber es isch eifach zu cheesy und schnulzig für mich way over yondrr hani sehr schön gfunde wies zemme harmonisch gsunge hend oke han gad glese was no de kontext vom album isch...sehr cool aber weg dem hanis trz nöd gern bin gad am HOODOO VOODOO CHOO CHOO lose und ich lieb was de eint guy gfunde het: "The Mermaid Avenue project is essential for showing that Woody Guthrie could illuminate what was going on inside of him as well as he could detail the plight of his fellow man" aha denn findi sehr fair christ for president findi gad wieder sehrsehr schlimm, de rhythmus AAAH aso me muss natürlich sege es isch schön gschribe und guet gsunge meistens und alles aber de country-pop oder was das au IMMER söll sii entspricht mier gar nöd one by one und eisler on the go sind jz die erste wo ich chli öppis chan abgwünne OMG ES ISCH FERTIG ICH HANS GAR NÖD CHEGGT wür gern es 1 geh will hanmi huere gnervt aber das wär unfair, will gspielt etc. ischs guet drum es 2
Love “California Stars” and had no idea this was a whole album of Woody Guthrie lyrics. So good.
Brilliant doesn’t describe this. A lyricist with few peers, calling out from far beyond the grave, reminding us of what timeless means. Then, a then-modern twist, that somehow feels both of Guthrie’s time, and of our own, played exquisitely. This is a masterpiece.
I’m being generous.
Really solid work! I did not realize Wilco was around that early
I really wanted to like this. Easy pleasant music - nothing offensive - but lyrics and vocals were nothing special! I don’t see any innovation here. Just middle of the road vocals and melodies.
All over the shop and I'm here for it
I liked this album. It is simple, but that's the point, I think. Guthrie's folk songs were simple in sound and structure, often, but deep in meaning. I think Bragg and Wilco do a nice job imagining these songs in their style, which fits Guthrie's legacy well. Not all of the songs had a big impact on me, but there was really great ones in there, and I'd listen to this again.
Billy Bragg and Wilco are both artists I've only heard due to these 1001 albums, and to hear them work to create music to Woody Guthrie's unused lyrics is so cool. The sound isn't like Guthrie's exactly; I'd say it's reminiscent of his style but also incorporating a modern folk sound, even with this album's release in 1998. I won't pretend to know Guthrie's music to a T, but because of the modernity, there was a lot more bounce in what Bragg and Wilco created than in Guthrie's standards, at least. That made the album more fun than I expected, considering I anticipated this album would only revive the Guthrie sound without any artistic additions by Bragg and Wilco. The artists did a good job crafting the music as their own while using Guthrie's timeless lyrics. The little I know about Bragg is that he's very leftist oriented, and I wasn't surprised to hear Guthrie's line of "And maybe we'll have all of the fascists out of the way by then"--and neither was I surprised Bragg had used these lyrics specifically. I appreciate protest songs any way I can get them! 3.5
I love the story behind this album! In short, Nora Guthrie (daughter of Woody Guthrie) provided Billy Bragg with her father's lyrics for unreleased songs, and together Bragg and the band Wilco partnered to breathe life into these songs. Bragg and Wilco do a very good job, in my opinion, of honoring the spirit of Guthrie while also breathing their own unique life into these songs. Truly, Bragg made a good choice when he sought out Wilco to include on this album, as they were pioneers of the early 2000s indie sound, which was highly alt-folk driven (this album would arrive just a couple of years before their acclaimed Yankee Hotel Foxtrot album, which really put them on the map). The idea of finding trusted people to continue a legacy is an interesting one, and in this case, I think it was well worth it; I believe Guthrie would have been proud of the work that Billy Bragg and Wilco did here!
Some decent tracks and some worse tracks. 2/5
A nice collaboration between Billy Bragg and Wilco. This album feels like it was always meant to be. I would say this album has a nice alt-country, folk vibe to it. Notable songs include "California Stars", "She Came Along to Me" and a fun song called "Hoodoo Voodoo"
Not quite my type of nostalgia.
Another Man’s Done Gone //
Delightful vibes from the GOATs of dad rock. It's silly and folky and heartwarming. Just what I needed. Best Track: One by One Worst Track: Birds & Ships
Best Song: Way over yonder in the minor key Worst Song: Christ for president
Woody Guthrie, Bragg and Wilco. It’s fantastic.
I thought a few of the tracks were ok. Didn’t like others. Really this was just too much folk for me at one time.
This album is a gem. Billy Bragg and Wilco — and Natalie Merchant! — interpreting Woody Guthrie lyrics. Genius.
That was nice to listen to. The two artists worked together very well and the result suits Woody Guthrie very well.
It balances between British folk and American country. A bit too close to country. 2.5/5.
Not for me
I have already heard some Wilco albums and did absolutely not enjoy them even a single full song. So my hopes for this album were not really high but when listened to it, I was surprised! These songs were written by American Folk legend Woody Guthrie, known for albums like Dust Bowl Ballads. He died in 1967 and his daughter Nora decided to start multiple projects in which artists record previously unheard lyrics. And this is the approach by Wilco together with british singer Billy Bragg. The songs feel honest and warm, something I didn't often feel when listening to Wilco. I think it's mainly the "simplicity" of the lyrics that do not Try to be good, they just Are by touching you emotionally. From the first song on I knew that this album had the potential to change my opinion on Wilco. 'Walt Whitman's Niece' is a nice, up beat country piece that puts you in the mood for the album. It works really well as the opening track. Followed up is that by the lead single 'California Stars', which is arguably the best song on this album. The sentimental and introspective lyrics work perfectly with the multiple instruments used and create a song that sounds like the song title reads. 'Way Over in the Minor Key' is instrumentally very stripped down, compared to the previous two songs but due to the usage of an accordion that doesn't fell too much out of place. The harmonies in the chrous also add a lot to the enjoyment of this one. Although it gets a lot of love and praise 'Birds and Ships' is not a song I am very fond of. Songs like this have to be done right but this is not how I like to hear a song like this. 'Hoodoo Voodoo' not only sounds like a silly song, it is silly. But in a good way. It is fun and the voice that genuinely sounds like he should better take some cough syrup than sing, adds a lot in my opinion. 'She Came Along to Me' is a very standard country rock song but I like it because of that. Again the music feels genuine and honest, not like what a lot of Wilco felt to me before. The first half ends with 'At My Window Sad and Lonely'. A beautiful and very sentimental song that is easily another highlight of this album although it is probably not as good as 'California Stars'. Very emotional lyrics that are sung ontop of a beautiful and mellow Folk Rock song. The second half meets us with the very short but interesting 'Ingrid Bergman' that sounds like a classic country song from the early to mid 50's. A bit like if there was only one of the Louvin Brothers there. Still nothing too crazy. 'Christ for President' follows with interesting Alt-Country instrumentals that all together kind of fall short from a mediocre performance both vocally and instrumentally after a while. The following song 'I Guess I Planted' suffers from a similar fate although it can hold itself much better and remains much more enjoyable through out. I actually really like this one for its hitting drums and bass work. 'One by One' starts by slowly fading in and the moment that it is there it just feels like a normal Wilco song. This is the moment where the album slowly fades into the worse parts. Although this song is still fairly enjoyable it does mark the point of where the album looses a lot of what it made for me in the first place. And it wouldn't take long because 'Eisler on the Go' is the first song I actually don't like at all. The start sounds very promising but after a little while you realize that more doesn't happen. It stretches with not even three minutes of playtime and when a song feels tiring for someone who's favourite songs are pretty much all 10min+, it's not a good sign. 'Hesitating Beauty' is much better. It's a classic country sounding song with a nice text and structure. Just fun country that isn't too crazy or too annoying. But the last two songs are at the level 'Eisler on the Go' was. 'Another Man's Done Gone' is pretty much that but piano only. You'd be better off listening to what ever there is on the charts right now, as there is probably more "geniune emotional value" in there than in this song. The closing track 'The Unwelcome Guest' feels like an average Wilco song but without any risk and any enjoyment. It is streched and annoying to get through. But with so much negativity it is important to remember how strong the start was and that just three out of the last four songs put this album down. Overall I gave 6 songs a rating of 6 or lower which explains why I'm still liking this album. If I listen to a Wilco album in the future there is a chance that my opinion on them has changed for the better. favourites: California Stars, At My Window Sad and Lonely, Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key, I Guess I Planted, Walt Whitman's Niece least favourites: Another Man's Done Gone, The Unwelcome Guest, Eisler on the Go Rating: light to decent 7 https://rateyourmusic.com/~Emil_ph for more ratings, reviews and takes
A pleasant album. I chuckled listening to “Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key” where Bragg declares “ain’t nobody that can sing like me,” because at time he reminded me of Corb Lund, and at others like Jim Cuddy from Blue Rodeo.
I wouldn't think that Wilco adding Billy Bragg would be a positive and it isn't but this album is ok. really brings out the 'yeah it's fine I suppose' in Wilco. music: hated. (⌐■_■)
I like the parts of this more than I like the sum, but the sum is still a cool and neat project that I like to go back to every once in a while.
Not for me, couldn't finish
Only heard first song, but I liked it alright
I can appreciate Woody Guthrie, I can appreciate Billy Bragg, I can definitely appreciate this.
started off great, tapered off but still good
The music is good and I enjoyed some of the songs. Kinda middle of the road for me. I'd probably give it a second listen.
There are far worse choices than Billy Bragg and Wilco to use Woody Guthrie-penned lyrics for songs whose music was never written. Quite an admirable project here, which undoubtedly helped the American band hone their own stellar songwriting skills. Speaking of "stellar", the first three cuts of this album are endearing and memorable tunes, especially "California Stars". And if the rest is a little patchy or pedestrian at times, you will easily find gems there--gems such as "One By One", "Eisler On The Go" or closer "The Unwelcome Guest". 3.5/5 for the purposes of this list of "essential albums", rounded up to 4. 8.5/10 for more general purposes (5+3.5) Number of albums left to review: 151 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 366 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 215 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 272
Very chill, harmonica solo gas, everything else mid. Not mid but mid. Still good but mid. 3.3
This album is so fucking great. The concept was excellent, and the execution is flawless. I actually slightly prefer the second volume, but I'd listen to this any day.
Solid album. Good instrumental and lyrics. very old-timey which I was a big fan of. probably wont go out of my way to listen again
Honestly, I found this one to be a bit too generic to be memorable.
I finally listened to some Wilco. It may take a few more listens before I really appreciate this album, but it definitely has something cool about it that I hope I can discover.
I like Billy Bragg but really don’t like this album. It’s not really in the English folk tradition. Sounds very Americana at times.
3.8/5 listened 2x
This album brings together some great storytelling with a folk-rock sound. Songs are can feel a bit repetitive. There are some OK tracks, but the energy dips in a few places.
One of those albums where you wonder why it is on the list.
Ok.
This was so interesting and such an inspired project for the musicians to undertake. Mostly enjoyable, though the second half doesn’t quite live up to the first. I would love more bands and artists to collaborate in this style together.
Cool sound, didn't finish it. Maybe another day! :D
Okee hmm ja mwah
nah