Reviews (page 7 of 8)
Love Woodie, Billy Bragg and Wilco - so I knew this was going to go well for me. Loved it, listened twice. Need another!
I had to go back and relisten to this because my first listening experience was skewed by my wife complaining the entire time. During the second listen, I realized she didn't know the context of this album, which think is important to the enjoyment for me. Now, I don't know if that would have changed her opinion, but Woodie Guthrie lyrics put to music decades later is pretty cool.
I liked this much more than I expected to.
Its ok
Some really solid folksy-Americans. There are some truly excellent songs on this record and the powerful vocalists do a great job of sharing the singing responsibilities. I teetered on the edge of a 3 and 4. The first half has some really strong songs but it seems to lull in the muddied. However, it ends strong with some strong melancholy.
was very nice and pleasant if not the most interesting
Classic Guthrie lyrics given new life
wilco if they were bad
The combination or Wilco, Bragg and virtually Woodie Guthrie combing to create an alt country album is a charm Liked a lot
Im torn. Billy Bragg is insufferable but he had the idea & support from Woody Guthrie’s family to start this project. It also gave us Wilco’s California Stars, which is an all timer.
Fine
Wilco + Billy Bragg? What's not to like?
Not for me, I'd have preferred to hear Woody Guthrie's versions, but interesting enough I guess. The catchiest song is probably Ingrid Bergman (the prototype for that Barbara Streisand song), but the one I liked best was probably Christ for president.
I'm sure there's much more to this than I was getting but just couldn't enjoy it
I'm honestly just not interested in this style of music, regardless of how cool the backstory is behind this record. It does nothing for me at all.
Dad rock at its finest
Solid collab
i didn’t even know this was a thing. pretty cool album
folksy and wistful, with a nice epic quality
This was a good folk album, though it’s not really to my taste. Fav: California Stars Least fav: Christ for President
Not bad, maybe lyrically a bit boring.
Pleasant
Pretty groovy 3.5
Didn’t listen to it but know California Stars is a worth atleast 3 to 4 stars
Good sounding alt rock/indie stuff. Admittedly was busy today so skipped around. Will definitely revisit this. Points for real guitar and drums as the kids say.
A little too country for me, especially in the vocals department. It's fun and lighthearted though. The track with Natalie Merchant singing is gorgeous.
Meh, þetta er ekki pirrandi en gerir nákvæmlega ekki neitt fyrir mig.
Nice concept. Not really familiar with Woodie Guthrie. I enjoyed Bird and Ships and fave would be One by One.
Quite a pleasant slice of Americana. I think with repeated listens this could really grown on me. Fave track - "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key" Natalie Merchant's vocals make a superb addition...
Well worth a listen. I will be happy to revisit this album in the future.
I like Billy Bragg. I like Wilco. I love Woody Guthries lyrics. And yet, this album does not feel like it's the sum of its parts. It's a good album, don't get me wrong, but I do think the album start dragging a bit after the first couple of songs.
This was a fun and folksy album. Many of the songs were different in style from one another and I enjoyed it. Good background music for a farm-to-table restaurant.
The human brain cannot bear much revolution, it seems. Spin someone around too much and they lose the horizon and start to vomit. This intolerance for too much discord parallels a curious phenomenon in music: the socially liberal artist espousing a progressive message whilst never straying from the sonically conservative. The clearest examples stem from the 60s folk-rock hippies. These unwashed protesters would champion civil rights and feminist causes alongside decrials against the Vietnam War, all while plucking an acoustic guitar and insisting they were continuing the tradition of Pete Seeger and Hank Williams. This became calcified into the singer-songwriter glut of the early 70s, with the likes of James Taylor somehow being treated as oracles for the state of the world. Couple that to the lamentable American tendency to view rote copying of classic acts as legitimate homage, and the result is a decades-long presence of gently picked acoustic guitars accompanying platitudinous worries for the lot of the working American stiff. (Actually, during the 80s the politics got a little muted when all these folk singers secretly or not-so-secretly voted for Reagan.) Billy Bragg is not an American. He’s an ardently left-wing British folk singer who sprang to prominence in the wake of punk, and I suppose there’s a contention that his folk-indie protest songs are part of the post-punk diaspora, of musicians growing strange new crops after punk’s slash-and-burn. Still, it’s not that much of an innovation, being a left-wing folk singer during Thatcherism. In any case, Bragg has maintained the role of the politically committed troubadour for over 30 years, perhaps succumbing to that curse of his message being lost due to his becoming a British institution. But I feel that I should leave that discussion to the list’s one solo Bragg album, Talking with the Taxman About Poetry. Onto Mermaid Avenue. In 1995, Billy Bragg accepted an invitation from Woody Guthrie’s daughter Nora, who had witnessed Bragg play at a Woody Guthrie tribute concert in 1992, to record some of Woody Guthrie’s unrecorded lyrics. Since there were over a thousand such lyrics, an overwhelmed Bragg contacted Wilco to assist him through sifting among the morass, with the two acts collaborating on the resultant album. Now, I’ve reviewed Wilco’s other albums on the list (Being There and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, since you didn’t ask), and they alienated me due to their good behaviour. The music was so well-mannered that it seemed to lack any trace of personality. I could not fault the construction of the music, but none of it left any impression whatsoever. A well-made cardboard box, if you will. So, we have the lyrics of a revered left-wing American folk singer, performed by a left-wing British folk singer and an American alt-country band. I don’t think it’s tricky to guess how this album sounds. It sounds like a British folk and an American alt-country band reverently performed songs written by an American folk singer. The most curious element is that Billy Bragg sings in an American accent throughout. I guess Bragg’s nasal Essex drawl would just prove distracting to the standard American listener, who would be the main audience for this album. Now, Nora Guthrie gave Bragg and Wilco the commandment to resurrect these songs in a contemporary manner, which essentially results in them sounding like Wilco. This means Mermaid Avenue suffers from the main flaw that afflicts Wilco’s other albums: the lack of flaws leads to a lack of character, and this lack of character makes it rather dull. The song California Stars has its charms, I guess, and to call the album bad feels impolite. But it feels disengagingly safe. There’s no sense of risk, or challenge, or grit. Bragg and Wilco never stop genuflecting to question what Woody Guthrie would have done nowadays. I’m not sure that’s the legacy Woody Guthrie would have wanted. Another figure to emerge in the aftermath of British punk was an awkward Salfordian called Mark E. Smith. Mark E. Smith would co-found the post-punk group the Fall in 1976 after seeing the Sex Pistols play at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchester (Joy Division, the Buzzcocks, Morrissey and, weirdly, Mick Hucknall also attended that gig). Smith would soon become the dictator of The Fall, notorious for sacking dozens of band members over the Fall’s 40-year history, for offences ranging from eating a salad to dancing to a song by the Clash. Politically, Mark E. Smith was vehemently anti-socialist (and vehemently anti-social) and he supported Brexit; one biographer characterised Smith as a working-class Tory with occasionally radical (and slightly eccentric) opinions. However, the Fall were never musically conservative, with a Fall album able to encompass electronica, country, krautrock, acid house, disco, reggae and punk, and Mark E. Smith’s fractured, cryptic poetry cementing it all as a work by the Fall. Mark E. Smith’s politics weren’t right-on, but the music he and his cohorts made was far more interesting and far more alive than anything Bragg or Wilco have ever managed. There’s no reason why the socially progressive can’t also be audibly radical. Aren’t they meant to be smashing the system? FOLK MUSICIANS OF THE WORLD, UNITE! YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE EXCEPT YOUR ACOUSTIC GUITARS AND FORTY VERSES ABOUT THE DEATH OF THE MINING INDUSTRY! NoRadio, signing out.
Their album with Bragg and Wilco was pretty cool. A different kind of vibe
There was kind of a country feeling here, so not really my vibe, but not bad nonetheless. The lyrics were pretty okay and I like the song titles. Fave track(s): California Stars
What can I say about this album? I love this album, I have listened to it countless times in my life, and it holds such a nostalgic sway over my opinion that it seems impossible for me to say that even objectively this album is beautiful and perfect. Very pleased to pull this today. Also listened to Volume 2 and 3 of these recordings as well, which I highly recommend.
This was really strong
Nope.
I hated this album. I'm sure it has good qualities, but not for me.
Weird setup, with Billy Bragg and Wilco collaborating to do unreleased Woody Guthrie songs. It’s pretty good, as Bragg and Wilco give life to the songs in a nice way.
Nothing on this album sounds particularly bad or good to me. In one ear, out the other. It sounds more like an album by two artists than like a cooperation because of the different vibe of the songs. Favorite song: Eisler on the go.
Not for me
I think I preferred the wilko parts.
Allt í lagi stöff, ekkert sem greip mig sérstaklega.
Mooi eerbetoon, maar niet zo mijn smaak
Kind of boring, I'm sure if I was listening a little harder I'd get the message but I just don't care
Naaah
Really interesting concept and sounds great.
This was all over the place pacing and genre wise
too country
I listen to it often
This album will always be associated with a particular period of my life so it’s hard to hear it outside those associations. I’ve always thought it was a beautiful endeavor in concept and in spirit, even if I don’t personally love the more rock-y vibe that Wilco brings to Guthrie’s lyrics. I might prefer it all a bit more stripped down. That said, California Stars and Way Over Yonder are gems to be sure.
I enjoyed this album. A few songs stood out but I don't feel the need to listen to it again in its entirety.
First one I've pressed play on again. Fascinating collaboration.
Idk man. Mediocre country adjacent twang. No thanks.
I cared so little for this album, that I didn’t even pay all that much attention to it while it was on. It was OK….I guess.
Wilco is responsible for two amazing albums that are likely on this list. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost is Born. The rest of their output has been mediocre at best and that is okay. This record is clearly one written and recorded as a passion project due to their love of classic Guthrie and old style country music. Again, it's totally fine. But it shouldn't be on this list. Because this is not a top album in ANY measure. It sucks. Again, that's okay. Not everything has to be mind blowing. But it shouldn't be here.
It is great when a concept album works. And this one does. Lyrics from Woody Guthrie that did not have known music were given to Billy Bragg who brought along Wilco and set them to music. The result is an excellent record.
Heh, kuulostaa ihan Rory Gilmoren musilta. Tästä huolimatta paikoittain oikein miellyttävää, paikoittain kyllä vähän tylsää.
Keskinkertainen, vaikka Guthrie onkin kova 2/5
Pari tosi kivaa biisiä ja mukavan rentoa noin muutenkin. Wilcon kädenjälki tuntui, mikä lämmitti mieltä.
Parempi kuin edellinen. Sanat ilmeisesti hyviä kun useampi harkinnut kyseisen levyn tekemistä, mutta enpä paljon tällä kertaa niistä kuullut. 3/5
This was really surprising to me. I was raised on American folk singers like Woodie Guthrie and Pete Seeger and the Weavers and whatnot, so there's a strong connection to the lyrics and message of those types of songs. I know almost nothing about Billy Bragg and only slightly more about Wilco, but I was kind of expecting this to be a little gimmicky and crappy. It wasn't. I ended up liking five of the tracks enough to add the whole album to my "stuff to explore more" playlist. The WG influence is definitely there, the surprise Natalie Merchant vocals were a delight, and overall it feels weirdly authentic given the musicians who put it together are British. This will definitely get more listens!
Billy Bragg and Wilco join forces to complete unfinished Woody Guthrie lyrics (at his daughter’s request) and not only do right by the legendary folk artist, but perfectly meld their own styles as well. The kind of record made to be heard around a summer campfire.
Walt Whitman's Niece - first listen: 1.5/3 California Stars - fl: 1.5/3 Way over Yonder in the Minor Key - fl: 1.6/3 Birds and Ships [feat. Natalie Merchant] - fl: 1.7/3 Hoodoo Voodoo - fl: 1.4/3 She Came Along to Me - fl: 1.5/3 At My Window Sad and Lonely - fl: 1.5/3 Ingrid Bergman - fl: 1.6/3 Christ for President - fl: 1.5/3 I Guess I Planted - fl: 1.7/3 One by One - fl: 1.4/3 Eisler on the Go - fl: 1.5/3 Hesitating Beauty - fl: 1.5/3 Another Man's Done Gone - fl: 1.4/3 The Unwelcome Guest - fl: 1.5/3 Final Verdict: Natalie Merchant carried this project. I Guess I Planted is the only instrumental I fuck with. Overall not a bad album.
Mostly too country for me, but hell yes on the Woody Guthrie lyrics
Weird as shit country folk, kinda dug it 3.5
Country Stuff
Cool project.
Huge variety of styles
For some reason I was dreading this one. So much I act actually listened to George Michael Faith first. Bad mistake! I really enjoyed most of this!
Not my fav
Great idea for an album and they pulled it off. It’s interesting how Billy Bragg can sound so Americana.
Good album but nothing special. Easy listening experience
Interesting to hear woodie Guthrie set to modern music. Bragg as dreary as ever. Both he and Guthrie I've felt I've had to like because of their politics but it's damn hard work. Sad to say I preferred the Waco tracks. The end result was middling indie with a few bright spots. Dylan would possibly have done it better if he found these tapes in the 60s but watcha gonna do
Cool album, appreciate it and style. The songs are very meaningfull and wholesome.
The bard of Barking on top form
Strange. I respect Billy Bragg and I like a few Wilco albums, but this collab just annoyed me. That opener is painful. Not a fun listen :(
Unique listen for sure. The concept of taking Guthrie's lyrics to new music provided some interesting perspectives, and the guests here were unique as well.
I love this album so much.
Boeieee, waarom staat dit hierin?
Billy Bragg and Wilco treat "newly" found Woody Guthrie lyrics love and reverence. It served an important purpose in letting current alt-country fans where their roots lie. Not all of it works - I think Bily Bragg does a better job than Wilco. However, their hearts are so in the right place it winds up a tremendous achievement and is a great listen. It also spawned two sequels that pretty damn good.
This is a great concept. An unexpected pairing of artists that works incredibly well. The addition of Natalie Merchant's vocals makes it even better. Have loved this since it came out!
This album was an ambitious concept that was well executed. To take the scraps of someone else's unfinished work and to turn it into something that sounds simultaneously modern and classic is not an easy thing to do. The one critique might be that a lot of this just sounds like a Wilco album, but I liked the other Wilco album a lot. Maybe if I knew more Woody Guthrie songs I'd feel more qualified to judge the execution but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt in my score. Would do a 4.5 if possible.
Straightforwardly my thing, but left me oddly cold.
I love it, it even feels like time went by faster!
Sorry Wilco, blei lei av dåke på Bergenfest
A collaboration like none other (at the time)... Bragg and Wilco were tasked with completing music to accompany completed lyrics Woody Guthrie had left behind. The result is an album that doesn't sound like any of the three components. Fun and diverting.
I liked this one even though it's not something I will come to often that much. Most songs were very enjoyable and pretty and the project is well put together overall. My main perk with this album is that I didn't feel the collaboration side of it that much, since all the songs sounded either like Billy Bragg or like Wilco but never like a mix of the two sounds. Pretty cool album but I feel like these two artists have better albums 7,5/10
What a great and touching idea for an album. I’m not a huge fan of the genre or artists at play here, but Wilco definitely knows how to execute instrumentally and there were instances of songwriting that made me smile more often than not. Hearing Guthrie’s efforts brought to life posthumously is an exceptional artistic endeavor, so it’s easy to see why this one landed on the list.
real pleasure to listen to
Good old authentic music. Scale: 5 - My absolute favorites. 4 - Albums I like. 3 - It was ok to listen to it but wouldn't seek it out. 2 - Didn't like. 1 - Absolute shit.
Some really nice melodic songs on this album
Very beautiful
Reminds me of someone
Enjoyed it
Country de vella escola, una mica avorrit
Mad decent
Liked it a lot
Fine. Expect I should have listened to the lyrics.
Really good folk if I was still into folk I would indeed listen
Ok. Didn’t blow me away
actually quite pleasant, especially at the beginning its very country folk 3.5
Much respect for it. Nice sounds and great songwriting. I'd love to see this kind of music in bars etc. as live...it doesn't do much for me as an album as it's a bit of a drag and doesn't move as much as I want.
Kolejne pozytywne zaskoczenie, bo kto by sie spodziewal albumu bedacego wspolczesna proba podejscia do liryki zostawionej przez pana Guthriego, zagranej przez dobrze znany z poprzednich listowych pickow hamerykanki band Wilco oraz pana Billiego Bragga, czyli rowniez folkowego artysty z uk, ktorego slysze na tym nagraniu po raz pierwszy, a jest on glowna postacia za kompozycjami z tej plyty, dodatkowo dzieli on role glownego wokalu z Tweedym, juz od openingowego walt whitmans niece czuc, ze nie jest to pisane wspolczesnie i to jeden z najmocniejszych stron tego nagrania, bo nie codziennie slyszy sie liryke sprzed ponad pol wieku zagranych w ciekawych aranzacjach, bo co jak co Wilcosowe granie i ich roznorodnosc zawsze byla ich mocna strone, rowniez sam pan Bragg sporo wnosi, nie tylko wokalnie, ale rowniez instrumtalnie, bo mozna uslyszec traki grane praktycznie sama gitarka, ktore odpowiadaja temu jak gral sam autor tekstow, ale dla kontrastu sa rowniez potezne kompozycje w ktorych mozna uslyszec wymyslne kompozycje i granie elektrykowe, na plyte sklada sie 15 trakow o czasie grania prawie 50 minut, wiec dominuja krotkie utwory tak rozne jak tylko rozne moga byc twory pana Woodiego, ale nie spodziewalem sie feministycznych akcentow jak na she came along to me, a nawet nie feministyczne, bo byla poruszona nawet kwestia tego, ze za xxx lat to ludzie beda tak rowni, ze podzial na kolory i plcie bedzie wrecz absurdalny i cos w tym nawet jest, jesli brac pod uwage jak zmienil sie swiat zaledwie w 100 lat po tym jak byly te slowa pisane, woody to jednak postac kultowa, a po tym nagraniu widze, ze tyle lat po smierci nadal ma realny wplyw na tworcow, no i ciekawa historia kryje sie za pochodzeniem tych zaginionych liryk, bo zaczelo sie od tego, ze sam autor poprosil Dylana o wystaraniu sie o nie od jednej z jego kobiet, z ktora pewnie nie zyl zbyt dobrze znajac choc troche jego biografie, ten po wystaraniu sie o skrzynke z tysiacami skorszytow przekazal je pozniej jego corce Norze, ktora odszukala odpowiednich ludzi do tej roboty i bedac pewnego rodzaju cichym producentem nagrania trzymala nad nim piecze, z wyjatkowo dobrym skutkiem, bo byl to jeden z najprzyjemniejszych odsluchow ktore mialem w ostatnim czasie, moze tez ze wzgledu na to, ze nadrabiam teraz czarne zaleglosci 2k22, a taka odskocznia jest zawsze czyms orzezwiajacym, tak czy inaczej dobrze sie bawilem, a na plejke dodam poza openingowym utworem, tradycyjnie najbardziej odtwarzany utwor, wiec california stars i hoodoo voodoo
Un album très américain, dans le sens exécrable du terme. Wilco, qui nous avait régalé sur ses deux premiers albums, a fini par céder aux sirènes de la country, enfilant successivement un chapeau Stetson et des santiags. Il partira attraper des vaches au laceau et disparaîtra petit à petit à l'horizon, ignorant nos nombreux appels. Bien triste.
J'ai beaucoup aimé cet album de country larmoyant de Billy Bragg, accompagné dans le plus grand secret de Wilco (Robert n'a pas souhaité s'attirer les foudres de l'audimat générateurien en mentionnant une fois de plus le très controversé Wilco).
For some reason, Wilco is huge in my hometown. A few Wilco songs grab me, but for the most part, I don't care for the rest of them. After hearing this album, I discovered the origins of some of those Wilco songs. I also did a little Googling to learn more about Woodie Guthrie, who I only know by name. I was impressed at how many songs are on this album and how many cameos there are.
I’m sure it’s good but I’m not a fan of either artist.
This album surprised me. Being an on the fence Wilco fan, I thought that I wasn't going to enjoy it. I'd give it 4.5.
What a beautiful confluence of style and talent. I love Billy Bragg so my heart leant more into the songs he sang but it’s such a well-rounded album. This passed me by the time but I’m delighted that this BB and Wilco collaboration unearthed some gorgeous songs with those doleful, gut-wrenching Guthrie lyrics.
The concept for this album was interesting and the execution was fantastic. I heard that tensions ran high between Billy Bragg and Wilco while making this but they all must be happy with how it turned out. Some songs are somber and mournful, some are raucous and bawdy and then there is the glorious cacophony of Hoodoo Voodoo. These are songs that seem like they would be played at a hootenanny. One that I would be happy to attend. Natalie and Billy singing on Way Over yonder in the Minor Key is beautiful.
This album must have been an honor and a blast to make. The intrigue of the origins of the album make it a must listen, and, no doubt, there are great moments and good songs, though I feel the promise of this unique collaboration outshines the final product. The songs, almost every one of them, linger longer than they should, and the album loses traction as we get to the later numbers. So kudos to everyone involved (amazingly, the Natalie Merchant song is probably my favorite as it doesn't overstay its welcome), I'm sure this is a feather in the cap of Bragg, Tweedy, Bennett and the rest of the collaborators, but it was never my favorite listen.
I knew nothing about this until I got halfway through it, which made for a kind of cool listen. I've never heard Billy Bragg's music before this. And although I didn't pick up on the fact that the lyrics were all written by someone else (i.e. Woody Guthrie), I did like the lyrics a lot. All the stories were cool, and I wondered about the old-fashioned references, unsure if that was something Bragg was famous for. I will confess when I saw Wilco's name so soon after our last listen my first reaction was an eye-roll, but I dug this even before I knew the deal with it. Also, I didn't recognize Natalie Merchant's voice, but she was cool. Thumb's up all around.
Part 2 was too long and meandering
Nothing special or notable.
I like most alt country when I here it, even though it's not a style I often put on myself, but this album did very little for me.
Thought I'd dislike this quite a bit, and I ended up sorta liking it. I'm not sure I'd come back to it, but it was decent. 3.25/5
Am I getting into Wilco? First I vibe with Yankee Foxtrot Hotel and now this. Who knew? C+
Calmo e sem muita relevância na minha audição.
Rentoa countryfolkkia. Kuuntele uudestaan kesällä
Good
Never listened to Billy Bragg before, big fan of Wilco though. This one slipped me by, but it’s going in my frequent circulation pile. Proper underrated gem this, with ‘Way Over Yonder’, being my highlight. In fact the opening 3 or 4 songs were all ace
Really enjoyed this, thought loads of times I should listen to Billy Bragg but never actually bothered, this was pretty much what I expected and I liked it. Interesting story behind the album too.
I enjoyed this rather a lot - Eisler on the Go and Way over Yonder in the Minor Key were great. Really wistful, really tempered. Billy Bragg has a great voice, loved the political elements, and Wilco contribute massively. Absolute romper.
Not really into folk rock but thought this was decent. It has a relaxed sound to it and I enjoyed more of the songs than I thought I would. Highlights were "Hoodoo Voodoo", "California Starts" and "Christ for President".
I like a bit of folk and I've got a soft spot for Billy Bragg, seen him live a couple of times, always a good show.... Helps if you're of a particular political persuasion. Never heard of Wilco but sounded good too. Thought the opening few tracks were fantastic, the rest of the album was good too. Overall really liked it
Amazing atmosphere all the way through. Will definitely listen again
From a big Wilco fan, this album was one of the most boring things iv'e ever listened to. 5/10
Best Song: Birds and Ships. The female vocals served as a great counterpoint to the main male vocal track. Worst Song: Hoodoo Voodoo. Sounds inauthentically silly. Like irreverence cooked up in a board room. Overall: Subdued, bluegrass-y folk. The star here is the lyrics, which is not surprising given that they're apparently all old Woody Guthrie lyrics. The rest is not bad, country roads type music.
Really nice country album. I did not feel mentally well when I listened to this and it did not make it better. There's background to it that I only skimmed as of now that may affect my opinion of it so for now I can just say that it was very good.
What a fun album! Wilco is very hit or miss for me (I think they're great, I just don't always enjoy their stuff), but this was fantastic. I'm not terribly familiar with Woody Guthrie's work, but judging from this, I'd say he's a great songwriter. I really loved the vocals and instrumentation on this album, and "Walt Whitman's Niece" was the perfect opening track.
DNF, road trip vibes where it’s the only radio station on
Yeah
Nice album-I like a few tracks, with Natalie Merchant’s contribution a pleasant surprise.
I was surprised by how much I liked this. I didn't previously engage with Bragg or wilco or woody Guthrie. Yet I found myself tapping my toe to most of these songs and enjoying the lyricism.
Tooonnnn
Not for me, too country
A very diverse alt-country sound. Would love to re-listen.
bom o som, folk e pa
p823. 1998. 3.5 stars. Woody Guthrie lyrics and Billy Bragg tunes. Well done, but feels a bit "worthy", and is not exceptional. Worth a listen.
Meh. Too long
I enjoyed the swagger on this one
Stand-outs: "Birds and Ships," "The Unwelcome Guest," "I Guess I Planted"
It's mostly low-key and nice and inoffensive. It doesn't get me going.
Folk-rock agradable. Un 4.
California Stars.
Enjoyable enough, but Wilco did far better
"Mermaid Avenue" is a folk album of previous unreleased lyrics by American folk singer Woody Guthrie put to music and performed by British singer Billy Bragg and American band Wilco. It was a project organized by Guthrie's daughter, Nora, who approached Bragg about writing music to her father's lyrics as he had left lyrics to over a thousand songs but couldn't recorded them due to his Hunnington's disease. Bragg contacted Wilco and they split and recorded the songs in Dublin, Ireland. This album is a lot of fun. Two interesting notes: Woody had actually contacted Bob Dylan over 40 years ago to do exactly this but Woody's wife and son, Arlo, knew nothing about it when Dylan went to his house. Also, Bragg and Wilco didn't get along at the end with tempers flaring as Wilco wanted a less produced sound than Bragg and Bragg basically told them to fuck off. By the way, I kind of like the Wilco songs a little better. However, there did two more Mermaid albums both of which are pretty good. A great sing-along song "Walt Whitman's Niece" opens the album with Bragg singing, Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) on harmonica, acoustic guitar and plenty of backing vocals. He's going to a brothel. Jeff Tweedy delivers great vocals on probably the most popular song on the album in "California Stars." Great lap steel guitar by bluesman and reggae artist Corey Harris. Great violin by British folk artist Eliza Carthy. A dual meaning in moving to California during 1930's Oklahoma dustbowl and a reference to a famous quilt pattern at the that time. Maybe, my favorite Bragg song is "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key" with 10,000 Maniac vocalist Natalie Merchant on backing vocals. He is going to make out with a girl and then gets beat by her Mother. It was probably worth it. I also like Bragg in "Ingrid Bergman." A simple song about Gutherie's Fascination shall we say with Ingrid Bergman. The album's highlight for me and one of Jeff Tweedy's best-ever vocal performances is "One by One." I read that this was the song that brought Nora Guthrie to tears when she heard the album and what they did with the lyrics. A beautiful song. Organ. Piano. Pedal guitar. About impending death and using nature and personal imagery to describe things that he will never see again. The album ends strong with Tweedy singing again about impending death in ""Another Man's Done Gone" and Bragg on lead and Tweedy on backing vocals in "The Unwelcome Guest" about a poor guy on the run from the rich. I remember liking this album quite a bit when it came out. It has fun songs, poignant songs and some of Bragg and Wilco's best songs. Definitely one to check out if you haven't.
meh. folk stuff for people who hark back to a mythical time with crazy strong rose-tinted glasses.
If this was a team competing at the controversial 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, it'd be Cameroon.
3/10
Do I like Billy Bragg? No. Do I like Woody Guthrie? Also no. Do I like this album? Absolutely not. Dirge after dirge, I'm turning this hogwash off.
Lost songs brought back to happy life.
Stand out tracks - Birds and Ships - Hoodoo Voodoo
Love this album. Listened to it for the first time about 3 months ago. My sister in law was telling us about Ingrid Bergman song. So I looked it up. Really love the melodies, instrumentation and the over all sound. Gonna rate this one high.
This is a really unique record and a great listen overall. Billy Bragg’s songs definitely capture the essence of Woody Guthrie’s songwriting better than Wilco’s offerings - although “California Stars” is a homely nostalgia trip befitting of Guthrie’s lyrics. Naturally, it suffers from inconsistencies. But this is true of most of Bragg’s output at the turn of the millennium (coinciding with his fixation on adopting a Southern American accent, completely flying in the face of his whole ethos!). However, the songwriting is strong enough across the record to justify a greater audience than it has so far received. This is really a victory lap for Billy Bragg, who not only shot back to some kind of relevance in the twilight of his career, but created a set of timeless homages to one of his heroes.
One time to listen too…
I own this, I love it. There's almost no downtime in here for me - this is all great. Everything good about these musicians is on this record. Love it.
America's favourite alt country band (maybe!) join forces with the UK's favourite singing socialist (possibly!) to record a bunch of Woody Guthrie songs. Well, blow me down, it works an absolute treat! They could've approached Guthrie with hushed reverence, but instead there's a rainbow of moods here, from pensive through to knockabout. The musical soundscape is pretty lovely too, reminiscent of early 1970s Dylan. My only gripe is that Jeff Tweedy still fails to move me as a vocalist, but there's enough Bragg (and a slither of Natalie Merchant) to offset this. A thoroughly charming album.
I own this album and I don't think I've ever listened to it more than once. Wait, do I own this album? Maybe I borrowed it from the library? Who knows. I like Bragg's voice every now and then, but it's not for me.
Wasn't sure what I'd make of this as I've always found Billy Bragg hit and miss, and I've never latched onto Wilco either. Woody Guthrie, obviously, is a legend for good reason, so I was very intrigued. It well and truly won me over, a really warm and engaging, and unique record. I love a musical project that brings artists together across decades, and borne out of love. Wonderful stuff. There's at least 2 other volumes of this which I will have to check out.
I’m unsure if Billy Bragg & Wilco are two different artists or if they are one band. The names seem vaguely familiar, but I can’t place where from. I’m excited to hear something new! Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Christ For President, Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key I did enjoy most of the songs on this album, and yet none of the songs stuck to the point where I’d be able to hum a chorus. The music is quite folky, with a dash of the blues for good measure. Google tells me that Billy Bragg is a British singer and Wilco is an American band that played the music. You wouldn’t be able to tell that this is a collaboration of two different artists as they do seem to work pretty seamlessly together. Overall, a good album. I’m glad I heard it, but it doesn’t make me want to keep it on repeat.
I remember when looking at the Wikipedia for this book, I was surprised at how Woody Guthrie didn't have an album on here (he does have music recorded, after all). If this is as close as it'll get, I don't mind. I previously got "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" on here and discovered I really enjoyed it, but I'm not as familiar with Billy Bragg. I think the idea is great and it's executed well. Despite the fact that Guthrie has been dead nearly 100 years, he can still connect. Even being... let's say agnostic, I enjoyed the pro-Jesus anti-politician "Christ For President". My, how times have changed, eh? Favorite tracks: "Way Over Yonder In a Minor Key", "At My Window Sad and Lonely", "I Guess I Planted", "Christ For President"
If you were going to get someone to do an album of unfinished Woody Guthrie works, Billy Bragg would be pretty high up that list. Wilco probably wouldn't be. But what a delightfully odd and successful pairing (a quick search tells me that Bragg approached Wilco, I'd like to know a bit more about what led to that phone call). Really good album, the star of the show is of course Guthrie's lyrics, which are strong throughout. It didn't rock my world, but I had a pleasant 50 odd minutes while listening to this.
Me he aburrido bastante, me gustan Wilco y Billy Bragg así que no sé que ha podido salir mal. Aunque no es malo y se queda en 2 estrellas y por supuesto no es imprescindible más allá de unir a estos músicos.
This is an incredible album. It's like you can feel the bridge in time between Woody writing these lyrics and Billy Bragg and Wilco writing and performing the music. The songs are incredibly strong and cohesive. The lyrics are amazing, full of evocative scenes and witty double entendres, a fine testament to Woody Guthrie's genius. Classic. 5 stars.
This was a nice surprise.! I'm familiar with both artists separately but had no idea they had collaborated before. I definitely preferred the first half of the album and found it tailed off a bit towards the end, bit then the last song was quite good. Overall an enjoyable album, I might check out the others in the series.
Désolé Wilco mes frères de sang mais on peut pas être tout le temps au top
ok on est encore au far west
- Never listened to this before even though I like Bragg and Wilco - Genius idea that works really well - California Stars stands out as the best track but consistently really good - Fav songs: California Stars, The Unwelcome Guest, Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key
Two good artists. I think Wilco was the guitar of Dr. Feelgood.
Its probably not bad but it really not for me, I found it dull and uninspired and it just droned on and on
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would, but still only a 3
Nothing wrong with any of these, but I’m not sure how strong of an impression it would make without the origin story. But then I’m not a massive fan of Bragg or Wilco (though I’ve nothing against either). It was interesting how many of the songs played perfectly well as modern folkish pop - had I heard the without context I would have accepted them as contemporary lyrics without hesitation. There’s some serious writer’s chops in that.
Very good vibe, preferred the slower songs
nice
Really good folky stuff, not my genre but love it.
I thought no I've mentioned before that this turn of the century Americana revival leaves me a bit cold. And sadly, while my values align pretty much perfectly with Billy Bragg's and I love what he speaks about and could listen to him talk all day, I've never found a way in with his music... And by embracing Americana it just makes it harder! I didn't hate it, but I did just kind of let it happen. Walt Whitman and the President one were both okay?
I liked the album for sure, but it was the story behind it that brings it up to four stars. Such a sweet sentimental revival in the memory of a legend.
Nostalgic and homey. I like it a lot, but think it could be a hair shorter.
Listen this to death when in first came out. Fun album, Wlico and Billy Bragg sound great together. Hopefully this isn't Wilco's only appearance on the list.
The combination of artists and the genius of Guthrie makes this album a landmark. It’s a great listen, but it also comes across as if it was a lot of fun to make.
Not sure if I had heard this before. I'm a big Wilco fan and this is a good Wilco album.
Wilco is always good, some of the collaborations work well, some not as much. Not my favorite Wilco endeavor but still very good.
Not too shabby
Not the type of music I typically enjoy. Overall, I did not really enjoy this album.
Not for me.
I love everything about this album. It makes me want to move to some remote place in the mountains and just chill with a guitar on a porch. Favourite tracks except for the obvious first track and California Stars are One by one and Eisler on the go. 5/5
Really good stuff. Not a lot to say about it. It's just a really enjoyable album.
Did not enjoy this one much, but it wasn't offensive. 2/5
Folk rock tunes. New music written for Woody Guthrie lyrics.
Really really awful.
“california stars is a good song”- Evie
Incredible album. Cannot wait to revisit this one.
Teriffic melding of styles between Billy Braggs and Wilco. In a few songs it felt like putting the words to music seemed almost forced and unpolished, but overall a fantastic album, and a great memorial to the words of Woody Guthrie Favourite songs: Christ for President, Birds and Ships (Natalie Merchant's voice on this track is beautiful), Hesitating Beauty, The Unwelcome Guest, Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key Least Favourite Songs: Hoodoo Voodoo, Walt Whitman's Neice, Eisler on the Go, Ingrid Bergman 4/5
Really liked the album
Very entertaining folk rock. I like the playful energy. Woody Guthrie's lyrics make this album stick out from the thousands of generic folk rock albums out there.
folk mate 7.5/10
Meh. Country.
any song with wilcos vocals were pretty good. most others made me feel violent. not a fan of that kind of folk, sorry billy. not bad overall but wouldn’t listen again
It was okay.
Zaten wat ok liedjes bij, maar in het algemeen weer wat saai.
Ho-hum.
Unimpressed. Zo was blue grass folky country kan me niet overtuigen
Solid album. Not what I usually would pick on my own but definitely a good listen
Ok album, would give another listen as. I couldn’t pay full attention today but enjoyed some of what I heard
This album is a collection of so many things I love; great songwriting, immediately singable, alt-country, and the combo of complementing singers. Now need to go find this album on vinyl.
I could see listening again
Country or Americana is not my thing at all, but this is enjoyable and at least keeps me entertained. Really picks up in the second half. Favourite tracks: - One by One - California Stars - Eisler on the Go - I Guess I Planted Overall Grade: 7/10
Billy Bragg has always been a bit cheeky, but as a country album, it isn't as convincing as it needs to be. As an alt-rock album, it also fails.
I like billy bragg and wilco, though everything here is in their style but nothing seems to stand out. A fine album.
Great sounds, good songwriting. Great mixing and arrangements.
I rated this and somehow it went away. Blah. These songs seem so familiar but then if I was at a bar, I don’t think I’d be able to identify them. I liked Walt Whitmans niece the best
More melancholy than I anticipated. Sad songs for a sad mood so I liked it but not normally a fan of BB. Wilco made it and preferred songs with him leading.
This was chaotic and I loved it
Its certainly an interesting idea for an album and I'm glad I was able to give it a listen, but it's a far cry from either of their best work
Было сложно слушать. Очень неинтересно, но под фоном пойдет. Музыка легкая, ненапрягающая.
Must be the worst opening bars to any album. Terrible drums, terrible singing, mad false accent, poor tune, just nothing to make me want to listen past the first 30 seconds. I loveBillyBragg. His first 4 albums wsre the soundtrack to my coming of age, but this is just awful. Hugely disappointing.Let's be kind and put it alk down to the inclusion of Wilco - I realky didn't like Wilco's own album and now they've ruined this one. Sorry Billy.
3.75
Ja, zaten een paar lekkere nummers bij
Gedraaid, maar totaal vergeten wat dit was. Als het echt belachelijk slecht was, was er vast meer van bijgebleven.
Ik hoor werkelijk niet wat hier nou zo speciaal aan zou moeten zijn. Waarschijnlijk hoor ik niet waarom dit goed zou moeten zijn omdat dit niet het genre is waar ik warm boor loop. Erg middelmatig.
Best ok om een keer te horen hoor, maar zoals bij 90% van de platen die hier voorbij komt, snap ik niet dat je dit gehoord moet hebben voordat je sterft. Enfin, ik wacht rustig af tot er een parel voorbij komt :)
Leichte Country Vibes. Singer-Songwriter. Various Artists
Very well executed. Some fantastic songs. Might be my fav Wilco 🤷
Not really my style
I love this. It vacillates so nicely between Bragg's sweet and folksy approach to Wilco's moody atmospheric style. Billy Bragg and Wilco really seem to understand Woody Guthrie and what's at the heart of his songwriting. They've interpreted his lyrics beautifully here for a newer audience. I feel like part of something special listening to it. And I love love LOVE this album cover! I love looking at it, it reminds me of all the times I spent walking around my city, wandering, finding cool hidden gems all by myself. But I won't say which ones! If you could bottle the feeling of walking through a city you love with no plans and nowhere to be, I'd pay anything for it. This album is close enough for now.
I was having a rough morning but this was a really nice, calming listen
Great shit. If I wasn't a day behind I'd listen to it again right now. Loved this album.
Smokey Roadhouse tavern sound to this album. Not really my thing, but has its place. REVERB.
Lagan i topao album, sviđa mi se cover albuma, imaju dobru kombinaciju Wilco i Billy. Nije mi kao neki čisti Wilcovi albumi, ali je također dobro. Mislim da kad bi zapeo za ovaj album, da bi mi baš fin bio. Ovako je 3,5 (RYM), a ovdje 3. Al nekak bi i 4 mogo dati, ovisi, jer mislim da bih se mogao čak vratiti ovom albumu....ne znam. Trojka it is, ali je bolje od toga.
Prefs: Walt Whitman's Niece, California Stars, Hoodoo Voodoo, She Came Along To Me, I Guess I Planted, One By One Moins pref: Eisler On The Go
Not my thing
nice wilco
Not bad, enjoyable, some good songs, but didn't make me want to explore the rest of his Discography
Good folk jam
Pretty good overall
This was fantastic
Just plain slaps. Hits all my buttons
Catchy, funny, lovely. Damn good.
Liked it more than I thought I would.
Did not listen to this entirely. Folk is not my lan and this album didn't change that.
3.75/5. It's a pleasant folk-rock album, but it's just not something I'm drawn to.
This is a great album for me. Really enjoyed almost every song on this however the album is in a bonkers order so is a bit of a rollercoaster sometimes. This album was written from unused lyrics from the deceased Woody Guthrie, Billy and Wilco were invited by Woody's daughter to revive the lyrics into an album. Guthrie is an American Folk hero and activist who did a lot for the poor and working class in the 1940s. Some great lyrical nuggets in this album that hark to that same impact he had. "California Stars", by far my fave. I can picture it now, its sunset, US west coast, I've found myself a small surfing town to lazy around and do nothing in for a while. Sleeping in the back of my 80s Ford Econoline, double doors at the back swung open, ocean air breezing through the van, maybe even a lil camp fire still smouldering away nearby. One day... Other highlights from this album: "Birds and Ships" (really love Natalie Merchants voice in this), "She came along to me", and "One by One".
I thought this was well done country. Quite funny.
Love this - didn’t realise how much I did until re listening to it - warm fuzzy lovin it
I am often indifferent to Billy Bragg but being tempered with Wilco and some Natalie Merchant, it's very enjoyable.
I saw this album pop up today and and knew, this is going to be a great day. I really love this album. I listen to it frequently and have several songs in my regular rotation. So if you came to me and asked me to choose an artist who could take original lyrics from Woody Guthrie and frame them musically in a way that's fresh, yet totally captures Guthrie's complexity as a songwriter... Billy Bragg immediately would be my first pick. Wilco wouldn't necessarily have come to mind, but the partnership they have on this album is so special. In fact, Bragg + Wilco (+ Guthrie) is one of the most compelling musical collaborations I've ever heard. The way they support and complement each other musically is beyond words. Guthrie's lyrics are gorgeously, plain-spokenly eloquent. They're sometimes strident, sometimes quite sad, but also so much fun. But this is Billy Bragg's show, really. His pathos and sensitivity, his humor and cheekiness, these are what drive the songs on this album and really bring Guthrie's words to life. Wilco's presence adds a musicality and pop sensibility that really brightens the overall feel of the album as well. The songs are equal parts joyous and contemplative, funny even at times. They're warm and laid back, and clearly everyone is having a blast. A surprise Natalie Merchant appearance is icing on the cake. What a delight to hear. What. A Delight. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): California Stars, Walt Whitman's Niece, Another Man's Done Gone, Birds and Ships, Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key, The Unwelcome Guest, Eisler on the Go, Hesitating Beauty, One by One, At My Window Sad and Lonely, I Guess I Planted, Ingrid Bergman, She Came Along to Me, Christ for President, Hoodoo Voodoo
At first it felt like yuppie bbq cookout music, but then the second half was more enjoyable. I liked it more after reading about the background of the album.
Good but kind of all over the place
A cool story about how this came into fruition, but musically its not for me.
Pleasant collaboration.
Nothing typical of either artist, but nothing particularly memorable, either.
I really liked this. I thought every song was strong; there wasn’t a single one that I thought stuck out as weak. I would definitely listen to this again.
-Something a little spooky about low voice in "Way over Yonder in the Minor Key" -"Hoodoo Voodoo" gets some upbeat honky tonkin -"She Came Along to Me" -Something about "Christ For President"? -"I Guess I Planted" has some uniony stuff -Some nice tracks there, but overall not my style
Good country Favorites: "California Stars", "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key", "Ingrid Birdman"
I went back and forth on this one. At times, it felt like a 2-star album and, at other times, it felt like a 4-star album. There are songs like "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key" that are just great. But there are also songs like "Ingrid Bergman" which is... just stupid. You can't help but think that there's a reason Guthrie didn't bother to write music for some of these songs. I guess, on balance, it was a fun enough album that was recorded with enough passion and respect for the late, great Woody Guthrie that it deserves a passing grade.
Lot of love for this album, the recipe of Billy Bragg, Wilco and Woodie Guthrie makes for good listening. Some bits work better than others, but there are some strong tracks here like California Stars, Way over Yonder and Sha Came Along to me. Good stuff.
Some nice tracks but all just felt a bit lacklustre to me.
Fantastic. Unfortunate that the best song by far is the only one Wilco and Bragg didn’t perform.
the story behind this album is pretty damn neat. I think it worked out fairly well.
Probably the most consistently good project both Wilco and Billy Bragg have been involved with.
Americana
The concept behind putting together Billy Bragg and Wilco to record unreleased Woody Guthrie songs is a very interesting idea that is mercifully well-executed here. I'll confess that I'm much more a fan of Wilco than Bragg, but this album works really well. It features a lot of the straight-ahead alt-country sound of Wilco's earlier albums. Guthrie's songs work really well for both artists. Tweedy brings a more modern sound, while Bragg sounds like the specter of Guthrie himself risen out of the past. I think I'll have to look out for this one on vinyl 4/5
Very pleasant listening, I enjoyed the laid back vibe and the instrumental interplay with the band. This is one of the better roots based Americana influenced albums I've heard on this list.
An unexpected joy
Ah man I should love Billy being a full on leftie and I'm sure what he's saying is great. However the music was just frankly horrible like someone punching you in the face with a wet fish. At first it doesn't hurt that much but by the end it's unbearable.
Loved this far more than I remembered
If I listened to folk music This might be the kind of folk for me And if I wrote lyrics for folk songs I might sing them over these tunes Kind of witty sentiment and A fag packet bar chord structure Old twenties Americana Or contemporary satire If I listened to folk music This might be the kind of folk for me
Woody Guthrie connection is interesting, but this album didn't capture me (on the day I listened). Maybe one for when I'm in a more mellow mood. 2.5
This was lovely. What could possibly go wrong, Woody Guthrie, Billy Bragg and Wilco. Eminently listenable!
A great collection of songs. Very easy to listen to although no real standout tracks.
Excellent Billy Bragg - Wilco collaboration. I liked this album much more than Bragg's "Talking With the Taxman About Poetry" which was generated by the list generator some time ago. Not sure if this is due to Wilco (probably the best American country-rock band from the last 30 years or so) but will check some more Billy Bragg albums..
Decent, but nothing special.
some nice songs, some country? interesting but im not exactly sure whats the genre here!
2/5
Åter igen ett superbra album? Det var några tråkiga låtar från början men sen mm så bra??
Not too special, good for working in the background
A great album. Refreshing folk/acoustic style with great lyrics and vocals...obvs with the odd Billy Bragg style you'd expect.
A grower, initially the Wilco-led songs are easier to get into but Billy's ones stand out and make the whole thing very enjoyable
This is so good! I wasn't sure if I liked the idea to attach Woody Guthrie's lyrics to a more modern sound, but they did a great job of making it all gel. It is a new spin on Woody, not trying to emulate in any way except for the welcome addition of a harmonica on one track. Unexpectedly great!
cool country
Folk
Pretty awesome modern folk music.
A remarkable project, bringing Guthrie’s lyrics to life with a still unlikely pairing of Bragg and Wilco which, nevertheless, sounds fantastic - a folk rock record with heart, wit and equality throughout. I felt the combination truly soared. Absorbing and compelling.
Good effort Bill and Wilco and Natalie.
Very interesting listen with lots of variety!
A little too folky/country for my taste but I still enjoyed listening to it.
I genuinely enjoyed the simplicity of this album so much that I would absolutely re-listen at a time I needed to unwind or relax. Cool bluesy blue grass sounds, I really like this.
First two songs were boring. I liked "way over yonder" and the natalie merchant songs. Most of the album was just typical boring americana.
i love this album, atlough the lyrics were written by someone else, i feel the songs are very well put together lyrics + music
Didn't mind it but wouldn't put on again.
Nearly a 2 for me, but Hoodoo Voodoo saved it. Will not listen to it again (except maybe the aforementioned song).
Much more upbeat than I had expected, this is quite a fun album. I likely won't ever listen again but I'm glad I know of its existence.
Really nice American-Folk Album. I put the album up for in the background, but it always had a nice atmosphere to it and sometimes dragged my ear back into the music and made me really listen to it. Would definitely listen to it again at some point
A few good songs here and there, especially on Wilco's side, but I find most of the album to be pleasant but uneventful. The idea of giving old Guthrie songs to younger musicians is really great, and Wilco are obviously having fun with them, while Bragg mostly sticks to his usual serious "union on strike singer" delivery.
Boring folkish album. I don't get why it's on this list, but you know how Wilco fans are...
Boring folk album, the singer looks like he's always joking during a karaoke session. really long for what it is...I'm tired now !
This is a good album, there's no doubt... But I find it hard to spend 50 minutes at the same tempo, with the same instruments playing the same mood and the voice giving off the same emotion, particularly in folk music. I enjoyed it, but I will not listen again.