Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
& Wilco
Elektra,
1998
Reviewed by
Ben French
It's hard to say exactly what Woody Guthrie would make of Mermaid Avenue,
a collection of tunes written by Billy Bragg and Wilco, which are set to lyrics left
behind by the late great folk hero.
First off, I'm thinking the American balladeer might be surprised (as I was) to learn that
his daughter chose a Brit to spearhead the project. It's also easy to picture the
singer/songwriter identifying with the simple acoustic setting of songs like "Eisler
On The Go" or letting out a massive laugh at the rollicking sound of
"Hoodoo Voodoo."
But outside of any initial reaction to the band lineup or song selection, I am very sure
he would not be ashamed of this presentation of his words. Bragg and Wilco have put
together one of this decade's great simple pleasures, an album which might very easily
have been a complete disgrace to Guthrie's name. The songs are outstanding, lyrically and
musically, ranging from soft, loving lullabies such as "One By One" to the
uptempo country ditty "Hesitating Beauty."
After only a few listens, it becomes clear that this album is rich in a way that makes it
hard to compare to any other. For starters, the unusual lineup on this release makes for
some unique dynamics. Psuedo-folkie Bragg is given the lyrics of the folk balladeer
and allowed to set these timeless lyrics to his own timeless sense of melody. Add Wilco:
No, these Illinois-based alt-rockers do not represent the the rebirth of roots rock. But
they are a gifted backing band with a sound that is oddly classic and fresh at the same
time. To make things all the better, throw in an outstanding cameo by Natalie Merchant,
whose heartfelt performance on "Birds and Ships" shuts up any fool dumb enough
to ask "what's she doing here?"
Of course no album is perfect; "I Guess I Planted" is a pretty forgettable song.
But Mermaid Avenue is this decade's finest collaborative effort, nonetheless. On
tracks like "One By One," "Eisler On The Go" and "The Unwelcome
Guest," all parties involved (dead and alive) come together to create inspiring
music.
Just check out "The Unwelcome Guest," the album's final and finest track, and
soak yourself in the thick emotion of each contributor. Tweedy provides the crackling
harmony as Bragg leads the listener through Guthrie's daunting lyrics. The words tell the
story of a thief, who rationalizes his actions to his horse as he rides in the night from
town to town, by noting his rich victims get their money "by stealing and lying and
gambling."
"Yes, they'll catch me napping one day and they'll kill me," the singers say in
unison. "And then I'll be gone but that won't be my end."
There is deeper connection between the meaning of those lines and the purpose of this
project. But in fear of sounding like a freshman fumbling for a high-brow meaning, I'll
skip the analysis. I will add, however, that I am quite sure, somewhere, Woody Guthrie is
smiling.
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