Billy Bragg And Wilco
Mermaid Avenue
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Billy Bragg
Mermaid Avenue
Reprise, 1998
RiYL: Woody Guthrie, Wilco, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan |
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.
BEN FRENCH | Ben founded NATN in the winter of 1998-1999 with fellow IU alums Troy Carpenter and Jonathan Cohen. During the day time, he's working for Nielsen Business Media, publisher of Billboard. Ben's favorite acts include Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, Sonic Youth, Elvis Costello, Talking Heads, Rolling Stones, and the Beach Boys.