Mermaid Avenue Billy Bragg, Wilco

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CD

  • Release Date: 06/23/1998
  • Label: ELEKTRA / WEA
  • UPC: 075596220422

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  • Overview
  • Tracks
  • Editorial Reviews
  • Customer Reviews
  • Details & Credits
Track List
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Mermaid Avenue

1LISTENWalt Whitman's Niece 3:53
2LISTENCalifornia Stars 4:57
3LISTENWay Over Yonder In The Minor Key 4:06
4LISTENBirds And Ships 2:13
5LISTENHoodoo Voodoo 3:12
6LISTENShe Came Along To Me 3:26
7LISTENAt My Window Sad And Lonely 3:27
8LISTENIngrid Bergman 1:50
9LISTENChrist For President 2:39
10LISTENI Guess I Planted 3:32
11LISTENOne By One 3:22
12LISTENEisler On The Go 2:56
13LISTENHesitating Beauty 3:04
14LISTENAnother Man's Done Gone 1:34
15LISTENThe Unwelcome Guest 5:09

About Billy Bragg

About Wilco

Editorial Reviews

During the spring of 1995, Woody Guthrie's daughter Nora contacted British urban folk troubadour Billy Bragg about writing music for a selection of completed Guthrie lyrics. This was no minor task -- Guthrie left behind over a thousand sets of complete lyrics written between 1939 and 1967 that had no music other than a vague stylistic notation. Bragg chose a number of songs to finish, as did Jeff Tweedy of the alt-country band Wilco (often with bandmate Jay Bennett). Nora Guthrie impressed a common goal upon them: Rather than recreating Guthrie tunes, they should write as if they were collaborating with Woody, creating new, vital music for the lyrics. Both artists completed more songs than could fit on Mermaid Avenue, which is neatly split between Bragg and Wilco, with Bragg taking lead on eight of the 15 songs. The results are almost entirely a delight, mainly because all involved are faithful to Guthrie's rowdy spirit -- it's a reverent project that knows how to have fun. There are many minor, irresistible gems scattered throughout the album, and most of them come from Bragg. Where Wilco's fine contributions sound inextricably tied to the '90s, both for better and for worse, Bragg's music sounds contemporary while capturing Guthrie's folk traditions. That's not to say Wilco's contributions are failures -- it's just hard to imagine Guthrie singing the plaintive "California Stars" or the plodding "Christ for President," neither of which quite fit the lyrics. Nevertheless, their hearts are in the right place; more often than not, they come close to the target, and their joyous playing invigorates Mermaid Avenue. The blend of Bragg's traditionalist sensibility and Wilco's contemporary style ultimately illustrates that Guthrie's words, ideals, and aesthetics remain alive in the '90s. It's a remarkable record that deserves a sequel. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

California Stars Are High & Bright Tonightby The_Last_Troubadour

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September 19, 2009: Mermaid Avenue is one of my favourite Woody Guthrie albums. Actually, this is my first exploration in his protest-inspired, traditional folk sound. Other influential musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, U2, and Pete Seeger are among his disciples. It would be even more refreshing today to allow Woody listen to this modern compilation & comment on its textural, organic beauty. Mermaid Avenue is one of those rare records where the lyrics, the chords, and the messages of love, peace, justice, and redemption interconnect. Billy Bragg is one of those traditional musicians who reveres Woody's position on such topical themes. He was a radical, compassionate thinker in some aspects of interpretation. He broke through the norms of conformist society and created new melodic laws of the Universe. Wilco is another influence of Woody's legacy. Jeffy Tweedy's melancholy voice compliments such ethereal ballads as "California Stars", one of the highlights of this landmark album. Natalie Merchant was the lead vocalist of a small folk pop band called 10,000 Maniacs. Her angelic, feminine voice provides substance to the rest of these masculine, muscular songs. She sings with such an uplifting, clean, and idyllic voice few can duplicate. Basically, Mermaid Avenue is a child of Woody's inspiration. A fragile child which has grown up to be a sensitive, strong man. This album is as flawless as the lines on the face of the earth.

I Also Recommend: Retrospective: 1995-2005 [Deluxe Edition], Folkways: A Vision Shared - A Tribute to Woody Guthrie & Leadbelly, Classic Folk Music from Smithsonian Folkways, American Favorite Ballads, Vols. 1-5.

Totally Awesomeby Anonymous

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January 28, 2004: One of the greatest CD's I've ever heard! A must hear.


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