I have a problem with this Billy Bragg release. The problem is I find a lot of Billy’s stuff
unlistenable. I don’t know whether it’s his voice, or the lack of musical interest I get from
just him on guitar and vocals, but I had trouble in facing listening to the three CDs (it
includes a bonus live collection). But time has softened me, and I’ve developed a soft spot
for him as a maverick musical talent. That first Mermaid Avenue album with Wilco is one of my
favourite records. There are two songs with Billy and Wilco for me to enjoy and from the others
I love the wistfulness of A New England and The Boy Done Good is a great song.
Anyone who quite likes Billy Bragg and grew up with his music will appreciate this collection,
it really covers the full range of his work. I see it as a coffee table CD: a remembrance of
lost youth for the late thirties/early forties generation. He’s no new kid in the neighbourhood
and you know if you like him and, if you do, then this is a great collection.
