(PREORDER - SHIPS OR PICKUP ON OR AROUND 12-11-26)

CLASSIC TAKES OF LOST WOODY GUTHERIE SONGS
AVAILABLE ON VINYL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ALMOST 15 YEARS

2xLP WHITE ECO MIX VINYL

Like many sequels, Mermaid Avenue, Vol. II isn't the equal of its predecessor -- that felt fully realized, where this feels a little patchwork -- yet it is still satisfying on many levels. As on the first, the Billy Bragg-written and sung music is the most convincing since he captures the cadences and spirit of Guthrie's music. They sound like classic, weathered folk songs whereas Wilco's numbers are modern inventions, splicing music that is clearly theirs with Guthrie's words. The chasm between the two artists was apparent on the first, but it's more evident this time around, largely due to the fact that several of Wilco's songs were recorded without Bragg after the release of Mermaid Avenue. This gives the record a strangely disjointed feel that isn't helped by the guest appearances by Natalie Merchant on "I Was Born" and Corey Harris whose vocals overpower "Aginst th' Law." Since Bragg and Wilco are pursuing slightly different directions in the first place, the guest artists only add to the patchwork quality of the record. Still, even with its weaknesses, there are plenty of worthwhile things here from both sides of the spectrum. If Wilco occasionally is a little too somber or introspective, they do have moments where everything aligns perfectly. But, as on the first, it's the Bragg-led numbers that truly catch fire, feeling every bit as warm, funny, and vibrant as Guthrie's best work. His contributions go a long way to making Mermaid Avenue, Vol. II a pleasing sequel.

A1        Airline To Heaven
A2        My Flying Saucer
A3        Feed Of Man
B1        Hot Rod Hotel
B2        I Was Born
B3        Secret Of The Sea
B4        Stetson Kennedy
C1        Remember The Mountain Bed
C2        Blood Of The Lamb
C3        Aginst Th' Law
D1        All You Fascists
D2        Joe Dimaggio Done It Again
D3        Meanest Man
D4        Black Wind Blowing
D5        Someday Some Morning Sometime