{"product_id":"billy-bragg-wilco-mermaid-avenue-vol-ii","title":"Billy Bragg \u0026 Wilco - Mermaid Avenue Vol. II","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(PREORDER - SHIPS OR PICKUP ON OR AROUND 12-11-26)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCLASSIC TAKES OF LOST WOODY GUTHERIE SONGS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAVAILABLE ON VINYL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ALMOST 15 YEARS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2xLP WHITE ECO MIX VINYL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA1        Airline To Heaven\u003cbr\u003eA2        My Flying Saucer\u003cbr\u003eA3        Feed Of Man\u003cbr\u003eB1        Hot Rod Hotel\u003cbr\u003eB2        I Was Born\u003cbr\u003eB3        Secret Of The Sea\u003cbr\u003eB4        Stetson Kennedy\u003cbr\u003eC1        Remember The Mountain Bed\u003cbr\u003eC2        Blood Of The Lamb\u003cbr\u003eC3        Aginst Th' Law\u003cbr\u003eD1        All You Fascists\u003cbr\u003eD2        Joe Dimaggio Done It Again\u003cbr\u003eD3        Meanest Man\u003cbr\u003eD4        Black Wind Blowing\u003cbr\u003eD5        Someday Some Morning Sometime\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Analog Record Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45230094680264,"sku":null,"price":47.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0348\/8505\/files\/418467327287_1000_e1010f72-7662-428d-9572-c2f3158c7956.webp?v=1791652722","url":"https:\/\/www.analogrecordshop.com\/products\/billy-bragg-wilco-mermaid-avenue-vol-ii","provider":"Analog Record Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}