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First of all, these artists are renowned for their abilities to be both musically tight and arranged and still work in a lot of improvisation. Let's pause for a moment to consider the thought, time and work that went into the project as well as where these artists were in their careers at the time and what they've accomplished since. I find them very biased and short-sighted and would encourage anyone who doesn't know either Mermaid album to listen to cuts from both in random order to dispel the idea of this being a "patchy" "sequel" to the first. Moreover, it is what makes producing Americana, which is exactly what this is, so challenging and to do so PLUS deciding to include and marry to that each of Bragg and Wilco's own combined styles is really an admirable accomplishment.
I listened to and absorbed this entire album before Mermaid I and I could easily have said the opposite, that the first is not as good, sloppy and patchy without ghaving given it a fair shake. It's interesting to read the reviews by the detractors of this album. They switch back and forth between the two disciplines at will and can emphasize one or the other to produce the sounds they desire. Bragg (a Brit) brings this around full circle with many of the arrangements and influences in each record having originated from the mountain music of the Appalachias brought over by immigrants from the UK in the nineteenth century. I found the first volume difficult to enjoy as much, at first; however, I have given both plenty of listening hours and find them wonderful compliments to each other.
I think this was paramount to conveying the ideologies behind Guthrie's lyrics and incorporating his own folk style, as well. I don't think many people consider this, but it is not lost on the artists. In my view, it is a sequel only by default, having come second. They make it seem effortless and never allow themselves to forsake Guthrie's awareness, intellect and intent. I enjoy songs on both equally.
All of the songs from the two volumes could have easily been randomized and released as a two-disc set in 1998 without provoking the reactionaries to mark it as a disjointed effort.Also, read up on the project at Nora Guthrie's site:http://www.woodyguthrie.org/merchandise/mermaidavenuevol1.htmhttp://www.woodyguthrie.org/merchandise/mermaidavenuevol2.htmMermaid II is a really textural and varied album and anyone who says it is sloppy compared with the Mermaid I is wilfully ignoring a lot, namely the musical experimentation and advancement of Bragg and Wilco in the 5 years between the two. Both albums contain this "loosely tight" format, yet are wonderfully arranged, traversing various signature American genres, textures and instruments. Both of these albums are so much more important than some of the biased and knee-jerk reactions they provoke.
Im writing this because i beleive one song REMEBER THE MOUNTAIN BED is one,if not the most meaningful,sublime, peices of poetry,prose,songwiting i have ever heard.this song has sat with me since i first heard it.actually i only have to think of it and im moved.the depth of understanding of the human condition,love, lose,the earth,the elements, love,humanity,the insights into the purpose of lifeand mandkind, etc etc is so utterly compeling and mind numbing.the greatest love song ever written.i get obssessed about this song, i find myself disolving into another place, void of all thats around me.how did woody guthrie find himself of such composure,empathy and understanding to reach inside of himself and outside of himself to write one of the most perfect peices of art.and then there is WILCO and JEFF TWEEDY.honoring these words so beautifully.jeff tweedys vocals and the bands sympathetic arrangment make this one of music,c highest benchmarks.as great as anything.by anyone.at anytime.ever recordedoh the other WILCO stuff here is also fantastic.i havent really sat thru the billy bragg.but i will.buy this for REMEMBER THE MOUNTAIN BED alone.wow id love to know what you think
The production and attitude is all there to pull it off, especially well for fans of folk rock (mixed of course with the country sounds of Wilco), but to say this would be necessary to anyone who has the first volume and is not absolutely in love with it would be untrue. 3 1/2Admirable collaboration paying tribute to folk hero Guthrie is a serviceable update to an epic legacy, a hard enough feat in itself that garnered much praise. But after this second volume appeared a few years later, perhaps the conceptual accomplishments gave way to seeing some unimpressive songwriting for what it was. Having said that, the band continued to present a polished relevance to Guthrie's legacy in the authentic synergy Bragg and Wilco have. Some gems underneath the generic sounding majority may beckon the devoted to purchase this and spin a great mix from the two volumes.
His sarcasm & reticence combines nicely with Guthrie's lyrics. I got this as a present from a friend. I still don't quite like Wilco, but I learned to like Bragg after this. Great songs to shout along to in the car, especially Joe DiMaggio. Black Wind Blowing is sad but well suited to being played very loud.
Instead, he said, Woody Guthrie's daughter should have found two other artists--another singer, and another band, even--and had THEM do volume two. "Secrets Of The Sea" is a good one as well, as is "Someday, Some Morning, Sometime," but overall this album should never have happened. Morrissey and The Postal Service. Please God, no. Soltero and Yo La Tengo. Daniel Johnston and Neutral Milk Hotel. My younger brother made a good point, I thought, when he told me this album should never have been made. I saw Billy Bragg on tour for this album--the show was awful, and most of the songs he played were bad covers of the songs Wilco had written--and he hinted there might be a volume three.
Let these artists put their talents to use in some way better. Volume one was good, and they should have left it alone. Let Billy Bragg return to "Workers Playtime," and keep him away from Wilco. This, however, is a rehash of volume one. Hayden and The Flaming Lips. Spare us, please.
It could have still used Woody Guthrie's lyrics, but it would have been something fresh.not this.and that format could have gone on indefinitely for any number of albums. Thankfully, Wilco went back into the studio to record some new songs--this album's best songs--but all we have from Billy Bragg are the outtakes from the first album, and Natalie Merchant's song on this volume.well.to put it nicely.sucks."Airline To Heaven" by Wilco is an outstanding song, using Bible verses in its lyrics and an exciting build. Spare us all. They're doing fine without him.
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