Punk Politics Return
Billy Bragg's political punk poetry characterised the period of Thatcher-rule, but Braggs' songs clearly still have immense power today, as this mammoth collection of four of Billy's albums plus tons of bonus material proves.
Tunes like brash punk classic 'Richard' reflect Bragg's solo style perfectly. The minimalism of the one man and his guitar is in stark contrast to todays over laden punk messiahs Green Day with their expensive production and multiple effects. Bragg uses his London vocals and chugging guitar to carry across a far more poignant message. 'A New England' has a very direct feel with instant honesty expelled in the delightful lyrics, "I don't want to change the world, I'm not looking for a new England, I'm just looking for another girl." The charisma and swagger of these tunes from Bragg's first album 'Life's A Riot With Spy Vs Spy' could still instantly draw a crowd to the sweaty indie disco floors.
The next album in the collection, 'Brewing Up With Billy Bragg' becomes increasingly politicised, as reflected in the conflict depicted in 'Like Soldiers Do', "Blue eyes fighting the grey eyes fighting the tears//Armed to the teeth for a war of words". 'The Saturday Boy' takes a step back from the political trenches and gives a commentary on unrequited love with a quirky backing of dampened guitar riffs and sweet ringing melancholic notes; it's a classic piece of modest but highly effective song writing that can't fail to bring a smile to anyone's face. 'You Got The Power' is a great bluesy ballad, with Bragg's vocals breaking free from the track and creating a power of their own to the sound of bold, plucked acoustic guitar.
'Greetings To The New Brunette' is one of the stand out tracks from 1986's classic album, 'Talking To The Taxman About Poetry', as witty and British as ever, Bragg's lyrics continue to amuse, "How can you lie there and think of England when you don't even know who's in the team", while the whole song has a more rounded backing that draws the listener closer in. 'Help Save The Youth Of America' is a vicious onslaught on the US to the backdrop of an upbeat tune with catchy percussion. 'Deportees' adopts a reflective country take on the death of US deportees in Los Gatos in a particularly cutting manner on this Woody Guthrie cover.
1990's 'The Internationale' sports wonders such as Billy Bragg's cover of 'Jerusalem', far from being a nationalistic anthem that the BNP may adopt, Bragg creates a calm, patriotic vision.
This is a man who challenged the national conscience with his honest music that still carries a fantastic punk resonance today; we should all stand and salute him by at least seeking out one of these re-released albums that are sure to evoke many smiles and a lot of admiration as well as being great entertainment.