A wee cheat here......the sleeve above is that of the CD released in the USA. The UK version was red instead of green.....Yup, despite there being a few Billy Bragg compilations over the years, not to mention 2 x Boxsets, most of the tracks that he recorded for various John Peel Sessions can only be found on this particular CD.
There's 19 songs in all, from six sessions recorded in between 1983 and 1988, and feature songs from each of his first four albums, cover versions and at least one song which I believe has only been made available on this CD. I also find that I enjoy some of these versions more than the more familiar ones released on studio albums....but I might be alone in that.
See what you make of these:-
mp3 : Billy Bragg - A New England (Peel Session - July 1983)
mp3 : Billy Bragg - Lovers Town (Peel Session - February 1984)
mp3 : Billy Bragg - Which Side Are You On? (Peel Session - September 1984)
mp3 : Billy Bragg - Jeanne (Peel Session - August 1985)
mp3 : Billy Bragg - Greetings To The New Brunette (Peel Session - September 1986)
mp3 : Billy Bragg - The Short Answer (Peel Session - August 1988)
And aren't the words 'Between Marx and Marzipan in the dictionary there was Mary' one of the most wonderful opening lines ever written? And isn't it from one of the most heart-breaking songs ever committed to record??
Well, I think so. Still has the ability to bring a lump to my throat.
Happy Listening.
10 comments:
Great record. And the version on it of A13 is prob the best.
I even have the vinyl version of that in my collection ... should have a listen again soon, I think!
Everyone fastens where there is gain.........................................
wow - me too on the vinyl - maybe it's only you that doesn't have it JC?
Passed me by completely, but i did tape most of these off the radio. For a moment, aged 14, i thought Lovers Town was the greatest song ever - but i've not heard it in decades. Fantastic to hear again, thank you JC!
Wow, really liking that version of 'Brunette.' All of these, actually. Thanks, JC, another good one.
The poetry of the 'Marx and Marzipan' first line alas cancelled out by the forcing of a rhyme between 'spouses' and 'trousers'! "Trousies" - ouch!
Good to see him still rattling the politician's cages though. Billy Bragg Vs. RBS - good on him!
Always in love with Billy and especially with these, you are an angel again, m'dear xoxo
What larks! I too had the grey/black EP with A13 and a fine cover of "Fear is a Man's Best Friend." Got me into Cale's solo records, that one. Thanks for the thread back into the labyrinth of memory and all that.
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