In case, like me, you apparently slept through the late 90s, Mermaid Avenue is comprised of previously unheard lyrics to uncompleted songs by Woody Guthrie, with Bragg and Wilco providing contemporary musical accompaniments.
The deal is that this came on the sound system while lunching at my local watering hole the other day and it blew me away, both strictly as music and when I found out who was responsible. Seriously -- I practically fell off my bar stool (no, I wasn't drinking) when the artist credits came up on Shazam.
I should also add that if "California Stars," in this iteration, doesn't strike you as quite ineffably moving, then you're obviously having more psychological trouble coping with the depressing realities of life during The Pee-Wee Hitler© administration that you've yet come to grips with. 😎
This song has been my intro to these albums (there was a sequel) for everyone I've tried to interest in them. Utterly gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteC in California
Always loved the Mermaid Avenue album. A great collaboration.
ReplyDeleteI think "Secret Of The Sea" from Volume II would be right in your wheelhouse, too.
ReplyDeleteJust listened -- wow, it's fabulous. Thanks for the headsup.
ReplyDeleteAll three Mermaid Avenue volumes are very good, with California Stars a particular favorite. Hearing it at a Wilco gig with the crowd singing along is pretty special, too.
ReplyDelete- Paul in DK
Agreed, hearing it live is special
ReplyDelete-Dave in Atlanta
Robert Hoffman, with his Uncle Daddy & The Family Secret band, has been doing a sweet cover of California Stars for at least 20 years.
ReplyDelete