July 30, 1998
Most people know of Woody Guthrie only as the man who wrote "This Land is Your Land", or as Bob Dylan's chief inspiration, if they even know that much. Hopefully, this wonderfully executed collaboration will fix that. Guthrie is arguably the most important pre-war folk singer, his fiercely and unapologetically leftist politics fueled by his blue-collar roots. Armed with a guitar bearing the slogan "this machine kills fascists", Guthrie created a body of work staggering in its breadth and human passion.
However, Guthrie stopped performing in '47, and wrote hundreds more songs before his death in '67. This album stems from the lyric sheets he left behind, given to British folksinger Billy Bragg and alternative country stars Wilco to write music for. It's a fertile collaboration that updates Guthrie's sensibility for modern audiences - the lyrics are alternatively loving, witty or biting, and the folk and country melodies are a sheer delight.
The 15 tracks are split between Wilco and Bragg , and nearly all sound like lost classics. Wilco sounds more contemporary with the heartbreakingly sweet "California Stars", honkytonk romp "Christ For President" and tearful regret of "One by One", as Jeff Tweedy's sun-baked vocals evoke Guthrie's dustbowl homeland. Bragg's tracks are even better - the understated wit and deadpan delivery of "Walt Whitman's Niece" and the tender yearning of "Ingrid Bergman" showcase his significant talents.
Best of all is "Way Down Yonder In the Minor Key", a minor masterpiece based around the line "Ain't nobody that can sing like me", with lilting harmony by Natalie Merchant. Bragg sure doesn't have the flat Okie accent that Guthrie had, but when he repeats that line, you believe. Pedal steel and electric boogie, chest thumping organ and gentle dobro all fold together into country folk that is true to Guthrie's pioneer spirit and as relevant as ever.
- Jared O'Connor
The house that Woody built