This Land Is Who's Land?

[p0tat0es]

So last night we went to see Billy Bragg live at Eprouver le Projet de Musique (that be the EMP to all y'all Americans). I've known about this guy since I was in grade school, but I never really listened to him, outside of a few random songs I heard on KCMU. To we go to see him, and it was just him, and his trusty Telecaster (for most of the show). His lyrics are witty and biting, and he quite the guitar player - nothing too flashy - his playing was appropriate. And as far as in-between song banter goes, his was some of the best I've heard so far. I could have just sat and listened to him talk all night. His knowledge of American politics was impressive (especially considering he's a Brit), and his passion to spread the word was evident. A large portion of his set consisted of songs originally created by Woody Guthrie. The original music was lost (it was never written down), so Mr. Bragg (and in the studio with his cohorts in Wilco) set about creating new music to go with the lyrics. It's great that now these songs are seeing the light of day. Zoinks.

So...Billy earned himself a new fan. His early records are dirt cheap, so go out and get one and strap in for some rollicking politically charged good times. Or something.