Episode 13: There Ain’t Nobody That Can Sing Like Me
In the early 1990s, Nora Guthrie, daughter of Woody Guthrie, sees Billy in concert in the States and adds him to her shortlist of musicians to write new music to her late father’s undiscovered lyrics.
Later that decade, and with the participation of alt-country rockers Wilco, led by Jeff Tweedy, Mermaid Avenue is born. Widely admired and commercially successful in the USA, Mermaid Avenue volumes 1 and 2 are each nominated for a Grammy, and bring Billy a new audience in America.
Billy tells the story behind the making of the albums, and offers the prospect of unreleased tracks from the sessions becoming available in the next few years.
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5 Responses to “Episode 13: There Ain’t Nobody That Can Sing Like Me”
By mockduck on May 1, 2008
‘Mermaid Avenue’ means a lot to me, because it’s what brought me back to your music, Billy. Until then, ‘Billy Bragg’ was just one of many names I’d listened to in the Eighties as a teenager (oh, ok, also someone I’d listened to as he talked politics in a small room above St George’s Hall, Exeter, as part of the Red Wedge tour). I picked up ‘Mermaid Avenue’ on a whim, then listened to it almost on constant repeat as I decorated my new studio flat after work each night. Whenever I looked around that flat afterwards, I could always hear ‘Ingrid Bergman’.
Anyway, the point is that that one record opened the doors for me to go back and explore your back catalogue. I’m so glad I did. Your music means so much to me these days, and I keep returning to it. I just didn’t see that depth back when I was 15 and 16. So hearing the background of the album has been a real joy.
The other thing I want to say is how much I’m enjoying these podcasts and how glad I am that you’re putting them out. I particularly appreciated this episode, as it reminded me of my pleasure in Mermaid Avenue, but it’s been equally fascinating to hear the whole story. And episode 12, with its talk of fatherhood and relationships, was just blinding. After a night spent tending to my poor chicken-poxed daughter, already feeling fragile from a lack of sleep, that raw rendition of ‘The Fourteenth of Februrary’ nearly did for me on the bus on the way to work the next day. That and your statement that if parenthood doesn’t change your life, you’re not doing it properly.
Thanks, Billy!
By Mark FountainBlue on May 1, 2008
I first heard “Aint Nobody That Can Sing Like Me” when a friend of a friend played it on my guitar in my living room during a late night sing around. I thought it was one of the most beautiful songs I had ever heard, and got a bit of the story of it from the guy who played it. I have since learned it, and it is one of my favorite songs to play when I’m busking at the Pike Place Market in Seattle (as well as in other performances). I have seen the song move many people in the same way that it moves me.
Thanks Billy (and Wilco) for bringing this song to life, and thanks Woody for another great one.
I loved the interview, hearing about the process of recording the music and the live clips as well. Thanks for bringing more great music to the world.
By sunbather on May 12, 2008
It’s funny. I’ve just last saturday listen the first Mermaid Avenue and I was looking in this website some more information about it to speak about it in my blog. At the time it was issued I didn’t pay attention, because usually I am suspicious with this kind of “operations”, but after listening I can say it is a very good record, where Bragg & Wilco revitalize those forgotten words, giving them a new life and creating music very well suited for the feelings of the different texts.
By mattutes on May 15, 2008
Does any else reckon that Billy looks a bit like Harry Pearson?
By Dirtyspeed on May 16, 2008
Dirty here from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ever listen to an artist for the first time and just get floored by their sound? When I first heard Mermaid Ave it was the first time I heard Billy Bragg and I could not believe that I spent 20 years of my life not listening to him. This album is astounding and there isn’t a month that goes by where I don’t put it on when I am outside grilling and chilling with my family and friends. It is just one of those albums that always fits a situation. Thanks guys!