Comments for Billy Bragg's Blog

Comment on Evidently Chicken Town by Sam Tana

Sam Tana — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:37:32 +0000

The “fuckin’” should be pronounced in a steadily more “clucking” fashion, the machine gun delivery reducing the word to a chicken-like “bawk!” - that’s the fuckin’ point … in Chicken Town.

Comment on Evidently Chicken Town by Mick

Mick — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:32:12 +0000

Magic….
Kim - you’ve ‘evidently’ never been to Chicken Town.
“The fookin view is fooken vile,
For fooken miles and fooken miles..”
You should take a trip there sometime and stop and imagine living there!
Art shmart.

Comment on Episode 1: Prehistory to the end of Riff Raff by But I don’t mean to pray; I’m going to nick the collection plate « My Finest Hour

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:47:44 +0000

[…] I haven’t listened to this yet, but here’s a Billy Bragg autobiographical podcast recorded in 2006. […]

Comment on Fair play in the music industry by Music Community

Music Community — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:06:20 +0000

Today’s music industry is evolved, but I see it more damaging than before.

Comment on Evidently Chicken Town by Axe

Axe — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:09:28 +0000

like the Dylan version screw kim, he’s ‘evidently’ never heard of punk poetry or shock art.

Comment on Welcome back the taxman by biker

biker — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:31:14 +0000

Billy, the thing I have trouble understanding
is when banking chiefs say they have to pay
excessive bonuses otherwise their very skilled and highly valuable staff will leave
and go elsewhere. My question is where is
elsewhere, as we are continualy told this is a global problem who would be willing to take
on the staff who warrant these extraordinary
high bonuses. If I was head of RBS I would be inclined not to pay bonuses and see just
how many leave to go where?

Comment on Welcome back the taxman by Ken Hickman

Ken Hickman — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:08:57 +0000

Billy,the thing which struck me about your comments was the question you posed about the particular skills bankers possess or not which justifies the remuneration levels they currently enjoy.Just what is it they do,which skills do they possess which are so different to the rest of us.I know if thrown into investment banking to-morrow morning I would instantly cause another financial nightmare but given a few weeks I think I could probably cope.I would just like to hear from the upper echelons of the banking industry what it is that makes them so special.

Comment on Welcome back the taxman by dave

dave — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 05:52:27 +0000

Billy, I hope you are getting into the gold bullion market otherwise you will pay even more when the inflation jacks up from this endless print run of cash the government is scamming us all of.

Comment on Evidently Chicken Town by Kim

Kim — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:38:29 +0000

Should be called ‘fucking’as practically every 2nd word is fucking. Something to be proud of eh! A real work of art. or a real work o fart.

Comment on Fairytale of New York by danny fitz

danny fitz — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 05:38:32 +0000

great version billy an dflorence. jeez it’s been years since i’ve seen you, much catch you on your next time through boston.
slan go foill,
danny fitz
boston

Comment on Episode 14: Half Bragg Half Blokes by Martin A. Egan

Martin A. Egan — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 10:59:38 +0000

I can’t remember who said it “But “Patriotism is the last refuge of Scoundrels” has always stuck with me having seen what jolly right on right wing (moronic) people have done with “Patriotism” when in positions of Power. Billy Bragg, like everybody else on this Planet is entitled to his Opinion as the above (carefully unreachable) person Mr Steven’s is. The understanding I have of social politics is “The desire for the safety, nurturance and ultimate good of all” something Mr Bragg has covered in detail over the course of a long career, not merely in the Socialist Worker sphere but in the arena of social consciousness, poverty, media manipulation, taking on Myspace and various other Media Interests which consistently surreptitiously stole from vulnerable, naive, and less street-wise Musicians that Mr Bragg, also while on the subject of presenting Music on the BBC. Joining people like Alan Freeman, John Peel,Kid Jensen, Anne Nightingale, Fatboy Slim, Don Letts and numerous other active and inactive members of the Musical Community in presenting a Show on whichever of the now numerous Channels the Beeb is owner and administrator of is not necessarily a bad thing. Presenting Crap Music or gutter raking chat Shows might be a reason to get excited about Mr Bragg’s activities but knowing his track record I can’t really see that happening. Billy contributes to life as it is not as observers (hurlers on the ditch0 feel it ought to or should be. Perhaps Mr Stevens would like to put a piece of his Wok up here for Bily’s Fans to Critique. I like a balanced view myself.

Comment on Fairytale of New York by Philip Evans

Philip Evans — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:01:53 +0000

Awesome! I love overseas and couldn’t get this on the BBC site. Brilliant….. 2 of my favourite artists combined..

Phil

Comment on Steven Wells RIP by 2009 – Deaths T-Z « The Graveyard

2009 – Deaths T-Z « The Graveyard — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:24:59 +0000

[…] Kim Weiskopf; IMDB; LA Times obit Wells, Steven (May 10, 1960 – June 24, 2009) NME obit; Billy Bragg’s Blog tribute; The Guardian Sport Blog tribute; Philadelphia Weekly obit Welton, Norman (1928 – July 1, […]

Comment on Fairytale of New York by Lucas Black

Lucas Black — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:18:51 +0000

Great rendition of one of the most recognised and celebrated Christmas songs.

I hope you take no offence, but mayI take this moment to ask if people will take a look at http://fairytaleofnewyork.wordpress.com/ as I am trying to pay Kirsty and FTONY a great respect next year.

Nothing in it for me - I just feel the time is right, as it will be the anniversary of our 10th year without Kirsty.

Many thanks, and with respect.
LB

Comment on Fairytale of New York by Aineen

Aineen — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:01:27 +0000

Lovely Billy - it’s just too bad Florence couldn’t muster up enough energy to pay Kirsty even a little homage….The harmony during the chorus isn’t that hard.

Comment on Fairytale of New York by Jim

Jim — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:43:10 +0000

Good to hear a version that doesn’t soften the lyrics! Excellent.

Comment on Steven Wells RIP by Nasher

Nasher — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:42:27 +0000

Can’t believe he’s gone, I’m ashamed to say I only found out about his death in the Observer magazine last weekend. Along with my dad, he was responsible for my politicalisation in the mid-80’s. Often disagreed with his musical opinions but he was spot-on with his politics and never failed to amuse. No coincidence that I stopped buying the NME about the time he stopped contributing to it. A great talent gone just when he was needed more than ever.

Comment on Fairytale of New York by Gianluca

Gianluca — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:34:30 +0000

my fav xmas song done by one of my fav artists…
Great version Billy!

gl.

Comment on Fairytale of New York by Kevin

Kevin — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:39:05 +0000

A brilliantly ‘English’-sounding version of an Irish sounding classic, Florence’s voice just does all things well! And you can’t go wrong with a harp. Also love the cover of Last Christmas on BBC. Thank you!

Happy Christmas!

Comment on Fairytale of New York by Anne

Anne — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:50:56 +0000

Thanks for posting this! You were so nice to my son when he met you after the show in Winnipeg, thank you for that as well. He loved your performance and really liked meeting you, AND still agrees with you about something to do with a Clash album…

Happy Christmas to you and your family!

Comment on Evidently Chicken Town by Andrew Roberts

Andrew Roberts — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:39:25 +0000

Are there plans for more podcasts to be posted any time soon?

Comment on Evidently Chicken Town by brian

brian — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:24:42 +0000

wow. sorry that didn’t make the list in ottawa. still, it was a great all ages, no beer event that night.

Comment on Protest and survive by Karen Makepeace

Karen Makepeace — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:11:39 +0000

I lost my Back to Basics cassette almost 20 years ago and can’t believe I never got around to replacing it. Just borrowed my brother’s copy and I am reminded of how brilliant it is. I am also astonished at how absolutely relevant a lot of your stuff is right now, so many years on!

Comment on Episode 14: Half Bragg Half Blokes by Roger Stevens

Roger Stevens — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:08:47 +0000

I have read this book - ‘The Progressive Patriot’.

A second-rate musician, and now a fouth-rate author. It is a feature of the loud-mouthed and small-brained that they do not realise their own limitations.

This book is waffle and disjointed drivel - much like Bragg’s own bandwagon-jumping ill-conceived politics.

A man without any identity, just a large ego, appears to think he knows about ‘patriotism’ - someone should explain to this left-wing fool that patriotism is not compatible with his left-wing dogma. HAsn’t he ever heard of Internationalism ? His friends in the Socialist Workers Party will help to explain it to him.

An embarassing piece of inconsequential literary tosh which merely confirms my suspicion that it is in fact Bragg who has the identity problem - but then again, that’s what left-wing politics does for your brain.

But …. it will allow him to promote and re-invent himself yet again on more BBC talk shows - won’t they all think he’s SO talented - just like they think Jeremy Clarkson is talented - GOD HELP US ALL.

Comment on 23rd January Byron Bay by Grant Willson

Grant Willson — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:32:56 +0000

Who was the support act at that Byron bay show?

He was great but I have never been able to remember his name.

Thanks,
Grant

Comment on Protest and survive by Tim Hicks

Tim Hicks — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:05:49 +0000

A song - quick - for the posties

Comment on 12th December - Bristol by Stevie

Stevie — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:55:11 +0000

Bother that was rather impetuous of me. So much in a hurry to tell you about them I forgot to tell you the titles.

The first is ‘Southbound Train’ then have a look at ‘Morphine & Cigarettes.

CHEERS !!

Comment on 12th December - Bristol by Stevie

Stevie — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:51:36 +0000

Hi Billy. On my myspace page I have two songs I have written so far of a three song story of a volounteer in the International Brigades. I have just started writin’ the third. They’re on there in the form of a couple of the videos, I just filmed them on my phone. The quality of the sound is pretty good an’ the picture paints a nice scene of my garage some mates have called ‘The Jack Hargreaves Sound Studio’. I hope you get to see them.

CHEERS !!

Stevie

Comment on Steven Wells RIP by AB

AB — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:50:44 +0000

I never knew Steven Wells, but I remember reading his excellent articles in the NME and being harassed by him to buy his fanzine on a few occasions at the Ladbroke Grove Bay 63 / Acklam Hall. Frankly, I was quite scared of him. But I do feel a little sad.
Another part of my youth has shuffled off this mortal coil.

Comment on Steven Wells RIP by SJ

SJ — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:44:58 +0000

An excellent tribute - I too laugh out loud (before I burst into tears) at his remorseless distain for his exruciating circumstances.

I’ve been following the online tributes but haven’t commented on any yet ….. though I think he’d expect me to query some of the foundations of the pedestal we seem to be hoisting him onto.

I am interested in your assertion that: “Seeking to subvert the laddish world of rock journalism, he used the pseudonym Susan Williams for his first appearances in the NME in the 80s.” Did he tell you that? I remember, at the time, that his intentions were less laudable. He simply wanted to get published and he moaned that “only women get published these days” (feminist baiting in the early ’80s was a popular sport … and still is … but I’m in danger of sounding ‘humourless’)so to prove his point he used the name Susan Williams on his next submission. I was dismayed when it was accepted and tried to disuade him from carrying on the deception. I refused to take part in the dressing-up involved in fashioning SW (I think the picture for his NME column was taken in a photo booth in a Bradford Woolworths). Further complications ensued and I would ‘launder’ his NME cheques through my bank account despite his abusive sneers that I was a capitalist lacky for having a bank account!!!! But he was always a gent and bought me a drink once I’d handed over the cash. Bless!

Comment on Q Magazine - November 2008 by Julez

Julez — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:05:51 +0000

Billy,
Your love for your son is touching. I get that same peaceful feeling that you seem to when I walk by his room before bed and hear him playing his ‘axe’ unplugged.
He loves Island of No Return, and kindly uploaded it onto my ipod-since I am inept.

Thanks for the songs and for being real.

Comment on Steven Wells RIP by Norman Strike

Norman Strike — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:59:26 +0000

Swells was a brilliant writer and great wordsmith and is greatly missed by me.

Comment on How we all lost when Thatcher won by Ken Murphy

Ken Murphy — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:57:34 +0000

Good post Billy, a bit late buy I have only just read it.
British manfacturing lay in ruins because of the Thatcher era, not just her but the whole kit and kaboodle of Thatherite thinking.
Which, contrary to popular opinion never started with her, she just epitomised and was brass faced enough to carry off, what the bankers wanted.
It is too late to turn back the clock and establish a manufacturing culture as we had it thirty years ago, unfortunately, the means and will to go down this path are not there. Plenty of will to save the banks and bankers and the City of London, but alas not for anyone else.
What we saw in the devestating floods of New Orleans, the poverty and distress of the lives of millions of ordinary working Americans, this is the template for the future of the UK, if we let it.
A bit of a ramble this post, but let me finish by saying this, the National Front, have elected members, so the right wing are organising in a similar way that we used to on the left, with the absence of politics of course. The left need to properly amalgamate and ceese the decades of distrust and one upmanship, we can if we wanted to, put foreward a coherent party of the left and maybe the future of the UK and its workers might look a bit more rosey!!
So finish off, the enemy of the poor are the rich, the enemy of the poor are the state, the enemy of all of us, are right wing politicians.

Comment on Protest and survive by Emily

Emily — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:56:46 +0000

Hi-
Will you ever play in Dallas? I know Bush lives here, but that isn’t our fault. I LOVE your music and admire your ideals and the fact that you’ve never turned your back on them. I’ve never seen you live, though, and I’d really, really like to. PLEASE?!?!

Comment on Steven Wells RIP by scotch

scotch — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:02:48 +0000

I reckon that’s a pretty great appreciation of Swells, Billy.
So when’s the “More Songs Abaht ‘ow I Never Get to ‘ave Sex” album actually coming out?

RIP Swells

scotch

Comment on Episode 6: Taxman by a little too much martini » Blog Archive » Inter connectivity and Billy Bragg

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:49:01 +0000

[…] cucumber based cocktail, I went to one of the available laptops and surfed the net, I ended up at Billy Bragg’s blog, I needed to register before I could leave a comment but what I wanted to say was that my good […]

Comment on Protest and survive by Sean

Sean — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:31:48 +0000

Billy,
Been a big fan since the 80s. Seen you in concert a half-dozen times, including here in Toronto. Hope to again soon.

Reason for posting:
Have you tuned in to the Toronto city workers’ strike? Wondering your take on the role of the union (two of them in this case) in this day and age. Particularly when, as a result of the strike, many working class people’s kids, in the height of summer, have no daycare, day camps, swimming pools, etc and can’t afford expensive alternatives (never mind the environmental ill-effects of the lack of garbage collection). Why? Because the union claim their members deserve the right to bank their sick days (18 annually!!!) and cash them in upon retirement, among other demands. How do we reconcile this union action with the current global economic landscape? There are plenty of peeps out there on the dole who’d gladly work for half of what the strikers already make/have. Most Torontonians are against the strike, and some (like those who work on Toronto Island who’ve lost their jobs because the municipally operated ferries are docked) are suffering.
Cheers,
-Sean

Comment on Steven Wells RIP by Attila

Attila — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:06:19 +0000

Great piece, Bill.
Gutted.
Attila

Comment on Steven Wells RIP by Tim Merrick

Tim Merrick — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:55:14 +0000

A sad sad loss as he was someone who was always on the money (in my eyes) during those days at the NME.

I feel his move across the pond was another indicator of his passion for life. It’s there to be lived and grabbed with both hands. Mr Wells was an optimist, I took hope from his journalism - we need people like this especially in days like these.

Thank you
Tim

Comment on Episode 2: Oliver’s Army to the Tunnel by Tim Merrick

Tim Merrick — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:06:11 +0000

These podcasts are just marvelous. A must for any Bragg fan or anyone dedicated to knowing about English culture in the 70’s and beyond.

Thanks!

Tim

Comment on Steven Wells RIP by » Knitting sucks and other thoughts about activism Canuckflack

» Knitting sucks and other thoughts about activism Canuckflack — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:52:22 +0000

[…] Bragg on the death of Steven Wells, poet, activist and erstwhile music critic, who died last month. ” … If there is anyone […]

Comment on Steven Wells RIP by Lee Griffiths

Lee Griffiths — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:22:40 +0000

Sad news, Swells played an important part of my formative years, when every (and I mean EVERY) Wednesday (or was it Thursday, the memory is not what it used to be) was NME day. They had some excellent writers back then, but he definitely stood out.

RIP and condolences to those you leave behind.

Comment on Episode 14: Half Bragg Half Blokes by Bertie Humbug

Bertie Humbug — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:57:27 +0000

Billy Brag was a DJ for Radio 2 for a while? Well that’s not surprising is it - he has the right politics for the BBC.

Comment on Episode 14: Half Bragg Half Blokes by Martin A. Egan

Martin A. Egan — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:41:29 +0000

Howya Billy, I just want you to know that the Gig below is all your fault. But I love ya for it. Album on the Way sometime next year. Be Good,ha ha.

Press Release

20 Years On:

20 years after he first appeared in Whelan’s Martin Egan returns to the famous Venue for a full on Show in the intimate Upstairs Acoustic Room, with similarly rare appearances by Craig Walker (Power of Dreams) and Fearghal Mc-Kee, Legendary Front Man with Whipping Boy with his new Line-up (SSS) share a Triple Bill on Friday June 19th 2009

Egan whose Songs have been recorded by Christy Moore, Hothouse Flowers, Poppy Gonzalez (Mojave 3) “The Shepherd and his Maiden” with The Black Romatics Collective and writing the Title Track “Every Punch Needs a Kiss” + 3 other Tracks on an Album by Mary O’Regan Nominated for the German Music Award in 1997 achieving Multi- Platinum Record Sales Status Internationally.

Egan will be performing brand new material some of which was written with Eamon Carr of Horslips and Will Merriman of The Harvest Ministers and selected Songs from his unreleased Album “The Tune” which will shortly be available for sale by Download Only from his website http://www.martinaegan.com which is currently under construction. The Title track along with 3 other tracks can be heard on http://www.myspace.com/martinaegan

He is delighted to be sharing the bill with Craig Walker (Power of Dreams) who this year celebrates 20 years in the Business with a New Album “Siamese” recorded in Iceland and due for release on French Label Discograph on August 29TH 2009. A fore taste of “Siamese is available from http://www.myspace.com/craigjohnwalker and of course
Mr Fearghal Mc-Kee who promises an evening of music ranging from late 19th Century Anti-Temperance Songs to current Original material and possibly a couple of George Melly Standards. Echoes of Mark E. Smith abound.

Says Martin Egan: “This promises to be a very Special Occasion. I am thrilled to have with me as Special Guests Mr Mark Kelly (Altan) and Sound Sculpture Artist Mr Brian Conniffe who works closely with Ms Vicky Langan in Female Orpan Asylum. http://www.myspace.com/brianconniffe

For Press Enquiries and Interviews contact: Maeman.com Promotions

087-9428976

Martin Egan
Craig Walker (Power of Dreams)
Fearghal Mc-Kee (SSS)+ Whipping Boy
Whelan’s Upstairs, Wexford Street
Dublin 2

Doors 8.00p.m. Sharp

Tickets: €10.00 on the Door or + Booking Fee from http://www.wavtickets.ie + http://www.ticketmaster.ie

Comment on How we all lost when Thatcher won by Nigel Canuck

Nigel Canuck — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:13:01 +0000

Thatcher’s misanthropy evoked the development of the Billy Braggs of the world. And that’s a good thing. There just should be more, that’s all.

Comment on Protest and survive by Brian Greed

Brian Greed — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:45:20 +0000

Hi Billy
Are you coming to Glastonbury this year?
It wouldn’t be the same without you!
Best wishes
Brian Greed

Comment on Q Magazine - November 2008 by Lawrence

Lawrence — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 23:07:59 +0000

Hi Billy, I was at a concert (can’t rmember which one exactly!) where you mentioned your son had just got Guitar Hero and at that stage you didn’t quite seem to get it.

It’s fantastic to now hear that the toy has tuned the Boy Bragg into “proper music”. I read an article by Phill Jupitas recently entitled Ska Dads where he talks excitedly about the upcoming tour of the Specials and how he had a number of times tried to tune his kids into Ska and failed.

The answer - Guitar Hero????

Comment on Fair play in the music industry by SMCQ10: Free content, friend or foe? The jury is out | Social Media Club

SMCQ10: Free content, friend or foe? The jury is out | Social Media Club — Fri, 22 May 2009 01:02:07 +0000

[…] Wayner ReverbNation To Indie Artists: We’ll Pay You To Give Away Your Music, Hyberbot Blog Fair Play in the Music Industry, Billy Bragg Share […]

Comment on Protest and survive by Marion

Marion — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 16:26:17 +0000

Hi Billy,

Still remember your Red Wedge tour from my student days. Years of trouble and apathy since but now seeking a political view that makes a difference. Can’t sing, can’t play, know sod all about music or politics and don’t look good on stage, but I have a heart in the right place and a capacity to think and reason and poetry in my soul. I reckon I could write lyrics that you’d like - the above took me less than five minutes - and I’d be keen to swap email addresses if you’d care to get in touch.

Marion

Comment on Protest and survive by Marion

Marion — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 16:20:58 +0000

I’m not seeking worlds to change
I’m not seeking worlds of fame
I’m not seeking change of name
I just want out this game.

When can I just grow more real
When will I learn how to feel
When will news not be just a reel
Its all the bloody same.

Listen to the lies and lies
See the babies born to cries
See the damage done to lives
And know we’re all insane.

Give me just a clue to hold
Is it money, is it gold
Is it truth that can be told
Or are the ducks all lame.