Man of Human Kindness

Posted by: David Ng on 03 May 2005

Just bought a 3-CD compilation (released by Rhino) of Billy Bragg. Really brought back sweet memories, still remember when I first bought 'Life's a riot...' (about 20 years ago) at the bargain bin, nobody know what's going on, his squeaky distorted electric guitar...

...and his appearance in Old Grey Whistle Test. Disc one is mainly him solo on electric guitar and the remastering is superb, holographic! Check it out.

Posted on: 04 May 2005 by Shayman

Billy is one artist whose recordings generally sound crap on my Naim system, yet they are without exception works of fantastic emotion and talent.

I have to put them on regularly to remind me what music is really about (ie "Life's a Riot.." NOT "Naim Sampler Vol x").

Jonathan

Posted on: 04 May 2005 by AndyFelin

Sounds great on my system, a bit raw and abrasive, but that's our Billy.

Bought Life's a riot... on vinyl in a Tesco supermarket...isn't life strange.

Seen him a few times live and he's always excellent.

Favourite BB song - Levi Stubb's Tears

Andy

Posted on: 04 May 2005 by hungryhalibut

Billy Bragg is a genius and I love the raw sound of the early stuff. I really like the recorded sound of his stuff. 'The Milkman of Human Kindness' is great (David - that's the proper title) as is 'A New England'.

I saw him live a few years ago and he played a version of 'Waiting for the great leap forwards' and changed a line to 'in a perfect world we'd all look like Natalie Imbruglia' - fantastic.

I agree about 'Levi Stubb's Tears' - it's one of the best.

Nigel

Posted on: 04 May 2005 by David Ng

quote:
I agree about 'Levi Stubb's Tears' - it's one of the best.

Mine too. The raw guitar sound is ear splitting, but that's how its supposed to be I think, to really transmit the emotions in the songs. The discs have not left my player for the last few days.

I always enjoyed boxsets for the booklet, and was looking forward for some extensive write-up and pics on Billy in the box set, but unfortunately, the write-up is only about a page and with a few pics.