Even Though It's Tuesday.... Billy Bragg is a Man of Musical Genius

Yeah, I took a break. Something about real life and grades and stuff... blah.

Anyhow, today's Man of Musical Genius has made an appearance on the blog before, kicking off Teary-eyed Tuesdays (which is taking a break this week), but I feel he deserves the spotlight.

Billy Bragg is seriously one of the coolest musicians I can think of. Often performing with just a guitar, an amp, and a heavy British accent, he still manages to overpower you with the force of his folk-punk sound (and he's not when he gets a band behind him either). The secret, I think, is the way he puts his heart and soul into every one of his songs. His far left-wing politics and unabashed if slightly embittered romanticism are always front and center, with just enough of an artful touch to keep the songs memorable without distracting from their raw nature.

On top of it all, the guy has an appreciation for great music, from classic Motown and soul music to the American folk tradition (see Mermaid Avenue), leading many to call him the UK's modern-day answer to Woody Guthrie. Oh, and did I mention when his voice started to sound deeper and worn out on his recent tour (which i missed ::sigh::) he took on the stage name of "Johnny Clash"?

Ok, on to the tunes.... because I could just keep going about this guy all day:

Billy Bragg- The Saturday Boy (dig that trumpet solo)
Billy Bragg- Tracks of my Tears (a Motown cover?!? oh hell yes...)