Discover new lyrics from a folk god, go back in time to attend a pop icon’s 85th birthday, and say your final goodbye to a man who has gifted many generations with his music. Three recommendations with a common theme of “Generations”.
Billy Bragg & Wilco – Mermaid Avenue
Woody Guthrie’s influence can be found in so much of American folk music, from the likes of Dylan, Baez and Donovan to rock acts like REM and U2. So it’s no surprise that many of these artists would love to record his songs. However, it was a bit of a surprise that Guthrie’s daughter chose an ‘80s punk folk troubadour from England to take on the task in 1995. She had one rule for Billy Bragg: don’t record a tribute. Given access to 2,500 song lyrics, Bragg recruited Wilco, a Chicago-based rock band, to play backup and treat the project as a collaboration with the folk god. Together, they deliver an amazing collection of songs of protest, full of life yet with a contemporary twist that transcends the years for which they were originally written.
Tony Bennett – Duets II
When contemplating one’s 85th birthday, most people envision celebrating with friends and family. In a delightful way, that is exactly what Mr. Bennett decided to do, in a recording studio filled to the brim with stars of the latest generation of music. Bennett tried this once before, for his 80th birthday, but took minimal risks in choosing his songs and fellow artists and received mixed reviews. From the first note of this latest offering you can tell that he is taking bold risks and creative leaps in choosing his partners. He and Lady Gaga start us off with a whimsical rendition of “The Lady Is a Tramp,” and it gets better from there. The late Amy Winehouse sounds like a fresher Shirley Bassey on “Body and Soul,” in what is now her last recording. Pop standards take on new life with the likes of Norah Jones, Michael Buble, Faith Hill and many others while still keeping the essence and voice of Tony Bennett. While a few of the duets seem forced at times, “Duets II” really does sound like a bunch of good friends celebrating music for the ultimate birthday party.
Johnny Cash – American VI – Ain’t No Grave
Back in the late ‘90s, Johnny Cash went into his studio with the goal of recording songs from artists he loved. With producer Rick Rubin at the helm, we were given a collection of albums that showcased Cash’s rare skill of reinventing a song and making it his own. On “Ain’t No Grave,” the final installment of this series, we experience the frailty of a man as he comes to grips with grief, loss, and the mystery of what is to come. This 10-song mix of gospel, country, traditionals, and his last penned song ever are gritty, raw and real. It is fitting that “The Man in Black” would say his final goodbye with a Hawaiian traditional “Aloha Oe,” which is about leaving in hopes of meeting again.
