Talking With the Taxman About Poetry

Amazon.com
Billy Bragg's third full-length album, 1986's Talking with the Taxman About Poetry, is an uncompromised refinement of his brash, anti-Thatcher, busking-bloke persona. Bragg's palette stretches beyond the jagged-rhythmic-guitar-plus-curious-voice approach of the first two albums: "Ideology" and "Marriage" see the addition of horns and piano, "Train Train" adds violin, and singer Kirsty MacColl and guitarist Johnny Marr make guest appearances. The slashing, lovely "Levi Stubbs' Tears," a sad slice-of-life number told from a woman's perspective, showcases the singer-songwriter's ability to write well beyond protest songs. And only Bragg could pen a love song such as "Greetings to the New Brunette" and pull it off. In an off-key yet warm warble, he almost croons, "Shirley, your sexual politics have left me all of a muddle / Shirley, we are joined in the ideological cuddle," one of pop's most delightfully awkward rhymes. And then of course there are the protest songs, such as bracing, simple, Woody Guthrie-ish "There Is Power in a Union." The record's title is taken from a 1926 poem by the poet of the Russian Revolution, Vladimir Mayakovsky. --Mike McGonigal

Product Description
Billy Bragg, once-described as a "one-man Clash," has spent the last two decades writing and performing passionate, witty, socially conscious music. This is a reissue of Talking with the Taxman About Poetry, Billy's 1985 album, about which Rolling Stone glowed, "On this album, cheerfully subtitled 'The difficult Third Album,' Bragg expands his pared-down sound ever-so-slightly (violin here, piano and tambourine there). While purists might bitch, the result is a winning mesh, as clever as Elvis Costello, as melodic as Ray Davies and as rocking as Chuck Berry."

Talking with the Taxman About Poetry,Billy Bragg,Yep Roc Records,Alternative Folk,Alternative Pop/Rock,Anti-Folk,British Folk,College Rock,Folk-Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter,Urban Folk

Average customer rating: Billy Bragg's crowning acheivement YepRoc reissue

Talking with the Taxman About Poetry Billy Bragg Manufacturer: Yep Roc Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Urban Folk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Brewing Up with Billy Bragg Life's a Riot with Spy vs Spy Workers Playtime Workers Playtime The Internationale/Live and Dubious ASIN: B000B5KRRK Release Date: 2006-02-21

Tracks:

1. GREETINGS TO THE NEW BRUNETTE
2. TRAIN TRAIN
3. THE MARRIAGE
4. IDEOLOGY
5. LEVI STUBBS' TEARS
6. HONEY I'M A BIG BOY NOW
7. THERE IS POWER IN A UNION
8. HELP SAVE THE YOUTH OF AMERICA
9. WISHING THE DAYS AWAY
10. THE PASSION
11. THE WARMEST ROOM
12. THE HOME FRONT

Tracks:

1. SIN CITY
2. DEPORTEES
3. THERE IS POWER IN A UNION (inst.)
4. TRACKS OF MY TEARS
5. WISHING THE DAYS AWAY (alt.)
6. THE CLASHING OF IDEOLOGIES
7. GREETINGS TO THE NEW BRUNETTE (demo)
8. A NURSE'S LIFE IS FULL OF WOE
9. ONLY BAD SIGNS
10. HOLD THE FORT

Amazon.com

Billy Bragg's third full-length album, 1986's Talking with the Taxman About Poetry, is an uncompromised refinement of his brash, anti-Thatcher, busking-bloke persona. Bragg's palette stretches beyond the jagged-rhythmic-guitar-plus-curious-voice approach of the first two albums: "Ideology" and "Marriage" see the addition of horns and piano, "Train Train" adds violin, and singer Kirsty MacColl and guitarist Johnny Marr make guest appearances. The slashing, lovely "Levi Stubbs' Tears," a sad slice-of-life number told from a woman's perspective, showcases the singer-songwriter's ability to write well beyond protest songs. And only Bragg could pen a love song such as "Greetings to the New Brunette" and pull it off. In an off-key yet warm warble, he almost croons, "Shirley, your sexual politics have left me all of a muddle / Shirley, we are joined in the ideological cuddle," one of pop's most delightfully awkward rhymes. And then of course there are the protest songs, such as bracing, simple, Woody Guthrie-ish "There Is Power in a Union." The record's title is taken from a 1926 poem by the poet of the Russian Revolution, Vladimir Mayakovsky. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

Billy Bragg, once-described as a "one-man Clash," has spent the last two decades writing and performing passionate, witty, socially conscious music. This is a reissue of Talking with the Taxman About Poetry, Billy's 1985 album, about which Rolling Stone glowed, "On this album, cheerfully subtitled 'The difficult Third Album,' Bragg expands his pared-down sound ever-so-slightly (violin here, piano and tambourine there). While purists might bitch, the result is a winning mesh, as clever as Elvis Costello, as melodic as Ray Davies and as rocking as Chuck Berry."

Customer Reviews:

Billy Bragg's crowning acheivement.......2007-01-28

He was edgier when he first got started, more produced later on, but this would be the moment when Billy Bragg arrived and America finally started to pay attention. Levi Stubbs' Tears is, without a doubt, one of the finest love songs ever written in the English language.

A one man Clash, indeed.

I was lucky enough to see him at UCLA in 1987. He is even better live.

YepRoc reissue.......2006-02-28

"The Difficult Third Album", Bragg tagged this album back in 1986. I always got a kick out of that honesty. Listening to the material inside I couldn't imagine what he was trying to warn his listeners about. Furthering his songs about the politics of love and living, Bragg once again penned some excellent songs on Talking With the Taxman about Poetry.

Joined by Johnny Marr on guitar and occasionally Kirsty MacColl he comes out swinging with "Greetings to the New Brunette", the reason I bought this album after seeing a grainy video on MTV. Billy shows his love of Motown in the sad tale of "Levi Stubbs' Tears" and also by referencing Motown in song and horn arrangements that one might not initially notice as being "Motown". The disc sees Bragg wrestling constantly with the idea of marriage vs. singledom and the myriad combinations in between.

Several excellent songs deal with politics in England and abroad: "Help Save the Youth of America", "Ideology" and the traditional "Power in a Union". Without the help of a pitch shifter Billy sings his heart out with passion and an electric guitar that is just as brash with reverb. Some may find this annoying, most find it honest. I found myself arguing the latter when trying to recruit my brother to his music, to no avail.

This review would be nothing without talking about the Bonus CD and packaging of the YepRoc Reissue. I'm not a singles-buyer so the extra tracks are new to me, and well worth it. "Sin City" by Gram Parsons, "Deportees" by Woody Guthrie, a traditional instrumental version of "There is Power in a Union", an endearing cover of "The Tracks of My Tears" (more Motown!), alternate takes of "Wishing the Days Away" and "The Clashing of Ideologies", a different version of "Greetings to the New Brunette", two B-side Bragg tunes "A Nurse's Life is Full of Woe" and "Only Bad Signs", and an a capella traditional song "Hold the Fort".

As I so loved this when I bought it on LP I was a little taken aback by the original cover mock-up, and the poem "Talking With the Taxman About Poetry" completely missing from the packaging. The poem really brought the whole album together as a statement. But I imagine with royalties and rights this had to be done. Still, an excellent Billy Bragg album, well-done.

Average customer rating: Yes, this album is dangerous must I also share my life A good Socialist Folk CD In one word: AWFUL. The Difficult Third Album?

Talking With The Taxman About Poetry Billy Bragg Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Urban Folk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Back to Basics Workers Playtime Reaching to the Converted Don't Try This at Home Brewing Up with Billy Bragg ASIN: B000002H40 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Greetings To The New Brunette
2. Train Train
3. The Marriage
4. Ideology
5. Levi Stubbs' Tears
6. Honey, Im A Big Boy Now
7. There Is Power In A Union
8. Help Save The Youth Of Amarica
9. Wishing The Days Away
10. The Passion
11. The Warmest Room
12. The Home front

Amazon.com

Billy Bragg's third full-length album, 1986's Talking with the Taxman About Poetry, is an uncompromised refinement of his brash, anti-Thatcher, busking-bloke persona. Bragg's palette stretches beyond the jagged-rhythmic-guitar-plus-curious-voice approach of the first two albums: "Ideology" and "Marriage" see the addition of horns and piano, "Train Train" adds violin, and singer Kirsty MacColl and guitarist Johnny Marr make guest appearances. The slashing, lovely "Levi Stubbs' Tears," a sad slice-of-life number told from a woman's perspective, showcases the singer-songwriter's ability to write well beyond protest songs. And only Bragg could pen a love song such as "Greetings to the New Brunette" and pull it off. In an off-key yet warm warble, he almost croons, "Shirley, your sexual politics have left me all of a muddle / Shirley, we are joined in the ideological cuddle," one of pop's most delightfully awkward rhymes. And then of course there are the protest songs, such as bracing, simple, Woody Guthrie-ish "There Is Power in a Union." The record's title is taken from a 1926 poem by the poet of the Russian Revolution, Vladimir Mayakovsky. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews:

Yes, this album is dangerous.......2004-12-16

This is his second best album, but only slightly. If you do not like unions, equality and taking care of your fellow man, he is not for you! I have had this album since 1991 and still listen to it regularly (I realize that "every day" would be an exageration). I love the "thick" accent and have gotten used to it over time. His web site has covers other bands have done of some of these songs, but I can't get into it without him singing it. Very good listen....

must I also share my life.......2003-10-24

TALKING WITH THE TAXMAN ABOUT POETRY is my favorite of Billy Bragg's albums. All the songs are strong, especially "Greetings to the New Brunette," and Billy's passion for his subjects has never seemed so strong as it does on "Ideology" and "Help Save the Youth of America."

The lyrics are great too.

Here's a sample: "If I share my bed with you / Must I also share my life / Love is just a moment of giving / And marriage is when we admit our parents were right"

Bragg's political edge is only sharper on THE INTERNATIONALE. His personal songwriting excels on "The Marriage" and a few others, but it's no wonder why Billy lacks success on the USA pop charts. These intelligent, mature love songs and political anthems surely don't help to sell suntan lotion and diet colas, do they?

I first heard this in 1988 or 1989, most likely, and it just sounded true and authentic. It was sincere without being sappy. I realized I was listening to something great, and I became a fan of the album. Only later did I discover other albums by Billy Bragg.

If I could thank Billy Bragg for one thing, it would be TALKING WITH THE TAXMAN ABOUT POETRY. If you've enjoyed other albums by Bragg, I recommend this to you wholeheartedly.

A good Socialist Folk CD.......2003-01-23

There's a rawness and honesty to avowed Socialist Billy Bragg's lyrics in this, his "difficult third album," that works well with his not-ready-for-prime-time vocals and makes songs like the haunting "Levi Stubbs Tears" and the clever "Marriage" and playful "Greetings to the New Brunette" worth listening to again and again. But those are offset somewhat by the annoyingly anthemic "There Is Power in a Union" and "Help Save the Youth of America," which render the last half of the CD far less listenable than the first. Of course, you've got to be somewhat of a Billy Bragg fan to even know this CD exists, in which case you probably already own it... but on the off chance someone just turned you on to Bragg and you've only heard some of his newer stuff, I recommend you give this CD a chance. IMHO it's his best album, with "Levi Stubb's Tears" his best song.

In one word: AWFUL........2002-03-23

I'm serious, no joke. I must say, I have acquired all the other Bragg albums, but this really is the worst of the bunch, and that really disappoints me. I was hoping for a lot, but this really did fall short of my expectations. If you have any money, don't buy this rubbish.

The Difficult Third Album?.......2002-03-09

i bought this cd for Greetings To The New Brunnette and i must say that is one of the greatest love songs ever written...you should buy this...i gotta go, i'm going to listen to the rest of this cd. :)

Average customer rating:

Talking with the Taxman About Poetry Billy Bragg Manufacturer: Teichiku ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Urban Folk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000OZ0JB6 Release Date: 2007-06-04

Tracks:

1. Greetings To The New Brunette
2. Train Train
3. Marriage
4. Ideology
5. Levi Stubbs' Tears
6. Honey, I'm A Big Boy Now
7. There Is Power In A Union
8. Help Save The Youth Of America
9. Wishing The Days Away
10. Passion
11. Warmest Room
12. Home Front

Album Details

Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.

Average customer rating:

Talking with the Taxman About Poetry Billy Bragg Manufacturer: Cooking Vinyl ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Urban Folk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B0002HUY02

Tracks:

1. Greetings to the New Brunette
2. Train Train
3. Marriage
4. Ideology
5. Levi Stubbs' Tears
6. Honey I'm a Big Boy Now
7. There Is Power in a Union
8. Help Save the Youth of America
9. Wishing the Days Away
10. Passion
11. Warmest Room
12. Home Front

Tracks:

1. Sin City [*]
2. Deportees [*]
3. There Is Power in a Union [*][Instrumental]
4. Tracks of My Tears [*]
5. Wishing the Days Away [Alternate Take][#][*]
6. Clashing of Ideologies [Alternative Version][Alternate Take][#][*]
7. Greetings to the New Brunette [#][*][Demo Version]
8. Nurse's Life Is Full of Woe [#][*]
9. Only Bad Signs [#][*]
10. Hold the Fort [*]

Album Details

Re-issue with Bonus Tracks.

Average customer rating:

Talking With The Taxman About Poetry Billy Bragg Manufacturer: Cooking Vinyl ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Urban Folk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B00009MKTP

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