billy bragg
march 23, 1997 • batschkapp, frankfurt, germany


review: Just how much entertainment can one man with a guitar provide? I'd never realized. Armed only with said instrument, a back catalogue of great tunes, a handful of fascinating little stories (about the DDR, Johnny Marr, politics and being a father) and a fistful of socialist conviction, Billy Bragg is entertainment personified. Eighteen songs, every one introduced with a witty observation or a heartfelt plea --- be it for "compassion" or to "smash fascism" --- and to coin a phrase, every one a winner. "St. Swithin's Day," "Levi Stubb's Tears" and "Brickbat" (to pick three at random) simply melt me, where as "Sexuality" and "A New England" --- both with new/changed lyrics --- take my breath away. My diary entry for today says: "Awe-inspiring concert with glorious anecdotes and wonderful music. I'd never realized just how romantic Billy Bragg songs were until tonight." Now that's entertainment! (andrew.1997)