The quintessentially English Bragg arrives on-stage in a vibrant Colston Hall this evening looking decidedly American – Elvis quiff, black and gold cowboy shirt and boots. It’s a look he just about pulls off thanks largely to the fact that though now in his 50’s, Bragg’s looks have barely altered in over 20 years. The bard of Barking is here showcasing his first studio offering in 5 years, the rather good ‘Mr Love and Justice’, but tonight he cuts a lonely figure on-stage as he opts for a solo performance without long term backing band The Blokes, who’s rugged musicianship on said album offered a nice clarity of depth. So, we are left with Bragg’s no nonsense , one man attack approach for the best part of the next two hours.
With little way of introduction, ‘The World Turned Upside Down’ gets things under way, much to the delight of tonight’s knowledgeable audience. It’s a solid opening but soon, Bragg is bemoaning the fact that his voice is not quite 100% – the fallout of a St George’s day inspired session on Stella just the day before. Correctly, he is reminded that people don’t really come and see him for his voice, and the gripe is quickly forgotten. In between musings on Public Schools, Marmite – which is the source of a running gag throughout the show – and English breakfast tea, there is a workmanlike take on ‘Farm Boy’ from the new record and an excellent Woody Guthrie cover ‘I Aint Got No Home In This World Any more.’
An acoustic rendition of ‘Shirley’ reminds us of Bragg’s ability to write a brilliant piece of radio-friendly pop – something for which he receives little credit, albeit understandably given his commitment to the tireless promotion of weighty political and cultural ideals through his music. He returns to this ground with the engaging ‘O Freedom’ again from the latest record, which is preceded by a 5 minute introduction concerned with human rights and liberty. These type of soapbox moments are a staple part of the Bragg live show, and whilst he does tend to, on occasion hammer the point home a little too much, it’s forgiveable given his staunch libertarian stance, and obvious pride and belief in what he is preaching.
He gushes about this years Rock against Racism, (which took place two days after this) and harks back to the personal effect the initial event had on his personality and beliefs 30 years ago. Whilst ‘Power In The Union’ is in homage to the teaching strike that took place across England and Wales earlier in the day, and Bragg’s arms in the air youthful exuberance throughout this is refreshing.
Regrettably, a host of trite lyrical changes on ‘Waiting For The Great Leap Forwards’ manages to completely ruin what is one of Bragg’s finest compositions, but a superb encore consisting of a lovely ballad version of ‘Like Soldiers Do,’ ‘Sing Their Souls Back Home’ – probably the best anti-Iraq war song of the newbies and an audience sing a long of ‘A New England’ mean things end on a high.
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*Sigh*…wish I’d gone to this…
This is possibly the best, most informative and brilliantly written piece of shit i have ever read. When i say “shit” i mean it in the urban street sense.Keep up the good work emyr!