Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions
by Billy Bragg/Wilco
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Apr 21, 2012
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. The A.V. Club
    Apr 27, 2012
    91
    Mermaid Avenue remains a lovable chapter in the story of an American icon, and two of his worthy musical offspring.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    May 2, 2012
    90
    Even for those who already have both of the previous volumes, Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions is a fascinating look at one of America's greatest writers.
  3. PopMatters
    Apr 27, 2012
    90
    There's no doubt, though, that the Mermaid Avenue albums played a major role in sparking a revival of interest in Woody Guthrie-both in his home state, his country, and the world at large. And that renewed interest has finally allowed people to see Guthrie for who and what he truly was and continues to represent.
  5. American Songwriter
    Apr 27, 2012
    90
    Mermaid Avenue project is essential for showing that Woody Guthrie could illuminate what was going on inside of him as well as he could detail the plight of his fellow man.
  6. Pitchfork
    Apr 27, 2012
    81
    By presenting a more rounded portrait of Guthrie in which politics is only one subject among so many, The Complete Mermaid Avenue Sessions shows just what Guthrie was fighting for and provides a persuasive rebuke to anyone who might whittle the man down to just one dimension.
  7. Mojo
    Jul 18, 2012
    80
    The unreleased material sustains earlier standards. [Jun 2012, p.100]
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  8. Q Magazine
    Jun 20, 2012
    80
    A wealth of quality material. [Jun 2012, p.99]
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  9. BBC Music
    Apr 30, 2012
    80
    Bawdy, smart, big-hearted and mischievous, Mermaid Avenue is simply all about a personality that is rich with life.
  10. Rolling Stone
    Apr 30, 2012
    80
    1998's Mermaid Avenue let the artists rewrite themselves, too: Billy Bragg, the British folkie agitator, turned goofier ("My Flying Saucer"), while Wilco turned rootsier ("California Stars).
  11. Consequence
    Apr 27, 2012
    80
    There are gems here.
  12. The Boston Phoenix
    May 1, 2012
    75
    The music here is visceral enough that it holds its own in the legacy of the project.
  13. Uncut
    May 2, 2012
    70
    These songs, dehydrated after 50 years, sound bright and timeless. [Jun 2012, p.97]
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Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Ricko
    Aug 27, 2017
    9
    A lovely collection where punk folk protest singer Billy Bragg links up with Wilco to bring some lost Woody Guthrie songs to life. It's aA lovely collection where punk folk protest singer Billy Bragg links up with Wilco to bring some lost Woody Guthrie songs to life. It's a project that came with great responsibility but Bragg and Co were more than up to the task. Really beautiful stuff on show here. Those involved really seemed to capture the essence of what Guthrie wanted to put across. As relevant as ever these days. I would highly recommend to anyone who is into folk or good music in general. Also, check out the documentary about the making of it. Great insight into Woody Guthrie himself.… Full Review »
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