- Record Label: Elektra/Asylum
- Release Date: May 30, 2000
- Critic score
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- By date
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The music that Bragg and Wilco have wrapped around the exquisite 15 sets of Guthrie lyrics is much more mature, cohesive and layered than its predecessor.
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Checkout.comSongs don't get any better than this, and with the exception of Elliott Smith, no one plays a sad song sweeter than Tweedy & Co. -- it's always a thrill to hear a band maturing into its prime.
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Vol. II may lack the celebratory tone of its instantly gripping predecessor, but this trip through Guthrie's more tormented thoughts finds Bragg and Wilco yet again forging gold with their musical alchemy.
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Displays a broader sonic reach than its predecessor.
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A worthy successor to the original, MA2 is another inspired reminder of Guthrie's relevance.
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As a result of Bragg and Wilco's increasing ease with Guthrie's enormous legacy, this album sees both more experimentation and a stronger contemporary feeling than its predecessor.
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Alternative PressVolume 2... is an equally resounding success.... [it] draws on darker material, and thus yields more aggressive vocals and frequent minor keys. [#146, p.86]
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Vol. 2 proves the equivalent of its parent release.
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The emotion flows as true as the music.
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Now comes the sequel, which plays down Guthrie's playful leer in favor of his snarl.
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Volume II is like an unnecessary b-sides compilation.... Nonetheless, the album has its high points.
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As on the first, the Bragg-written and sung music is the most convincing, since he captures the cadences and spirit of Guthrie's music. They sound like classic, weathered folk songs whereas Wilco's numbers are modern inventions, splicing music that is clearly theirs with Guthrie's words.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 5 out of 7
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Mixed: 2 out of 7
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Negative: 0 out of 7
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RobS.Sep 12, 2003
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JossS.Dec 25, 2001