- Record Label: Elektra/Asylum
- Release Date: May 30, 2000
- Critic score
- Publication
- 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.
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