Album Info
| Artist: | Billy Bragg |
| Album: | Talking With The Taxman About Poetry |
| Released: | Australia, 8 Dec 1986 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Greetings To The New Brunette | |
| Electric Guitar - Johnny Marr | ||
| Percussion - Simon Moreton | ||
| Slide Guitar, Bass - John Porter | ||
| Vocals - Kirsty MacColl | ||
| A2 | Train Train | |
| Violin - Bobby Valentino | ||
| Written-By - Zenon Defleur | ||
| A3 | The Marriage | |
| Bass - John Porter | ||
| Trumpet, Flugelhorn - Dave Woodhead | ||
| A4 | Ideology | |
| A5 | Levi Stubbs' Tears | |
| Percussion - Simon Moreton | ||
| Trumpet, Flugelhorn - Dave Woodhead | ||
| A6 | Honey, I'm A Big Boy Now | |
| Piano - Kenny Craddock | ||
| B1 | There Is Power In A Union | |
| Lyrics By - Billy Bragg | ||
| Music By [Tune] - Traditional | ||
| B2 | Help Save The Youth Of America | |
| Mandolin - John Porter | ||
| B3 | Wishing The Days Away | |
| Mandolin - John Porter | ||
| Violin - Bobby Valentino | ||
| B4 | The Passion | |
| Electric Guitar - Johnny Marr | ||
| Vocals - Kirsty MacColl | ||
| B5 | The Warmest Room | |
| Bass - John Porter | ||
| Organ - Kenny Craddock | ||
| B6 | The Home Front | |
| Trumpet, Flugelhorn - Dave Woodhead |
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Description
Billy Bragg's third studio album, "Talking With The Taxman About Poetry," released in 1986, is a compelling blend of folk, punk, and political commentary. Often referred to as "the difficult third album," it marked a significant evolution in Bragg's sound and lyrical depth. The album's title, borrowed from a poem by Vladimir Mayakovsky, hints at the intersection of art and politics, a theme that Bragg explores with both wit and earnestness throughout the record.
The album opens with "Greetings to the New Brunette," a track that immediately showcases Bragg's knack for combining personal storytelling with broader social themes. The song features Johnny Marr of The Smiths on guitar, adding a jangly, melodic layer to Bragg's typically raw sound. This collaboration is one of the album's highlights, demonstrating Bragg's ability to blend his punk roots with more polished pop sensibilities.
"Levi Stubbs' Tears" is another standout track, a poignant narrative that weaves together themes of heartbreak and resilience. The song's title references the lead singer of The Four Tops, and Bragg uses this cultural touchstone to explore the solace that music can provide in times of personal crisis. The track's emotional depth and storytelling prowess have made it one of Bragg's most enduring songs.
Throughout the album, Bragg's lyrics are sharp and incisive, tackling issues such as social inequality, love, and the struggles of the working class. "There Is Power in a Union" is a rousing anthem that draws on the tradition of labor songs, underscoring Bragg's commitment to social justice and activism. The song's powerful message and stirring melody have made it a staple in Bragg's live performances and a rallying cry for union movements.
Critically, "Talking With The Taxman About Poetry" was well-received, with many reviewers praising Bragg's lyrical prowess and the album's expanded musical palette. The production, handled by John Porter and Kenny Jones, adds a layer of sophistication to Bragg's sound without sacrificing the raw energy that characterized his earlier work. This balance between polish and authenticity is one of the album's key strengths.
The album's cultural significance lies in its ability to capture the zeitgeist of 1980s Britain, a time marked by political upheaval and social change. Bragg's songs resonate with the struggles of ordinary people, offering both critique and hope. His ability to articulate the concerns of the working class in a relatable and poetic manner has cemented his status as a voice of the people.
"Talking With The Taxman About Poetry" did not win any major awards, but its impact on the music scene and its influence on subsequent generations of singer-songwriters is undeniable. Bragg's fusion of folk and punk, combined with his politically charged lyrics, paved the way for artists who seek to address social issues through their music.
In summary, Billy Bragg's "Talking With The Taxman About Poetry" is a landmark album that showcases his growth as a songwriter and his commitment to using music as a tool for social change. With its memorable melodies, incisive lyrics, and cultural relevance, the album remains a significant work in Bragg's discography and a testament to the power of music to inspire and provoke thought.