Mr. Billy Bragg is back for his twelfth studio album, Mr. Love and Justice. Though the album has already made it's way to number 33 on the UK charts, it is yet to be released here in the US. We do have a sample of whats to come thanks to the single "I Keep the Faith" which is available for purchase on itunes, or was available free from the MPR podcast daily download last week. As an English musician and author, Billy is probably most famous for his work with the amazing Wilco on 1998's Mermaid Avenue and 2000's Mermaid Avenue V. 2.
But its the social and political conscientiousness of his lyrics that has always sucked me in; the man is fearless in tackling the big issues both on and off stage. In England he has been majorly involved in voter recruitment, political reform (Especially the House of Lords), as well as an ardent voice against facism, racism, sexism, homphobia, and bigotry. He contributed to the Rock Against Bush album with ska-punk band Less Than Jake, and has been a huge favorite here in Seattle at KEXP.
I haven't had a chance to rock the new album yet, but I love this song. If you haven't seen it yet, also check out the performance below. Live at Seattle's Triple Door, Bragg performs "Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards". The song tackles the state of global political/social activism (or apathy) with an absolute stabbing truth. Plus, Billy is extremely charming and funny.
Note: Though he improvs some lyrics on stage, here are the original words:
One leap forward, two leaps back
Will politics get me the sack?
Here comes the future and you cant run from it
If you've got a blacklist I want to be on it
Its a mighty long way down rock n roll
From top of the pops to drawing the dole
If no one seems to understand
Start your own revolution and cut out the middleman
In a perfect world wed all sing in tune
But this is reality so give me some room
So join the struggle while you may
The revolution is just a t-shirt away
Waiting for the great leap forwards
For anyone who watches the speech at the end: "A patriot is someone who gives a shit about what happens in their country."
Peace Love and Political activism,
Lydia
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