Mr Love & Justice (CD)

In his two and a half decades carrying the torch of social justice, Billy Bragg has melded the folksy populism of Woodie Guthrie with the anger and indignation of the Clash. Both are perfectly encapsulated on his Anti debut. Despite the intense politics behind his songs, Billy has never lost sight of the power of personal relationships to hold US together and bring about the kind of redemption that outstrips even the greatest political movements. Musically, this record combines the loose, Stone-sy groove Bragg found working with Wilco on the quot;Mermaid Avequot; sessions, with the best part of his punk and music hall roots. On his most mature record to date, the title says it all.