Mermaid Avenue Vol. II
by Billy Bragg & Wilco
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. AllMusic
    60
    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.
  2. Alternative Press
    80
    Volume 2... is an equally resounding success.... [it] draws on darker material, and thus yields more aggressive vocals and frequent minor keys. [#146, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. CDNow
    80
    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.
  5. Checkout.com
    90
    Songs 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.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Mojo
    80
    The emotion flows as true as the music.
  7. Pitchfork
    63
    Volume II is like an unnecessary b-sides compilation.... Nonetheless, the album has its high points.
  8. Q Magazine
    80
    Vol. 2 proves the equivalent of its parent release.
  9. Rolling Stone
    80
    Now comes the sequel, which plays down Guthrie's playful leer in favor of his snarl.
  10. Spin
    90
    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.
  11. Spin Cycle
    100
    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.
  12. The A.V. Club
    80
    A worthy successor to the original, MA2 is another inspired reminder of Guthrie's relevance.
  13. Wall of Sound
    82
    Displays a broader sonic reach than its predecessor.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best Album of 2000
64
#64 Most Shared Album of 2000

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. RobS.
    Sep 12, 2003
    8
    I don't relate to the reviews that say vol. 2 is sloppy seconds to vol. 1. Maybe it's because I first heard both albums some years I don't relate to the reviews that say vol. 2 is sloppy seconds to vol. 1. Maybe it's because I first heard both albums some years after their release. Coming at this as a Wilco fan, the vol. 2 songs strike me as being a lot - a LOT - catchier than their vol. 1 stuff. "Secret of the Sea" is the more hummable brother to vol. 1's "California Stars". "Somewhere, Some Morning Sometime", "Airline to Heaven" and and "Blood of the Lamb" simply don't have equivalent songs on vol. 1 that match their otherworldliness. The production on "Airline" is wonderous....Guthrie would have NEVER done the song this way, which is what makes it so cool. I'd give vol. 1 an "8" rating, too, but I honestly listen to vol. 2 a lot more. It's very possible one could not like vol 1, but love this album. In my opinion, the Bragg-sung material is better here, too, than his offerings on the first album.… Full Review »
  2. JossS.
    Dec 25, 2001
    7
    another solid release of guthrie material all done up modern. wilco and bragg breath life into the material as usual, but not as catchy, fun, another solid release of guthrie material all done up modern. wilco and bragg breath life into the material as usual, but not as catchy, fun, or about any positive adjective as vol. I. go listen to vol. I if you haven't heard it yet, and if you love then come back to this one. … Full Review »
See all user reviews »