To date, however, that CD has sold over 350,000 copies. So with the help of Guthrie's daughter, Nora, keeper of Guthrie's archives, they did it again. Like its predecessor, Volume II has Bragg and Wilco setting yet another round of previously unheard lyrics to music, displaying the whimsical, humorous side of Guthrie, and Guthrie the fierce social critic. As if to compensate, the CD also includes two very beautiful love songs. Musically, Volume II has more to bite on than its predecessor.
Styles range from pop to acoustic to borderline heavy-metal.
All leave you either humming, whistling or tapping your fingers, stomping your foot or entrenched in thought. Voice contributions from Natalie Merchant complement Billy Bragg and Wilco who have successfully done it again, capturing the essence and energy of Guthrie's formidable words and putting them to memorable music. The Pizza Tapes Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, and Tony Rice Acoustic Disc David Grisman is the keeper of an apparently bottomless source of recorded jam sessions with Jerry Garcia, and although his mining of this wellspring seems borderline exploitative, it's impossible to complain while the music plays. The latest release features the fruits of a relaxed two-night session with Garcia, Grisman and the great bluegrass guitar picker, Tony Rice. And although Grisman's mandolin is by no means invisible on the album, he steps back and lets the meeting of the two peerless guitarists shine as the project's guiding light.