Reaching To The Converted (Minding The Gaps)
Consider this something of a garage sale for Billy Bragg. On the heels of one of his career highs,Mermaid Avenue, the plugged-in folkie has dived into the hodgepodge he hoarded between 1985 and 1997 and compiled a surprisingly beguiling and cohesive collection of B-sides and bonus tracks. With nine selections from the '80s and eight from the '90s,Reachingoffers considerable expanse while making a strong case for Bragg as one of the most productive and consistent post-punk performers to come out of Britain. Highlights here include a previously unreleased version of "Shirley," with theSmiths' Johnny Marr providing the instrumental backing, and a slew of savvy covers that includes theMcGarrigles' "Heart Like a Wheel," theLeft Banke's "Walk Away Renee," theBeatles' "She's Leaving Home," andRy Cooder's "Tattler."Reaching to the Convertedholds considerable appeal for Bragg partisans, but it's appealing enough to win over nonconverts, too.--Steven Stolder