About this album
Where they were
Released in 1998, 'Mermaid Avenue' was Wilco's third studio album and their first collaboration with Billy Bragg. This project marked a significant shift towards a more experimental sound, following their critically acclaimed album 'Being There'. At this point in their career, Wilco was beginning to carve out a unique identity within the alternative country scene.
Why it matters
'Mermaid Avenue' is notable for reviving interest in Woody Guthrie's unreleased lyrics, showcasing how contemporary artists can reinterpret historical texts. The album received widespread acclaim, reaching No. 27 on the Billboard 200 and solidifying Wilco's reputation as innovative musicians in the late '90s folk revival.
Essential tracks
- "California Stars" — This track encapsulates the album's spirit, merging lush melodies with an optimistic worldview drawn from Guthrie's hopeful lyrics.
- "Hoodoo Voodoo" — With its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, this song stands out as a celebration of resilience amidst life's challenges, embodying the album's playful yet poignant tone.
- "Birds and Ships" — This hauntingly beautiful duet features harmonies that convey deep emotional resonance, highlighting the collaborative essence of the album.
Release Date
January 1, 1998
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Walt Whitman’s Niece 3:54
- 2 California Stars 4:58
- 3 Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key 4:06
- 4 Birds and Ships 2:15
- 5 Hoodoo Voodoo 3:12
- 6 She Came Along to Me 3:28
- 7 At My Window Sad and Lonely 3:27
- 8 Ingrid Bergman 1:50
- 9 Christ for President 2:42
- 10 I Guess I Planted 3:33
- 11 One by One 3:25
- 12 Eisler on the Go 2:57
- 13 Hesitating Beauty 3:05
- 14 Another Man’s Done Gone 1:36
- 15 The Unwelcome Guest 5:05
