Episode 151: Billy Bragg

Since his first release nearly 40 years ago, Billy Bragg has been crafting equally passionate odes to unrequited romance and political unrest. With the immediate, anthemic presence of an electrified busker, his reputation was cemented early on as one of the UK's wittiest personalities, combining influences of punk, R&B and skiffle. He's also pioneered a long list of strikingly original projects: From making new, Grammy-nominated music with Wilco for a treasure trove of discarded Woody Guthrie lyrics, to an album entirely recorded while on a train from Chicago to Los Angeles. On today's show, Billy discusses the unique way he organizes his record collection, some priceless discoveries he made while digging through decades of his own merch during quarantine, and following the trajectory of the Civil Rights Movement through Tamla Motown's Chartbusters compilations. Billy's new album, The Million Things That Never Happened, comes out this Friday, October 8th via digital platforms, with vinyl arriving before the end of the year. Visit billybragg.co.uk for news updates and more.