When I heard the first Billy Bragg version of A New England I immediately thought of the Kirsty MacColl version. I thought 'I need to send a request for _that_ version!'. So, Brian, good job reading my mind -- and so quickly!

I much liked the opening with a song, especially that billy bragg song. well done.

I'm going to have to have therapy for the withdrawl when you go back to a regular show frequency.

Wow, completely awesome episode. If anyone was worried that the increased frequency of the shows would cause a decrease in quality, I hope this episode squashed that notion. I wasn't familiar with "A New England" and both versions were amazing in their own ways. I completely loved the Trash Pour 4 cover, especially the horn solo at the end.

Loved this episode. Just a note.. While lyrically both the Billy Bragg and Kristy MacColl versions of "A New England" are almost the same, there are a couple of differences. First, she makes the song from a perspective of a female ("are you looking for another girl" instead of "just looking for another girl")

As well, there's an extra verse at the end:

My dreams were full of strange ideas
My mind was set despite the fears
But other things got in the way
I never asked that boy to stay

Once upon a time at home
I sat beside the telephone
Waiting for someone to pull me through
When at last it didnt ring, I knew it wasnt you
----------------

Not to mention, when Billy plays this song live (I was lucky enough to see him last week), he says "one more for Kristy!" and sings the MacColl verse as well.

Love the show. Hope some of this is semi-interesting.

I wonder if the original "A New England" qualifies as a semi-cover, since the first two lines are from Simon and Garfunkel's "Leaves That Are Green":

I was 21 years when I first wrote this song.
I'm 22 now but I won't be for long.
Time hurries on
And the leaves that are green turn to brown ...

Thanks so much for Billy Bragg. It's funny but I have always considered this a female song - However I have just compared the lyrics and can see that Kirsty (with Billy's permission i'm sure) changed the lyrics round to a female perspective. Quite a lot of changes. Of course both versions work really well.

Brian, you're a lyrics guy, so you'll enjoy comparing!

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/billy+bragg/new+england_20018174.html

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/k/kirsty+maccoll/a+new+england_20079582.html

I've always meant to write and suggest starting off the show with a song. The items you discuss between songs are worthwhile, but waiting three minutes to get to the music seemed to be a high barrier to entry, especialy for new listeners. Kudos for making the best podcast on the planet even better.

Now, if you'll just play my request from back in July... ; )

Once upon a time at home
I sat beside the telephone
Waiting for someone to pull me through
When at last it didnt ring, I knew it wasnt you

Since you asked, I like starting with a song directly when there is no sponsor. When there is a sponsor, I like you talking over your intro music. Either way though, I'll keep listening.
my $.02
Keep up the great work!
-Sean

Damn you Coverville!! (He says, shaking fist in air like Snoopy does when screaming at the Red Baron)

I CAN'T GET THAT BILLY BRAG SONG OUT OF MY HEAD!!!!!



Here it is 4 episodes later and I can't stop singing, humming, whistling and re-listening to that song.

Brilliant!



As far as I am concerned, WHENEVER you have a song as musically, lyrically and performance(ally) smashing as that one you SHOULD open the show COLD with it.

No intro what so ever. Just BAM! Hit us over the head with it. Then as we lay there in the afterglow you can bring in the intro!



Billy Bragg.

I'm still saying "Wow".

I was twenty-one years when I wrote this song
Im twenty-two now, but I wont be for long
People ask me when will I grow up to understand
Why the girls I knew at school are already pushing prams

I loved you then as I love you still
Though I put you on a pedestal, you put me on the pill
I dont feel bad about letting you go
I just feel sad about letting you know

Source: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/k/kirsty+maccoll/a+new+england_20079582.html