Bloke on Bloke

Released in 1997 as a companion piece to the 'William Bloke' sessions, Bloke on Bloke serves as a vital document of Billy Bragg's mid-career evolution. While often categorized as a collection of B-sides and outtakes, the EP possesses a cohesive sonic identity characterized by a shift toward 'soul-folk' and Britpop-adjacent production. Notably, it features 'The Boy Done Good', a collaboration with Johnny Marr that utilizes football imagery to explore romantic fulfillment, and a poignant cover of The Smiths' 'Never Had No One Ever'. The inclusion of 'Thatcherites', set to the tune of 'Ye Jacobites by Name', reinforces Bragg's commitment to the folk tradition of topical adaptation. Critically, the EP was viewed as a showcase for Bragg's increasing musical versatility, moving beyond his punk-folk roots to embrace more complex arrangements and diverse genres like dub and soul. It remains a fan favorite for its blend of humor, heartbreak, and hard-nosed politics.