Billy Bragg

Billy Bragg burst onto the early '80s scene as 'the one-man Clash,' blending DIY punk minimalism and politically charged love letters to become a folk hero in Thatcher’s Britain. Following Life's A Riot ('83), Brewing Up with Billy Bragg ('84) expanded his sound with trumpet and Hammond organ, landing in NME’s Top 10 albums of the year. His Top 10 breakthrough, Talking with the Taxman About Poetry ('86), embraced a full band sound. Accompanied by Johnny Marr and Kirsty MacColl, he delivered classics like 'Greetings To The New Brunette’, ‘Levi Stubbs’ Tears' and 'There Is Power in a Union'. Produced by Joe Boyd, Workers Playtime ('88) offered his most tender collection, featuring 'Waiting For The Great Leap Forwards' and ‘Must I Paint You A Picture'. Together, these records trace Bragg's rise from punk-folk agitator to unlikely pop star. In November 2026, Cooking Vinyl will release long-overdue vinyl and CD reissues of Brewing Up..., Taxman..., and Workers Playtime. Remastered by John Webber at Air Studios from high-res transfers of Bragg's original master tapes, each album comes in a gatefold sleeve, with a limited edition run on coloured vinyl.