Reaching to the Converted rewards the kind of deep listening that separates casual fans from true believers. Bragg's B-sides were never throwaways; they were often where his sharpest wit and most unguarded moments lived, the songs he handed to his most devoted audience first. The presence of Johnny Marr on the unreleased "Shirley" is a reminder of how naturally Bragg moved through the best circles of British music in that era. As a social activist as well as a musician (solo and with bands), Billy Bragg came to prominence during the late '70's and early '80's, carrying on the tradition of the socially conscious troubadour - but with a punk-rock edge. Not simply a rarities album, but possibly one of Bragg's best-ever new releases, Reaching To The Converted gathers 17 U.K. chart singles and non-album B-sides released between 1985-97. One highlight is the previously unreleased track "Shirley," featuring Johnny Marr. Tracklist 1. Shirley (3:36) 2. Sulk (3:48) 3. Accident Waiting To Happen (Red Star Version) (3:49) 4. The Boy Done Good (3:23) 5. Heart Like A Wheel (2:47) 6. Bad Penny (2:34) 7. Ontario, Quebec And Me (2:45) 8. Walk Away Renee (Version) (2:26) 9. Rule Nor Reason (3:14) 10. Days Like These (U.K. Version) (2:22) 11. Think Again (3:34) 12. Scholarship Is The Enemy Of Romance (2:23) 13. Wishing The Days Away (Ballad Version) (4:37) 14. The Tatler (3:41) 15. Jeane (2:53) 16. She's Leaving Home (3:03) 17. I Don't Need This Pressure Ron (1:58) UPC: 081227596224Label: RhinoRelease Date: 8.31.99Format: CD
