This is Bragg’s COVID album, the title referring to all the events that didn’t take place due to social distancing and stay-at-home protocols. It was produced by The Magic Numbers’ Romeo Stodart and ends with a track co-written with Bragg’s son, Jack Valero: “”Ten Mysterious Photos That Can’t Be Explained.”

I particularly like “I’ll Be Your Shield” and “Mid-Century Modern,” which includes these lyrics:

I’m used to people listening to what I have to say
And I find it hard to think that it might help if I just stepped away
And adjusted my perceptions to reflect reality
And the gap between the man I am and the man I want to be
The gap between the man I am and the man I want to be

billy bragg, “mid-century” modern

My copy via Pitchfork Records in Concord NH