Where once he made a Clash-like racket with just his voice and an electric guitar, this second stage of his career finds him adding to his band and expanding his lyrical reach. Though still a caustic rabble-rouser, Bragg revealed he was equally adept at discussing the struggles of love as he was at discussing the struggles of the working class.
Volume 2 chronicles Bragg's gradual addition of a full band to his formerly sparse guitar and vocal arrangements. The four reissues are Workers Playtime, Don't Try This At Home, William Bloke, and England, Half English. A bonus DVD featuring an entire televised concert from 1991 and a 2006 live performance is only available as part of the 9-disc box set. Each original has been re-mastered as have the five discs of bonus material, much of it previously unavailable and handpicked by Billy and longtime Bragg cohorts Grant Showbiz and Wiggy.