Bonnie “Prince” Billy (aka Will Oldham) is back. And so is Anderson Dan, who is helping me review the latest album from the Prince, Singer’s Grave a Sea of Tongues. Dan, a bigger fan of BPB, sees the album as a continuation of Oldham’s excellent work. I think this new album is more accessible — almost pop (at points). A number of the album’s tracks are actually reworked versions of songs Oldham recorded for his 2011 record Wolfroy Goes to Town.
Dan: I do like the album but, really, it’s because I missed his voice, storytelling and gentle tone. Maybe this album feels more western than his previous stuff. I’m not sure, but when it’s on in the car I get an urge to drive right by my son’s school at drop off and hit the open road.
Punks: It has a big country and western vibe, especially on those first couple of songs (Night Noises, So Far and Here We Are). He uses a lot of classic country music techniques (like the chugging train rhythm and harmonizing). I’ve always thought Oldham was cool but I don’t recall any record grabbing me from start to finish. Maybe I overlooked him in the past but this album is a standout.
Dan: It hits a groove in the middle, notably Quail and Dumplings, Whipped and We Are Unhappy (I’m a sucker for banjo and my son sings this song around the house). Mindlessness is ridiculously good and probably has the most legs. His voice matches so well with the stellar background vocals.
Punks: Whipped and Mindlessness are highlights for me too. That middle section reminds me of when rock, folk and country converged in the late ’60s and early ’70s.
Dan: This has been such a fabulous year for folk music. (Read our review of Angel Olsen’s Burn Your Fire for No Witness here.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYc_lzKkTqM
All the Young Punks 