|
|
 Over the course of a nearly two decade career, Will Oldham has released roughly 16 proper full length albums of, I guess we'll call it folk music, under various monikers such as Palace(Brothers, Songs, Music, etc.), Bonnie "Prince " Billy, and even a few under his own name. Add to that countless singles, e.p's, collaborations and live albums not to mention an acting career to boot and it's a wonder the man has had much sleep since 1992. An artist this prolific is usually in danger of being a poor self-editor, releasing songs as soon as they're written with little regard for quality control. This is not the case with Mr. Oldham. Though every song may not be a gem, each release contains a deep mine from which jewels may be extracted if the listener is so inclined. Treat each album as an adventure rather than just something to listen to. That being said, it could prove a daunting task given his extensive output. Provided below is a carefully thought out, but by no means definitive, guide to the wonderful world of Will Oldham.
 Palace Brothers - Days In The Wake (1994) Will's second full length is "Brothers" only in name. Just Will's voice and simple guitar on ten musings on love, death and cinematography. Key tracks: "You Will Miss Me When I Burn," "No More Workhorse Blues," "I Am A Cinematographer."
 Palace Music - Lost Blues And Other Songs (1997) His first compilation collecting various singles, alternate versions and previously unreleased material. The only place to find some of the early out-of-print singles. Key tracks: "Ohio River Boat Song," "Horses," "West Palm Beach," "Gulf Shores."
 Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - I See A Darkness (1999) The first full length under the Bonnie Billy moniker and possibly his most well known work. A somber release to be sure but not without a giant dose of hope. Kudos also to brother Paul, whose stark recording style only adds to the quality of one of Will's best collections. Key tracks: "Death To Everyone," "Madeleine-Mary," "I See A Darkness," "Raining In Darling."
 Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - Ease Down The Road (2001) Bonnie Will invites a busload of his musician friends along for a country rockin' good time ride through some of the most disturbing regions of his psyche. Topics include eating babies, marital infidelity, and, as always, a little death. Key tracks: "Careless Love," "A King At Night," "Grand Dark Feeling Of Emptiness," "Rich Wife Full Of Happiness."
 Bonnie 'Prince' Billy & Matt Sweeney - Superwolf (2005) The best of Will's many collaborations. Here former Chavez and (ugh) Zwan guitarist Matt Sweeney adds his tunes to Will's lyrics and comes up with a winner. Some of the best layered guitars this side of Physical Graffiti, though it sounds absolutely nothing like Zeppelin. Key tracks: "My Home Is The Sea," "Goat & Ram," "Only Someone Running,"Rudy Foolish."
Bon (nie) Apetit!!!
|
| |
|
|
|
