WILL OLDHAM
Seafarers Music (Drag City)
BONNIE PRINCE BILLY
Sings Greatest Palace Music (Drag City)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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The king of music monikers, Will "Palace, Palace Music, Palace Songs, Bonnie Prince Billy etc." Oldham, the Brian Wilson of our times, is at the "piano in a sandbox in the living room" stage of his career. Alternating between albums of heart-breaking folk whispers of the darkest variety, and frivolous instrumental soundtracks, you just never know what to expect. Seafarers Music is a beautiful four tracks of exquisite and restrained acoustic guitar picking. Engaging yet unobtrusive sound wall paper that grows with each listen. Nice.

But the real diamond is Oldham's take on a greatest hits compilation. Instead of slapping together dusty studio tracks, Bonnie gathers some pals, some Nashville pickers, and redefines his gothic standards in a sweet, country swing. A front veranda type of swing. Downright happy at times. Not a best of collection at all, but something totally new and unexpected. Touché. Did I mention that Will is an avid surfer? Not that it really matters.

© 2004 - John Sekerka