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Matt Sweeney & Bonnie 'Prince' Billy
Superwolf (Palace/Drag City)
Reviewed by Sherman Wick
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy (Will Oldham) is a gifted and prolific quirky singer/songwriter. For this recording, he collaborates with Matt Sweeney, who played on his last release of original material, the outstanding Master and Everyone. Here, Sweeney was given the chance to write the music to a series of lyrics composed by Oldham. The music is looser and heavier than on recent records; Billy reflects on his sentiments in the liner notes, where he thanks "the Sweendog for kicking it so hard."
Highlights abound on the record. And though the music is consistently country and American roots-music influenced singer/songwriter fare, they mine this territory so thoroughly that each song is distinct yet unified within the record as a whole. "My Home is the Sea" is a lengthy tune that alternates between subdued musing and full throttle rockin', a recurring musical approach taken on several other songs. "Goat and Ram" follows the aforementioned technique. The guitars, bass and drums softly play along with Oldham's unique warble, then during the chorus thick Neil Young and Crazy Horse-like power chords ring out. Another standout is "Death in the Sea": hushed guitars and lilting vocal harmonies accompany the mournful lyrics. It is a fine example of the oddly beautiful songs Oldham specializes in.
After the first few listens I wasn't over-enamored by Billy's latest record. However, after several hearings the record began to really grow on me and, now, I feel it is another outstanding effort in the ever evolving career of Bonnie 'Prince" Billy, formerly of Palace (Brothers, Music and Songs). It's a return, at appropriate dramatic occasions, to the louder and more abrasive arrangements used on early Palace Brothers records; yet it demonstrates his increased singing ability and attention to subtlety developed on the recent Billy records. It's a fabulous collaboration, and appears to be a transitional recording, and no one, not even Oldham can predict where his music will take him next. But judging by his discography, it will be essential and sublimely adventurous listening.
© 2005 - Sherman Wick