‘I am the king of internet space.’ That’s what Will Oldham sings about himself while his music is a nostalgic pre-web age mix of campfire guitars and country twang.
Oldham, the king of slacker folk, has a gravelly voice and a larger-than-life personality that makes most singer songwriters pale by comparison. Under his Bonnie Prince Billy moniker, Oldham indulges his country music side. Oldham’s is an altogether darker country than what you might expect, dark Appalachian hills and sleepy hollows rather than denim fantasies are the order of the day.
Whatever you musical tastes, ‘Lie Down In The Light’ is worth checking out as Oldham is a talented balladeer. The closest you come to his story telling capabilities is probably Nick Cave. Like Saint Nick, Oldham instills drama into his stories without having to raise his voice (’For Every Field There’s A Hole’). A rare talent, indeed.
This is the 9th Bonnie Prince Billy album, and possibly Oldham’s most accessible so far. The album features Ashley Webber on a number of duets, adding variety to the songs (’So Everyone’). At times, it would not be out of place to compare ‘Lie Down’ with the classic Gram Parsons/Emmylou Harris duets.
Now that’s big praise. So, check out this latest album from the man from Louisburg, Kentucky. Particularly good if enjoyed on hot summer evenings, sipping a brew on the porch.
Listen to ‘Lie Down In The Light’ or download the album from iTunes.
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