Bonnie Prince Billy
I See A Darkness
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Bonnie Prince Billy
I See A Darkness
Palace Records, 1999
RiYL: Neil Young, Songs:Ohia, Cat Stevens |
Though Palace records blended elements of country, folk, and religion, they often translated as art projects rather than Appalachian lore, mostly due in part to Oldham's cryptic lyrics and enigmatic delivery.
I See A Darkness shows Oldham, under nom-de-plume Bonnie Prince Billy, letting down his indie rock guard and carving out a solid collection of campfire songs. Where a Palace record would challenge and taunt the listener into acceptance, Darkness opens with a warm welcome in "Minor Place," a humbling ode to Oldham's importance in the world.
Instead of tableus filled with horses, heroes, babies, and pulpits, Darkness shows Oldham opting to sing about conversations with friends, everyday life, and self-understanding. The humor and charm of Darkness is something that eludes many of Oldham's past releases. With nursery rhyme-like lyrics "nip! nap! it's all a trap! bo! bis! so was this," ("Another Day Full of Dread") and the "Sympathy For The Devil"-like cat calls on "Nomadic Revery," Oldham virtually forces us to sing along.
The bare production and prominent piano on Darkness create breathing room and an intimate atmosphere, allowing Oldham to pen choruses and melodies that would be right at home among any of the important singer/songwriters of the '70s. And they establish him as one of today's best.
MARK GROESCHNER | Mark Groeschner is the creator of the late, great satirical Web site Public Nigmity. When not soothing the nerves of his pudgy cat Yoda or harassing people from afar on the Internet, he works for the commercial/video production company Brand New School.