Bonnie “Prince” Billy – The Purple Bird review

You do wonder if Will Oldham’s adopted pseudonym has left many neutrals passing him by, in the belief that they’re abstaining from listening to some ancient Scottish reels, but his latest release The Purple Bird is rootsy music of a totally different kind.

Recorded in Nashville with veteran producer David “Ferg” Ferguson, alongside a cast of journeyed writers and session musicians, it’s a take on country music from the era before the pick up truck, one that’s happiest when as far from modernity as it can get.

It’s backward looking musical arc doesn’t prevent Oldham from touching on the rust-clad state of the American dream with the satirical Guns Are for Cowards and environmental warning Downstream. Often the messages though are personal, such as on the bridge building Turned to Dust (Rolling on) or Is My Life In Vain, but the stellar musicianship also takes a front seat, making the affectionate parody Sleeping with The Dogs Tonight a joy to listen to. Kilts are strictly optional at this hoedown.

You can read a full review here.