Rockin' Our Turntable: Bonnie “Prince” Billy And The Cairo Gang

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on May 4, 2010 5:20PM

Post By: Michele Anne Lenni

Will Oldham seems to be an artist without limits. Having recorded 20 albums in his 17-year-recording-career under the moniker of Bonnie “Prince” Billy, he seems determined to become the most prolific and perhaps obsessive artist of his generation.

On his newest effort, The Wonder Shows Of The World, he collaborates with the Cairo Gang; a duo who owe their much of their sound to such ‘60s British folk acts as The Fairport Convention and Pentangle. The result is a record that is inspired by ‘70s folk and roots rock Americana classics like Neil Young’s After the Gold Rush or David Crosby’s If I Could Only Remember My Name.

This may be Oldham’s most straightforward and least adorned effort to date. Sparse vocals and guitars replace the layered tracks and sometimes raucous country sound that has accompanied many of Oldham’s efforts in recent years.

The theme of this work seems to be more about the simple dignity and sometimes complex nature of human relationships. The first tracks, “Troublesome Houses,” Oldham sets a mellow yet somber tone that remains steady thoughout the entire album. “I couldn’t withstand a glorious day without seeing these troublesome faces. And quiet eluded me, and keeps from me still, though I need my own bed and it’s solace.”

In Wonder’s best moments it not only captures the best of Oldham’s vulnerable, warbling wit, but gives you a better glimpse into his delicate, stripped-down melodic sensibilities. The highlight of this effort is the seven minute softly sweeping track, “That’s What Our Love Is.” Though its quiet tone and arrangement suggest a tender love song, the lyrics tell a slightly naughtier tale. The line, “The smell of your box on my mustache or a crossword on our mind,” is more reminiscent of Ol’ Dirty Bastard than Oldham, but the contrast of a sweet folky arrangement against a more risqué subject matter is a welcome paradox in Oldham’s extensive lexicon of lyrics.