
Bonnie “Prince” Billy
The Purple Bird
No Quarter
Jan 31, 2025 Web Exclusive
After spending the first large span of his music career bouncing between monikers, it seems the Bonnie “Prince” Billy name may now be the most consistent thing we can expect from a new Will Oldham release. Part of his charm is that he’s so predictably unpredictable, surrounding himself with an ever-rotating cast of musicians and appearing on other artists’ recordings nearly as often as his own. His albums often feel like they were recorded off-the-cuff: a prolific songwriter jamming with talented friends whenever or wherever the muse strikes them.
The Purple Bird finds Oldham working with his friends again, and also a few of his heroes. Much co-credit is given to Nashville producer David Ferguson, whom Oldham befriended decades ago at a Johnny Cash recording session. Ferguson tapped into his network of Music City artist pals, pulling together joint songwriting jams and assembling a crack team of session artists to lay down what would become this record. “Downstream” and “The Water’s Fine” were co-written with country legend John Anderson (who also lends vocals to the former); “Tonight with the Dogs I’m Sleeping” was written with John Prine’s son, Tommy. Ronnie Bowman, Pat McLaughlin, Tim O’Brien, and Roger Cook are just a few others who pitched in. This may be Oldham’s most collaborative release yet.
What emerged was freewheeling and more joyous than not; even “Guns Are For Cowards,” with lyrics that would make many Charles Bronson films look non-violent, is set to a cheekily upbeat melody. (Standout “Our Home” has a vibrant, sing-a-long quality.) “Is My Living in Vain?” is the most downbeat Billy we hear here, but its sad words are lifted by their gentle instrumental accompaniment.
The Purple Bird is impeccably produced, but has an almost compilation-like feel in the way it shifts sharply through tones, perhaps the result of having so many cooks in the kitchen. It’s more than worthwhile, but not necessarily an essential release from this highly prolific artist. (www.bonnieprincebilly.bandcamp.com)
Author rating: 6.5/10
Average reader rating: 8/10
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