Album Review
Bonnie "Prince" Billy Beware [Domino] Someone kick Bonnie “Prince” Billy’s cat – we prefer him miserable.
Poor old celebrities. We get interested in their sad lives, so they get rich and famous, which sometimes cheers them up. And then we lose interest. Those of us who prefer alt. country miserablism to Jade Goody can’t claim the moral high ground. Will Oldham, or at least his alter-ego Bonnie “Prince” Billy, seems to be in a better mood than usual, judging by his new record, Beware. And for those of us who liked him lost, broken and alone, that’s a let down.
The lyrics remain uneasy and wry, often dwelling on the dangers of love, commitment and feeling anything too strongly. But the pared down guitars of early BPB albums are drowned out by hand-claps, trumpets, and a choir of harmonising girls on backing vocals. It’s a perky, accessible record. But bells and whistles are no substitute for the stripped back heartbreak Oldham used to do so well. (6)
- 18.03.09
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