Search - Bonnie Prince Billy :: I See a Darkness

Hillbilly Leonard Cohen

K. H. Orton | New York, NY USA | 09/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Man In Black's cover of the title track was a thing of beauty.Now hear the original. Where Cash made it a story of a man grappling with infirmity & impeding death, Will Oldham's original is far more disturbing but just as powerful. Here the song is a prophetic warning of an unmentionable darkness the protagonist is helpless to control. As for what that "darkness" is, well that's for the listener to decide. The end result is mysterious, unsettling & downright moving.



Without a doubt, this is "Bonny Prince Billy" a.ka. "Palace" a.ka. Will Oldham's finest hour. The erratic, low-fi charms of his earlier works had flashes of brilliance, but there was plenty of self-indulgance to wade through. Here, it all comes together. On first listen, things like "A Minor Place" & "Evil One" might come off as downright chipper amidst dirges like "Black" & "Knockturne". But given the time of day, there's plenty of word play & humor at work. In other words, you have to go to him---he won't come to you.



Granted, Oldahm's vocals aren't everyone's cup of tea. I suppose you could say he's a warbly cross between Neil Young & Leonard Cohen, often struggling to stay on key. If there's anything compelling to be found in that, then Oldham's mastered it. Musically, he lays his songs out there as quiet & bare as possible. In times past, some songs came off as mere sketches. Though perhaps all-too-brief, "Raining In Darling" is likely to leave you wanting for more.



If Oldham were a speed metal freak, " Death To Everyone" could he a headbanger's anthem, but he slyly keeps the sentiment just above a whisper, making it all the more powerful.



Like very early Tom Waits or Nick Drake, Oldham's albums all share the same pervasive after hours mood, a sombre twilight world, that has it's fair share of subtle rewards once you lay your ear close to his door. If this wins you over, then proceed immediately to MASTER & EVERYONE or the recently released SUPERWOLF. Then maybe you'll be ready to dip into the likes of his Palace Brothers era."

Secret love

losingsoul | south carolina | 11/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A somber heartfelt night-time winter classic.Great lyrics, great shaky voice.For some reason I think I can hear the backing musicians total belief in this project when I hear the songs.It just SOUNDS right.If you find a friend that can appreciate music of this quality, KEEP that friend.This is some special stuff."

Hopeful, Sad, and Extremely Beautiful

M. Starr | Kansas City | 02/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my first review of a Will Oldham/Bonnie 'Prince' Billy album. I chose to review this album first because I think it's simply my favorite in his catalog that I've heard.I would say that 90 percent of this album sounds exactly like my thoughts throughout a normal day. It's sadly beautiful and hopeful simultaneously. "I See A Darkness" is the type of song that makes you want to reflect on life and your inner thoughts. It's an ode to life. These songs are sung with such heartfelt beauty and passion that's almost immeasurable to compare this with any other artist. Will shares a lot of his thoughts and feelings with us in his music. He has a "no-holds barred" approach that is sure to catch any listener's attention.All the songs on this album are part of something bigger. One listen and you'll know that you've found an album with integrity and purity. It will probably get you through a lot of times in your life if you allow it to. Either way, this will be an album that you will not soon forget. "Death To Everyone" is one of the most powerful tracks on this album. It also happens to be one of my favorites as well. If it absolutely doesn't pierce your soul, you may not have even been listening and don't deserve to go any further with this album. I would assume that most fans have heard Will's other work and most put this at very least towards the top. Oldham has really paved a path for what he wants to get across in his music. I would venture to say that people will study this work for many years to come.If you've heard of Bonnie 'Prince' Billy/Will Oldham or are intrigued by what you've heard about him in general, this is definitely an album you should check out. Of course, he's got so many I guess you could start anywhere. Are any of them bad? No. My opinion would be to start here. If you don't become instantly fond of this work, you may not need to get anything else by him."