The American lo-fi artist Will Oldham has been releasing beautiful CDs regularly since 1993. However, these CDs are released by small labels and under constantly changing artist names (Palace, Palace Brothers, Palace Music and Palace Songs), which is not really conducive to his fame. His success story begins in 1999 when he records the album I See A Darkness as Bonnie 'Prince' Billy. Johnny Cash
… 'borrows' the title track for American III: Solitary Man and Will Oldham has been a big name in singer / songwriter circles ever since. In 2001 the second Bonnie 'Prince' Billy album, the masterpiece Ease Down The Road, was released. This again contained some beautiful songs, but the biggest improvement over Oldham's earlier records was in the vocals and guitar playing. It seemed as if the previously always sad and weepy-sounding hermit felt comfortable in the skin of his new alter-ego. This line continues at Master And Everyone. For Bonnie 'Prince' Billy standards it has almost become a cheerful, light-hearted record. He sings and plays with audibly more self-confidence and the subtle musical guest contributions (by Lambchop and backing vocalist Marti Slayton, among others) are always spot on. With his beautiful, quiet songs and interesting lyrics, he approaches big names from the past like Nick Drake and Leonard Cohen. Master And Everyone is a new high point in Will Oldham's career. (MvP) become a light plate. He sings and plays with audibly more self-confidence and the subtle musical guest contributions (by Lambchop and backing vocalist Marti Slayton, among others) are always spot on. With his beautiful, quiet songs and interesting lyrics, he approaches big names from the past such as Nick Drake and Leonard Cohen. Master And Everyone is a new high point in Will Oldham's career. (MvP) become a light plate. He sings and plays with noticeably more self-confidence and the subtle musical guest contributions (by Lambchop and background singer Marti Slayton, among others) are always spot on. With his beautiful, quiet songs and interesting lyrics, he approaches big names from the past such as Nick Drake and Leonard Cohen. Master And Everyone is a new high point in Will Oldham's career. (MvP)more
