Bonnie "Prince" Billy — Sings Greatest Palace Music

Will Oldham, a.k.a. Bonnie "Prince" Billy, is one of those musical recluses that would rather let his music speak for itself than do interviews. He's been at it for more than 10 years now under a various project names and pseudonyms, including Palace Music. What this is, in effect, is a tribute record to his own music since Bonnie "Prince" Billy covers the best of Palace Music.

The approach is strictly country, but in a bit of darker vein than say Grant Lee Buffalo or the new Graham Parker record. He also seems to favour singing with a female; most of the tunes are either duets or predominantly feature female background singers. Managing to create moods that are compelling, several songs — such as "Pushkin" (with its catchy "God is the answer" chorus) and the creepy "Riding" — really do the job. What seems to be just another country record on the surface turns into much more with repeat listens.

Get it from