CD Review

With bold song-writing talents and multiple creative endeavors, Will Oldham, aka “Bonnie Prince Billy” could have very well had his coming out party years ago, but instead like his subtle voice, he prefers to linger in the background.   His lush symphonic daydream The Letting Go, travels in old time Leonard Cohen territory, that doesn’t stray far from Damien’s Rice’s emotive folk. 

With the help of vocalist Dawn McCarthy, the two trade vocals on the tender opening title track, as Oldham explores a series of reflective low-key songs that conjure melancholy moods.   Although you have to dig deep to discover exactly what Oldham exactly is letting go of, there are many clues that range from his fear of loss and commitment.  If the somber mood on The Letting Go doesn’t grab you, than the grandiose single, “Cursed Sleep,” will.  Oldham’s boldest single to date, an passionate ode of love as he sings, “("I am loving, always holding, while she sleeps, her song enfolding"). It’s the honest foreshadowing and reflection that makes Oldham’s latest Bonnie Prince Billy project another success.