Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Strange Form of Life (Domino)
4/5
By: Dan Monsell
Will Oldham, most famous for his Bonnie 'Prince' Billy incarnation, produces such a regular and constant creative output that it harks back to the days when sixties beat groups released an album a month. Not only this, but everything else about Oldham seems to call to mind the days of Johnny Cash, Neil Young and the times when the American mid-west assembled the sounds that would change the shape of music for evermore.
While Bonnie 'Prince' Billies can be found in last chance saloons all over the US, and beyond, over time Oldham has risen up to claim his rightful place as a leader of sorts in the modern alt-country world. Understandably so, the consistently strong standard he delivers sets him remarkably apart. 'Strange Form of Life' is another short-play release from 2006's critically acclaimed 'The Letting Go', and is no exception to the high calibre that he has achieved in the past. Songs like 'New Partner' (also featured on this release) find him at the fullness of his warm and powerful delivery. The intense croak that cries 'you are always on my mind / but I've got a new partner with me' speaks a truth and experience that only the dust of age and empty whiskey bottles could induce.
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