Last week, while bartending, I hooked up my iPod and turned away from the typical angry girl-power stuff and put on a massive Will Oldham compilation instead.
A little while later, two woman stopped in to catch up with one another over a glass of wine. They were my only customers at the time, so I turned the music down so they would not have to scream their stories to one another. About an hour later, one of them walked over to me and asked me what we were listening to. Actually, what she said was, “What is this we’re listening to? It’s absolutely haunting!” (Yes, oh yes it is.)
I knew the answer to her question deserved more than one word. Will Oldham deserves more than that and so did she. So I grabbed my notepad and made a list for her. I told her every project (that I know of) he’s ever been in. I wrote down my favorite albums as well as the one she had just listened to. And I told her about Superwolf a colaboration between Bonne “Prince” Billy and Matt Sweeney and how we were to see them soon. She listened and when I was finished she took the paper from my hand. And I believed her when she said she’d pick some up.
A couple of years ago, while we were still living in DC, we had tickets to see Bonnie Prince Billy at the Black Cat. After all, we missed them the year before while living in New York. I love Will Oldham. I remember first discovering Will Oldham and feeling as if someone let me in on the most wonderful secret.
In spite of the fact I purchased tickets to this sold out show months prior its arrival, we never made it to the Black Cat that night. And Toby and I have both regretted that ever since.
Yesterday, at around 5 p.m. I laid down for a nap. I knew it was the only way I would make it out again for a midnight show at the Bowery Ballroom. I felt like I was in college again. Back then, we would venture out at 10:30 p.m. or later.
At 11 p.m., Toby Joe and I left our apartment and headed into the city to wrap up some two-year old unfinished business with Will Oldham and Matt Sweeney. Today, I am tired but I have the most elegant and memorable alibi.
Hmmm. It looks like I am going to have to check this guy out as well. Ever since you introduced me to the Postal Service, which has now become one of Belly’s favorite bands, I have been on the lookout for something new to hear.
he’s a genius. And I actually mean that this time. haha
I will check him out later then. Thanks!
How was it??? I want to see him live so badly…I am loving Superwolf but want to see Will play. Did they post a tour schedule? DC??
have you ever heard the “amalgamated sons of rest” ?
They’re Will Oldham (palace, etc), Jason Molina (Songs:Ohia, Magnolia Electric) , and Alasdair Roberts (Appendix Out).
I don’t always leaves comments (I’m just a reader or blog stalker most of the time) but I have to express my love for Will Oldham(Bonnie Prince Billy, all things Palace,etc). “I See a Darkness” is one of my all time favs (under his Bonnie Prince Billy moniker) and for a more cut n’ dry delivery but no less spectacular version, check out Johnny Cash’s version. It’ll have you in tears in no time. We saw Will Oldham about about a year ago here in Detroit, for free no less, and it had to be one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Just had to leave my two sense.
I’m glad you wrote. Yeah, I’ve heard the cash version before. Very very heartbreaking.
He is superb. I can’t wait for more.