Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy
Sticky Fingerz, June 8

Will Oldham’s beard was trimmer, more mustache-heavy last night than in the photo above, but similarly obscuring (doesn’t his face look crooked in the picture above?). His mustache drooped over his lips in a way that made it hard to see his lips moving when he sang.

Advertisement

As devotees know, Oldham’s lyrical concerns rarely extend beyond the elemental — love, hate, sky, dirt, water, mountains. His genius is in making simple language about those essential themes something close to poetic. But for all his lyrical skill and odd, almost eerie vocals on record, his shuffling songs can get tedious on repeat.

There was a shuffling, quiet section of last night’s show, but mostly it was a surprising display of folk maximalism, driven by two drummers, lush, four-part harmonies and Oldham’s voice, far stronger and more nimble than on record.

Advertisement

Cheyenne Mize, a fine fiddle player with a bright voice, stood in the middle of the stage and dueted with Oldham on just about every song. Often, she was joined by the guitarist and the bassists, who’s fathoms deep voice had an almost Tuvan throat-singer resonance to it.

We got a lot of what sounded like new songs (I only have pieces of the last several albums), but also BPB standards like “Just to See My Holly Home” and “Work Hard/Play Hard,” both with choruses done triumphantly. To close the set, Oldham set his guitar aside and offered a convincing cover of Tyrone Davis’ “Turning Point” with all the arm gesturing and pleading you’d expect from a real soul singer.

Advertisement

In the opening slot, New Zealand’s Bachelorette married Girl Group style with dissonance and electronic blips and beeps and loops. That’s a combination that never gets old for me. Plus, one of the lead singers had a dress ornamented with little light brights. It was a prototype, she told me after the show. Next up: a sound activated one.

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Union keeps pressure on Next article Tuesday’s News