The Wonder Show of the World
by Bonnie ”˜Prince’ Billy & The Cairo Gang
LABEL: Drag City

The Wonder Show of the World is a stripped down and soulful album even for Will Oldham—a.k.a. the Bonnie ”˜Prince’ Billy—who has, for several decades, made a career out of being one of the most genuine, and quietly talented, singer-song writers in existence. Wonder Show might not be the best introduction to the prolific musician massive discography, but it's as interesting and effecting as anything he's ever done.

The albums opener, “Troublesome Houses,” is a steadily unwinding, roots/country ballad about a man who loses his wife and his family to an addiction—presumably—to prostitutes. Though Oldham is usually known for his doom and gloom, this song—and the rest of the album—is tempered with a sort of tragic optimism. He’s sad about his wife, sure, but just not quite ready to give his lifestyle up. It's perhaps a sign of a mellowing in Bonnie ”˜Prince’ Billy, and gives the album a redemptive air.

Wonder Show is all about relationships; between lovers, family, friends, even musicians—the Cairo Gang, who back him up here, weave their voices delicately around his, and their playing is similarly reserved. It bursts out and unfolds only when necessary, such as in the bluesy "Teach Me To Bear You,” which ends in a ragged solo.

Ultimately, The Wonder Show of the World proves to be a pretty apt title—this is a man in thrall of both the good and bad in life—and many of the songs have a reverential, spiritual quality, whether he's singing about domestic abuse, or slow disillusionment. It might not win Bonnie ”˜Prince’ Billy many new converts, but for those with the patience to let the album grow on them, it's another great release amongst a string of many.


REVIEWED BY MAT LINDENBERG
MAT’S FAVE TRACKS:“Merciless and Great” • “Troublesome Houses” • “The Sounds Are Always Begging”
Read more from Mat on his blog, Everything is Unnecessary