So the “Prince” of Darkness does have a lighter side after all. As Will Oldham’s sixth solo album recorded under his favoured moniker is his brightest to date. Perhaps he’s now mindful of William Carlos Williams’ expression, “In summer, the song sings itself” or maybe he just prefers his eggs sunny-side up these days.  

That’s not to say Oldham hasn’t previously succumbed to inner frivolity before. Witness his acceptance of filmaker Caveh Zahedi’s suggestion that they take magic mushrooms together on camera. The subsequent 30-minute documentary Tripping With Caveh came out in 2004. For an artist who craves the privacy Bob Dylan enjoys, it was a remarkable act of openness.

The album’s undoubtable highlights come in the form of BPB’s duets with Ashley Webber. In particular, ‘You Want That Picture’ which starts off as a near cover of The Beatles’ ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ before metamorphosing into a Silver Jews track. An upbeat Silver Jews track.

(4/5)