Gorgeously sensitive and emotional collaborative album between old friends, guitarist and singer-songwriter of folk, Nashville country, Appalachian and some Malian in the mix with guest players. Will Oldham and Matt Sweeney previously released 2005’s Superwolf, so this is something of a longtime follow-up, and somewhat overdue, as their partnership brings out some of their finest work. As well as the quieter, more acoustic material, and the Malian electric guitar elements come in beautifully on three songs that feature Tuareg guitarist Mdou Moctar and his band from Niger, particularly on the livelier Hall of Death, co-written with Ahmoudou Madassane. Oldham’s lyrics as ever contain some memorable and darkly humorous lines such as ‘God can fuck Herself’, as well as the rather moving, including three songs about fatherhood – Good To My Girls, My Popsicle, and Watch What Happens, a lovely description of a daughter gaining awareness of her parents and surroundings. Resist The Urge is also a heartbreakingly tender song about death, urging his loved one not to miss him too much, while one of the most beautiful songs on the album is a version of the traditional I Am A Youth Inclined to Ramble. Delightful from start to finish. Out on Drag City / Domino.
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