Will Oldham, aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy, has just released his 27th album, The Purple Bird. Fans will find the album sits in a familiar country/Americana groove, but The Purple Bird seems to have a touch more fit, finish, and polish to the writing, recording, and playing. The Purple Bird was produced and engineered by longtime collaborator, David Ferguson, who also co-wrote 7 of the 12 songs on the album.

Other songwriting contributors include bluegrass legend Tim O'Brien, John Anderson, Ronnie Bowman, Tommy Prine, Pat McLaughlin, and Roger Cook, and sessions featured Steve Mackay on bass, Stuart Duncan on fiddle, Russ Pahl on guitars, Pat McLaughlin on mandolin, and Fred Eltringham on drums and percussion. Background vocals by Brit Taylor and Adam Chaffin. There is also some excellent horn, cello, keys, and pedal steel playing, but credits are not readily available.
The record was cut live in Nashville by the above band with minimal takes or fuss, and the live feel and musical interactions are palpable. I have long been a Bonnie "Prince" Billy fan, but this release may be my favorite start to finish. It has beautifully introspective moments, songs that are fun and light-hearted, the playing is deep and moving, and in each instance the music and tones are perfectly woven together with the lyrics to create individual song worlds that are a joy to listen to.
Tape Op is a bi-monthly magazine devoted to the art of record making.
Or Learn More
MORE ENTRIES

BLOG
New Jeff Tweedy song and video, “Feel Free”
August 25, 2025

BLOG
Superchunk's new album, Songs in the Key of Yikes, is out now!
August 22, 2025

BLOG
New Album from Raymond Antrobus and Evelyn Glennie: Aloud
August 19, 2025

BLOG
New Music From John Cale, Gunna, The Black Keys, and More!
August 9, 2025

BLOG
Talking Heads Release More Songs About Buildings and Food (Deluxe Edition)
July 29, 2025

BLOG
New Music From Jamie Lidell: Places of Unknowing
July 18, 2025

BLOG
Gina Birch Releases New Album, Trouble
July 11, 2025

BLOG
New Album Never Enough and “Seeing’ Stars/Birds”video from Turnstile
July 8, 2025

BLOG
Paramore's Zac Farro Releases "1"
July 8, 2025