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9.0
140104
9.0 |
Albumism
The depth of the production helps deliver this feeling, elevating the sound of The Purple Bird to a place where all of its carefully placed details and rusty joy can be clearly heard, and even more markedly felt
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8.4
140103
8.4 |
Northern Transmissions
His humor, his pathos, his very real concern for the hungry, whether it’s for love or for justice, make any Bonnie “Prince” Billy album a necessary edition to the American songbook
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8.1
140138
8.1 |
Beats Per Minute
It’s weathered, but in a beautiful way. An experience that only improves the more you nestle within its inviting, open corridors, it’s as memorable and kind-hearted as anything in Oldham’s catalogue
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8.0
140128
8.0 |
The Observer
Recorded in Nashville, the American outlier’s latest is concerned with the state of the nation and more, though there’s mischief in there too
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8.0
140036
8.0 |
Uncut
A consummate listen-through that makes highlights hard to pick but "Boise, Idaho", a yearning beauty with a fine arrangement and hints of Glen Campbell, is one. Print edition only
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8.0
140037
8.0 |
Record Collector
The country accompaniments are elegant and often subtle, yet never dreary. Print edition only
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8.0
140038
8.0 |
Mojo
Print edition only
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8.0
140039
8.0 |
musicOMH
Another beautifully crafted slice of Americana, albeit with a more collaborative approach this time, still contains the usual Oldham magic
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8.0
140043
8.0 |
PopMatters
Bonnie Prince Billy’s The Purple Bird reaches its highest points when Will Oldham finds the joy in life, which feels like its own form of resistance
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8.0
140044
8.0 |
The Line Of Best Fit
Executed with palpable warmth and affection for the musical heritage that hovers behind these songs, what could have been an unconvincingly superficial genre exercise emerges as another winningly inviting Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy album
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8.0
140048
8.0 |
The Arts Desk
His hymn to community and fellowship rounds things off with a big smile and a warm hug
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8.0
140055
8.0 |
Far Out
With a talented cast of musicians accompanying Oldham throughout the album, the subtle touches are what make it more emotive rather than the overall form the album takes
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8.0
140068
8.0 |
Spectrum Culture
Warm, textured and political, Oldham’s second “Nashville record” is even better his the first
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7.8
140102
7.8 |
Paste Magazine
The veteran folkster’s latest album is a weird, catchy, effortless homage to the genre’s roots
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7.7
140040
7.7 |
Pitchfork
Recorded in Nashville with seasoned locals, this is Will Oldham’s take on a country album. A sort of companion to his two previous studio LPs, it’s also his best and most focused in some time
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7.0
140041
7.0 |
Clash
It’s not a record that will dazzle anyone into any great epiphany, but while its on, you’ll be sure to find yourself charmed by the obvious sincerity of it all
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6.5
140095
6.5 |
Under The Radar
The Purple Bird is impeccably produced, but has an almost compilation-like feel in the way it shifts sharply through tones, perhaps the result of having so many cooks in the kitchen
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