Back On The Horse

Lie Down In The Light
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy
Drag City, 2008
4 stars 3.5 stars

The Letting Go was a kind of break-up album - a disarming, bittersweet stroll back over years of fond memories. Compared to its predecessor, Lie Down In The Light might as well be called The Getting Back Up. It sounds like the Prince is getting his spark back, and the result is a more upbeat collection of rootsy, folky Americana, with all the subtly-rich musicality of the former. There's still hints of longing (Missing One is definitely some of his best work) but for the most part it's Oldham at his positive, ponderous and overtly-lyrical best. Lie Down is the perfect follow-up.

Artwork: A

Published in mX, Thursday May 22, 2008.