The foreboding title and cover of Will Oldham’s new album are pretty misleading: the songs within are some of the warmest and most affectionate he’s ever recorded, pushing far more into the sort of traditional, easy-going country sound that he’s sidestepped in the past; some songs soar in this new direction (“Beware Your Only Friend”, “You Don’t Love Me” and “I Am Goodbye” in particular) and some fall flat, but overall the result is something that’s not his most profound release but far too smooth and pleasant to really dislike.

7.5 / 10

Drag City
March 17, 2009