Bonnie “Prince” Billy & The Cairo Gang - The Wonder Show Of The World

Not quite the wonder stuff

Perhaps he keeps his real genre experiments for ridiculous cameos the likes of remixing Hot Chip and appearing in Kanye West videos. But while these unconfirmed jokes are themselves in danger of becoming a little stale, the ridiculously prolific (21-andcounting studio and live albums in 17 years) alt.country fiddler Will Oldham cuts the ribbon on a Wonder Show that’s in danger of suggesting he has little else to do under the BPB moniker but cannibalise himself.

When the formula’s flawless, it’s astounding, such as on last year’s Beware – a mix of the heartbreaking and hilarious that probably got closest to revealing the emotions behind that poker face. Wonder Show, however, doesn’t quite hit that mark. There are musical nods to scuzzy, low-key Neil Young, beautifully enhanced with gospel backing vocals that, when catching you off-guard, lift much of the album to salvation-levels of joy – particularly affecting on With Cornstalks Or Among Them. Elsewhere, it’s business as usual; but while Oldham will always remain royalty to the devoted, this Wonder Show’s just a bit more carny funfair than Body Worlds exhibition.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

Domino | WIGCD 257

Reviewed by Jason Draper
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