Will Oldham gets crazy with the covers :: Music News :: Articles

Over the past year, Will Oldham has blown up in ways that no one could have possibly predicted a decade ago. How could the maker of such dark, insular folk music as Palace Music and Bonnie 'Prince' Billy become an indie film star, a viral video hero, or a stand-up comedian? Clearly, the man's revealing a new side of himself - no more Darkness to see here.

Continuing with the quirky sensibilities that have carried him to new heights, Oldham is putting together a collection of eight covers for his new album, to be released under his Bonnie 'Prince' Billy moniker. Who gets the Oldham treatment? Well, Pitchfork has been able to confirm that Björk (oooh), Danzig (whoa) and R. Kelly (damn!) will get folkified on Billy's Ask Forgiveness, which arrives in the U.K. (via Domino Records) on Nov. 19 and in the U.S. (via Drag City) the day after. The origins of the other five tracks are in some question, however. Put your sleuthing caps on and see if any of these titles ring a bell:

1. I Came Here to Hear the Music
2. I've Seen It All (Björk cover)
3. Am I Demon (Danzig cover)
4. My Life
5. I'm Loving the Street
6. The Way I Am
7. Cycles
8. The World's Greatest (R. Kelly cover)

Sure, "The Way I Am" is probably a Merle Haggard cover. But wouldn't it be great if Oldham took a stab at Eminem's version instead? Given his recent track record, don't discount the possibility entirely.

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