To Bonnie Prince Billy, it is clear who was the best troubadour ever. It was Merle Haggard. His latest effort Best Troubadour is completely dedicated to the songs that were written and sung by the great Hag. Over the course of little less of an hour of music, sixteen distinct songs permeate listener's soul. All of these songs were recorded before Haggard died, and Billy released them just recently. The album functions as Billy's candid homage to his idol.
I would like for Rod Steward to do a cover of my song because then it would be sold more, said funny Bonnie Prince Billy few years ago. The case of his Haggard cover album is a totally opposite story. There are no Hag's big hits here (there are only two chart-worthy tracks), so the album is mostly oriented towards unknown and beautiful country numbers that say a lot with just a few words. Bonnie Prince Billy is one of those guys who do whatever the fuck they want, which, I guess, is unfortunate to his producers and managers.
Unpredictable and original, Billy created an impressive discography and small, but loyal fanbase. On his artistic road, he saw darkness. It is enough to refer to one of his albums that was a music manifestation of fortune cookies. The last time he dedicated an album to his idol was when he was singing Grateful Dead catalogue.
Careful listener probably heard the influence of honky-tonky genius in Billy's sound. Best Troubadour comes off as the perfect interpretation of Haggard's music. As any true fan would, Billy made a tiny improvisations without being disrespectful to the original. The album was record in a small studio, with pedal-guitar squealing in the background. The unconventional approach in song selection did not bring us typical Hag's look on heavy physical work, alcohol and jumping off the moving train (with The Fugitive being the only exception). Everything is pulsating with classic county, and the narrative leads you through the path already walked by Hank Williams in Ramblin' Man. Vagabond nomad is the main protagonist, btw, so If that doesn't attract you, I don't know what will.
My favorites: I'm Always On A Mountain When I Fall, The Day the Rains Came, I Always Get Lucky With You and Roses In The Winter. Let me know what are yours. And yes, I really do expect you to listen to this instant classic cover album.
