Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Singer’s Grave A Sea Of Tongues

Singer’s Grave

Singer, songwriter and occasional actor Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy (stage name borrowed from several combined sources of inspiration) has put out a record just about once every two years since 1993. Perhaps it’s the grind of generating so much material in such a short amount of time, but Americana inspired Singer’s Grave A Sea of Tongues, while not offensive to the ear, doesn’t add anything notable to the musical canon, country or otherwise.

With only a few exceptions, this album reads as mediocre–musically and lyrically. Billy’s sung melody lines meander aimlessly in most songs, lacking any sense of direction, and consequently, purpose. The lyrics are often a bit clunky; “Nothing is better/nothing is best/We are unhappy/we are unblessed/We are unfound/we are unseen/Nothing is coming/and nothing is clean.” The combined result are songs that are not convincing, lack meaningful depth, and are hardly memorable.

There are several tracks on this album, such as “There Will Be Spring” or “It’s Time to Be Clear” in a triple meter, a welcome deviation from most country or popular music. The addition of violin on tunes like “New Black Rich (Tusks),” however grating and scratchy the tone can be, also adds marginal interest. On many tracks, Billy is joined by additional solo or a choir of voices, particularly during the chorus, to punch these country songs up.

Out of all the tracks, with a two-step drum beat, violin, and alternating between major and minor keys, “Quail and Dumplings” stands out as having some flare worth hearing. The title-influenced track, “Singer’s Grave a Sea of Sheep” comes across as the most heartfelt: “It’s okay/you can say I’ve had my day/but my god and I don’t see it that way.” Billy’s haunting vocal tone complements a rich guitar background in a slow triple meter, and feels like it meant something. Too bad it took so long to get there, this being the last track on the album.

The album title is maybe more thought-provoking than the music itself. Even then, completely skipping Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy’s Singer’s Grave A Sea of Tongues isn’t the end of the world. Perhaps this is the singer’s grave, because it’s hard to find a pulse.