The Brave and the Bold

Uncut - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[A] fine album that shows two of the independent sector's most intriguing artists coming up with further surprises." The Wire - "The chemistry between Oldham and the group is evident from the off....There's such a feel of fresh invention about this set that soon one is compiling one's own fantasy covers album for these guys to tackle..." Rolling Stone - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he combined powers of Bonnie 'Prince' Billy and Tortoise can add a spacey sort of malaise to absolutely anything..." Mojo - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[M]ore than a curiosity....[With] many moments of complex, haunting, beauty -- nuanced as opposed to ear-battering, techno-symphonic cleverness." Entertainment Weekly - "[T]he pair infuse all their interpretations with an aura of foreboding, especially on 'Daniel,' which turns Elton's bittersweet, sun-kissed song into a beautifully eerie, creeping ballad." -- Grade: B+ Uncut (02/06, p.76) - 4 (out of 5) - "...a fine album that shows two of the independent sector's most intriguing artists coming up with further surprises.." Word (02/06, p.113) - "...an oddly satisfying parallel universe rock music both familiar and alien."

'The Brave And The Bold' is the first collaboration between Will Oldham and Tortoise and sees the two cover various classic rock songs. Delivered in the usual Tortoise style of electronic drones, free-jazz beats and Kraut-Rock guitars the album has the added bonus of Oldham's distinctive vocals, which completely transforms songs such as Elton John's 'Daniel' and Bruce Springsteen's 'Thunder Road'.|

春頃からリリースが噂されていた、シカゴの頭脳＝トータスと哀愁の吟遊詩人＝ボニー“プリンス”ビリーによるカヴァー・アルバムがついに届きました。エルトン・ジョン、ブルース・スプリングスティーン、ドン・ウィリアムスなど、大御所たちの名曲を見事にミュータント化しています。前半は音圧高めのトータス色、後半はしっとり物憂げなボニー色。〈ブラジルの声〉ことミルトン・ナシメントのカヴァーは感涙もの!
bounce (C)大久保 洋二