Will Oldham is no stranger to the world of covers — but in his case, it’s more often a matter of near-complete transformation than faithful read-throughs. While the recent The Brave and the Bold covers collaboration with Tortoise didn’t carry much staying power, an earlier kick at the covers can (the cheekily titled More Revery) transformed his targets into material distinctly his own.
For Ask Forgiveness, Oldham stamps his by-now perfected persona on a varied group of songwriters from Danzig to Bjork. From top to bottom, it’s as typically beautiful and original as we’ve come to expect — particularly the loving rendition of Phil Och’s ‘My Life.’ Too bad Devendra Banhart already beat him in the R. Kelly cover-stakes — Oldham’s run-through of ‘The World’s Greatest’ may be somewhat more listenable, but the trick’s already been done.
As a counterpoint to the majestic The Letting Go, Ask Forgiveness shows just how skilled, unforgettable and unique a performer Will Oldham is. Need further proof? Set both records on an iPod mix and just try to tell the covers from the originals.
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