As a champion of uncompromising, under-represented music, the late John Peel earned tremendous respect from artists who visited him at the BBC to record sessions for his radio show. In fact, many would strive to do something unique or special for him, either debuting new material or reimagining something familiar.
Will Oldham is no stranger to fresh takes. When asked why he might record multiple versions of the same song, he balked at the notion of renditions, suggesting instead that each performance represented its own existential time and place. Thats what comes to mind on Pond Scum, a collection of three Peel Sessions recorded over eight years, beginning in the early stages of Oldhams establishing his voice.
A masterful, mystical interpreter, Oldham conjures a new mood for Death To Everyone, unfurls an intense lost original called Beezle, and strikes at the gospel core of Princes The Cross. Primarily alone with his guitar and voice, Oldham is a captivating commander putting across a rare kind of transparent, emotional urgency. He is singing for John Peel were fortunate to listen in.
Top track: Jolly One (2/15)
