Will Oldham plays country-tinged folk, but that's only the tip of the iceberg; he just as readily embraces rock, Celctic and blues in his music. Lyrically, reoccuring themes include sex, drinking and God. Oldham, also, has recorded under various names, including his own, many variations of the name "Palace" and, currently, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy (and I was very excited when I learned the other day that he'll be coming to my town in June). Here are three albums that are the best place to start with this man, along with brief descriptions:
Palace Music--Viva Last Blues (1995)
The closest to a straight rock record Oldham has made. Highlights: "More Brother Rides," "The Mountain Low" (where I got this thread's title) and "New Partner."
Palace Brothers--Days in the Wake (1994)
Just Oldham and his guitar, but the lo-fi quality recording adds an erieness to Oldham's often unsettling songs. Highlights: "Pushkin" and "I Am a Cinematographer."
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy--I See a Darkness (1999)
Arguably his best release, Pitchforkmedia even declared it one of the top ten albums of the 90s. The songs strike a greater balance between morose and uplift than anything he's done prior (the title track, by the way, was later covered by Johnny Cash); it's also his most varied album to date. Highlights: The whole fucking record, really, but check out "Nomadic Revery" (the last minute-and-a-half of this song gives me chills), "I See a Darkness," "Death to Everyone" and "Madeline-Mary."