Here is the third single to be released from Bonnie “Prince” Billy’s forthcoming album “The Purple Bird”. Will Oldham has collaborated with various artists on this new collection and “Downstream” was co-written and recorded with the legendary John Anderson, who was first nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Male Country Vocal Performance all the way back in 1982. Anderson was also recently inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame thanks to his characterful voice and classic songwriting. This is such a gorgeously crafted song, featuring compelling vocal performances and flawless harmonies. Thoughtful, sensitive lyrics convey an important message about our relationship with our world: “What’s in the water? What’s in the wind? // The weather is wilder than it’s ever been // The ocean’s still blue, but it ain’t what it seems // It’s time to remember that we all live downstream.” There’s poetry in the words, perfectly balanced with an arresting melody and timeless arrangement.
Oldham says of working with Anderson: “One of my favourite recorded John Anderson performances is a duet he sang with Merle Haggard called ‘The Winds of Change’ on Merle’s 1996 record. It’s a minor-key ballad about climate change and over-development, the compromise of our environment’s integrity at the hands of humans. ‘Downstream’, though in a major key, hits on the same ideas. I don’t know how to explain how it felt to witness this master of song bring, beautifully and humbly, his experience and expertise to bear on this little recording we were making. Anderson’s singing on the final verse has weight in it, and concern, and love.” Brilliantly put.
Check out “The Purple Bird”, which is out now. Previous singles “Our Home” and “London May” appear alongside “Downstream” in this brilliant collection. It may only be February but keep this in mind when compiling your best-of-the-year lists in December.
