Released in 2016 on Drag City
Format: LPx2, 33rpm (LP1), 45rpm (LP2)
Overview
A far cry from the sparse folk usually recorded under the many monikers of Will Oldham, “Epic Jammers and Fortunate Little Ditties” finds his intimate voice and warbly acoustic guitar enveloped by cosmic drones, blooming synths, airy flutes, and hypnotic tape loops provided by Chicagoan new age trio, Bitchin Bajas. The lyrics are essentially fortune cookie mantras and, while there’s a chance they’re tongue-in-cheek, it’s difficult not to smile and feel a brightening of the spirit when hearing uplifting phrases like “Your hard work is about to pay off, keep on keepin’ on” or “you and your whole family are well” get repeated over and over. This collaboration is a soothing, heartwarming listen and a refreshing change-of-pace from Oldham’s tendency towards melancholy and solemn lyrical content.
