Will Oldham

Will Oldham's Ode Music, the soundtrack to Kelly Reichardt's film of the same name, takes the simplicity of his style to an extreme -- with just a few simple, endlessly repeated acoustic guitar figures and some muted pianos and organs, he creates a subtly captivating suite of film music. The album's hypnotic nature also makes it pleasant background music; the Eastern music-meets-bluegrass feel of "Ode #2" and the brittle sadness of "Ode #4" are particularly affecting. Though this album lacks the sweep and scope of Joya and I See a Darkness -- or any of Oldham's Palace material, for that matter -- it's still an enjoyable album that will please completists. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide