Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - Master & Everyone

Master and Everyone takes sparseness to a whole new level, almost being comparable to Pink Moon in just how shockingly lonely it seems. Despite this, it's easily one of Oldham's most beautiful pieces of work, and undoubtedly his most delicate. It's very much an album all about little tiny details, such as the deathly-silent count-off that starts the album on "The Way," the weird windy sounds on "Wolf Among Wolves," or the creepy ambience that starts "Joy and Jubilee." Oldham is a master at just crafting warm pieces of music that don't necessarily beat you up with their sadness or despair, as much as they do comfort you when you're alone or barely awake. That's perhaps the greatest strength of the album in general; it's difficult to call it a sad album, because I've literally put this on in every mood I can think of. I've put this on when I'm driving up north to the woods in Maine, first-thing in the morning at the record store I work at, during chill times with friends and family at home, or when I'm at my lowest and I just need a hug; Oldham provides all that. - Sputnikmusic.com