Anomoanon - Asleep Many Years in the Wood
(Temporary Residence)
Having to compare and contrast this album to any other is a shame, but all things considered, I can't really write about Anomoanon without mentioning
Will Oldham. First of all, Anomoanon is led by Will's brother, Ned. Secondly, Ned has played on the majority of Will's albums. Third (presumably as a result of the first two), Anomoanon sounds very similar to Will's many projects—from the songwriting, instrumentation, style, attitude, pacing and lyrics down to the melodies and tone of the vocals. Furthermore, not only does Will show up in the backing vocals on one track, it seems most of the Oldham family stopped by the studio at different points as Jennie and Paul Oldham are credited with backups in addition to a crying baby on the opening track (Sam Oldham).
Despite sounding so much like a two of his brother's best albums (his most recent, Master and Everyone and Palace's Lost Blues and Other Songs), Asleep Many Years in the Wood proves Ned more than capable of standing on his own two legs. From the explosive slide guitar / harmonica line of "Ain't Skeert" and the crushing harmonies of "One That Got Away" (which captures the magic of one of Will's best songs, "West Palm Beach"), to the artfully crafted ebbs and swoons of the opener, "Sixteen Ways," this album serves as an essential entry in the Oldham discography. The only thing Anomoanon doesn't offer is Will's inimitable character. There aren't any completely bizarre moments such as "Come a Little Dog" from Will's second album (unless you count the random, out of tune keyboard drone in the first verse of "Complaint"). For some, the absence of Will's absurdity may actually be a big improvement!
So while it's too bad that Ned isn't likely to ever outgrow being "Will Oldham's brother," he has nonetheless recorded an album that outshines many of his brother's.
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