Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - I See A Darkness, Cph 2007-03-23

[Wyndhamhp]

greatest song writer of the last 20 years

[mazndz]

didnt imagine him having such a whopper beard

he pulls it off

[lilleblomst84]

Fucking brilliant.

[sgtschmitty8013]

johnny cash's version is the one i like better

[rosshorn812]

@clijoco check out his song there is no god

[littlebigJACOB]

@Jobbization Anyone who uses giant silly billy in a comment is obviously 8.

[paulmcneill]

@littlebigJACOB post-dramatic stress?! lmfao, seriously - stop it, your killing me!

[littlebigJACOB]

@Jobbization the act or practice of manufacturing a variety of products, investing in a variety of securities, selling a variety of merchandise, etc., so that a failure in or an economic slump affecting one of them will not be disastrous. This makes his music interesting? His UN-development makes his songs so dumb.

[peanutfoot]

@littlebigJACOB Can't tell if troll or just very stupid.

[littlebigJACOB]

@peanutfoot #1 People that call people trolls are immature. #2 I am not stupid you are for liking this guy. #3 This is not music to be enjoyed! All of it is so depressing. I knew a kid that listened to depressing music for a year and he now has post-dramatic stress. Really? And what do you do live in your parents basement? Then smoke pot to this song?! I really do think that everyone that actually likes his music is in fact NOT sober!

[peanutfoot]

@littlebigJACOB Oh, you got me. I smoke pot to this song in my parents' basement every Wednesday, right after my weekly therapist appointment to deal with my post-dramatic stress. If only I hadn't listened to depressing music for a year. Now I am addicted and a sad man and in fact NOT sober.

(Really, the only sad thing about me is that I'm making fun of a twelve-year-old on YouTube. I need to get out more.)

[SuperSquishface]

@littlebigJACOB

You judgemental fool, go away...why are you watching this then?

[monkeyboy6676]

this guy sings from the gut, so what if he changes the lyrics and melody? no autotune or protools on his recordings, oh shit!.... maybe some of us like real music!

[littlebigJACOB]

To all of Bonnie Prince Billys' fans. Is it aware to you that he changes the lyrics and the melody of the song? Why do like him?! And why is he so famous? Really!!!!????

[peanutfoot]

@littlebigJACOB It's not aware to me, but I am aware of it, yes.

And lots of musicians today change their songs a little as time goes on because songs live beyond the album recordings. It's called development.

[littlebigJACOB]

@peanutfoot Development is achieving, and making higher in level. Which the very first version of his song was not half bad. But un-developing his songs by warping the melody and lyrics is pretty stupid. Sure, Nirvana did acoustic versions of there songs. Bonnie Prince Billy just made bullshit.

[1958jimmymac]

Hey litllebigyoda - thanks for coming right out with it ! You're a hero ! - All us poor suckers who really liked this guy are now put straight. I'm gonna burn his cd's.

[littlebigJACOB]

@1958jimmymac Littlebigyoda115 says this, but really he is my cousin and he listens to this song 5-10 times a day. He is just trying to act cool bye making fun of the most sucky music composer of all time.

[LittleBigYoda115]

i will come out and say it... how can u guys think he has talent? everytime he goes on stage he changes the lyrics and melody.... not to mention his extreme pronounciation on the letter 's'....

[littlebigJACOB]

@LittleBigYoda115 Yeah cousin this is why he is your favorite music composer. Stop trying to make yourself look stupid by saying this when clearly, you watch and listen to this song a good 5-10 times a day!

[karaloca]

I can hear a fat guy going round and round his legs on a kids tricycle.

[mepnomis]

@karaloca  H ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. I hear him too. Ha.

[coupelikeacaravan]

he's a rich city kid who can't sing

[iknowme]

I want to say "why doesn't he just sing it normally" but he's probably been singing this song every night for over ten years so he can do whatever the fuck he wants with it by now.

[singercity40]

@iknowme well, that's the way he sings. if you don't think about it when your singing, you sing the way you sing.

does that make any sense?

Ed

[TheHeardman]

sounds like someones putting up a shelf in the backround

[moodswyng]

You're claimed to be Will Oldham, but you're just Bonnie Prince Billy! You're a poser!

[shauncytheboom]

This is what its all about!!!!!!! Right at the source.

[TheAlamoKid]

He needs to get a job.

[zarbar2]

@TheAlamoKid He has a job

[hobosapiens]

at the last second he reminds me of Predator facing Schwarzenegger.

[DrWeiland]

DK"Endelig en sang som lever op til sin titel" - UK/US "finally a song living up to its title"

post scriptum: I like the sneeze *times* many… Great going DK, fraks!

[ghaibboy]

wow this is deep man !! i smell theres real pain there

[Skywatcher4ever]

very good song, in a world where so much music means nothing

[Csaw85]

Does anyone know when the movie he's going to be in will come out???

[Pauljacksonish]

this guy rules.. one great song.. strange delivery but great too.. if you are into this stuff check my tune out 'hold on' cheers

[mgriff123]

Great songwriter. Like this? Try the English poet and singer Fernando Smith on YouTube

[jlang357]

this dude sucks. wtf

[artrue13]

adore him

[Tulleth100]

Beautiful song, Never gets boring.

[palmostositive]

too dramatic. the album is fucking awesome. live = will x 10.

[rantsbooger]

Who gives a ss hyyyite how old he looks!He's brilliant!

[mangyfish69]

he looks 50, but he's 39

[Angie64STL]

@clijoco I never knowed about this great singer, but i love the way he tell us about the way he feels

[Angie64STL]

Its so very beautiful...Its the way I just feel

[MrSm2400]

the best

[lifestraight]

Why did he growl at 3:36?

[bathfan4]

i used to think the cash version was better but i've just realised how awesome this version is

[hitmanamator]

i joue dla guitare?

[jaykona]

colic ben oui :O

[hitmanamator]

hey,c lgros barbus!:P

[TheOneFar]

Incredible

[richmckee]

While I give BB credit for writing one of the most amazing songs I've ever heard, no one delivers like Johnny Cash. Cash's voice moves me in a way that almost no one else's can.

[szyroki]

This man is a genius, the most heart-touching singer-songwriter I know. His song are incredibly intense with the unsaid. And this one is my favourite.

I love Cash but Will Oldham positively owns this song.

[jogreeen]

Have you seen this dude in the movie Matewan.

[thetruegents]

this is fucking amazing

[Didgebaba]

Genius,

[LP4ever94]

this is the best version on youtube...

[buglous1]

I think BB's version is more expressive - and more so live. JCash's version seems tighter and more rhythmic to me - and gets me bored more quickly.

Great song though, Cash had great taste.

[somalcan]

i like johnny cash's version too..

[JeffSayYes]

yeah, but this is not a studio version. BpB has the prettiest voice.

[deatheater459]

man i wish he would have done this song when he came to nashville D: i love it and this version is beautiful

[HelenScan1]

Musically and lyrically this is the best description of depression ever... not a great subject but fantastically done. And it's just a great song anyway whatever life brings. Thanks

[Ashokasection]

wow. he sings the words like its first time he think about this. direct and passionately. i cant stop listening to this at this moment

[chicoetereo]

He does poop gold...

[NotoriousElderly0]

Myth Busted.

[littlebigJACOB]

@NotoriousElderly0 HAHA HOW?

[StripTheSoul83]

@littlebigJACOB: Wow, finally the cause of my depression has been revealed!

Never again, Bonnie Prince Billy, Tom Waits, Diamanda Galás, Matt Elliot, etc...begone, you devils!

[Gorilladin]

3:37 *

[embassy1010]

I love this song on the record, but this performance was a bit too rough for me. He doesn't seem to be making any attempt to sing the melody or even sing in tune with the guitar. Even the phrasing is way off. And the words. And he got a chord or two wrong. At least he found his way to the stage...

[dogbunny]

he isn't trying to sing the melody...he's changed the melody. this version is simply different than others, which is nothing new for him.

[SyrodaBawagi]

If you want to hear the original melody, listen to the CD.

[mAttthhheaLy]

it's his song. he can sort of play it how he likes...

[embassy1010]

Did I suggest otherwise?

[mAttthhheaLy]

yes.

[embassy1010]

Umm, where?

[joelvicent]

Canción memorable, un auténtico manifiesto de la pena de vivir y la esperanza infinita de suplir esa pena no sabemos con qué. enorme, dulce, triste, conmovedora.

[torkaerius]

LOL XD

[migueloptero]

una canción capaz de justificar una discografia completa. pena, es mejor la del disco...

[puentez]

i think this is the best song ever. i thank Johnny Cash for opening my eyes to Will Oldham way back whenever.

[puentez]

-- or ears. opening my ears. or maybe just my damn soul.

[ghl81]

The problem with BPB live is that he either forgets, or for artistic reasons chooses not to sing, the original melodies of the songs. Shame, because the melodies are nice.

[alcoholicasas]

A lot of this has to do with the make-up of his backing band. He doesn't often have people who stay with him for an entire tour, and he's flexible: he'll change an arrangement if it's a better fit for the band.

Or if he feels like doing something different. And often times he does.

I like going to his concerts knowing that it's going to be different than listening to his albums. I wish more concerts were like that.

[SyrodaBawagi]

Agreed. If you want to hear what was on the album, listen to the album. If you want to experience the song live, go to a show. I applaud artists who can bring a new light to a song in nearly every performance, so long as it is, in fact, a good light. There exists also a great many artists who're incapable of reproducing studio success who simply butcher their own music instead.

In a nutshell, with BPB you're getting your money's worth, both on album and on stage.

[soonersrule07]

incredible.

[pkdick67]

i don't think i know a more beautiful song than this in the last years....

[bobbelibob]

Very beautiful.

[3ertin]

Behind you! A Darkness!

[LukeCaveman]

no disrespect to Mr. Oldham, a true genius, mastermind behind this and many other beatiful songs, but this commentis the funniest thinkable comment on this song, i laughed so hard i was crying. Thanks Billy and thanks 3ertin! All the best from Luke

[affordablemonkey]

ha! too true. i cried a little bit, and then vomited a little also, because i laughed so hard.  ew. ha!

[billyliberty]

I watched Matewan for the tenth time or so and it's always strange to see the young Will Oldham in that film. Wonderful by the way; Sayles is great.

[Sakulla]

Great song, I always get emotional when I hear it. The Johnny Cash version is great too. Thanks for posting it.

[kbodness]

One of my favorite songs, Will is a role model of mine, his songs are so eloquent and introspective. Thank god for Jeffrey Lewis' song "Williamsburg Will Oldham Horror", which peaked my interest. Jeffrey Lewis reminds me of Oldham, while more simple lyrically Lewis has a similar philosophy of life that is easily apparent in his music.

[paullybizzle]

i see him at bars often in louisville. we also like to eat at the same sandwich place. he has a couple houses in louisville. one he sleeps in and one for music. we are all proud of him.

[newestmember2000]

i love will. I'm glad, that if all goes well, i'm gonna see him for the first time live on 22nd of april in AB in Brussels, Begium!

[jacomosfree]

Admire Cash for what he has made out of this song, regarding the arrangement as well as the vocals.

[OPCXZNN]

Oldham is great. His music is some of the best and that he looks so damn awesome is just a big plus.

[garamigergely]

Great song

[thevortexsurfer]

sad, sad sad

[johnbourbon]

i like that he makes no effort to alter his scalp.

love you, will.

[subsamadhi]

I love the fact that he is goofy and weird and doesn't give a shit. An inspiration to us all.

[johnbourbon]

indeed. it probably doesn't hurt that it's payin the bills...

[chrisbb33]

GREAT!

[SaZooCaballero]

So you have the album "I See A Darkness" "Bonnie by 'Prince' Billy" ? no? well if its good enough for Johnny Cash it should be good enough for you.

"Experimental" really? you live i a very small world.

"really terrible to listen to (imho). Incomparable to Cash's version really. " really? Maybe its not Bonnie, maybe its your crappy palate.

[mjmcnult]

You simply need to sit down and listen to the original. Then you will understand.

[9eyeh8chu9]

the tone of his voice is similar to jerry garcia kinda.

[londonhill777]

Love love love love love love you Bonnie Prince Billy!

[birdstuckinchimney]

My personal feelings so far on BPB are as follows; Lyrics about 6 maybe 7 out of 10. Melodies about the same. Instrumental ability 3 out of 10.

[Duppetiduu]

Don't forget "fmt=22" for better sound quality.

[veryspecialguests]

hey.. me and my friend spent two summers ago singing this song, and what a song it is. words cant explain. Today.... two years and a bit later I have looked up this song... because my father is close to death, again words fail me.... I'm looking for consolation. Were all in this TOGETHER!

[jeevesondaoad2002]

Does he make EVERYONE feel as if he wrote this song just for them ?

[panchamkauns]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

[DushiGG]

@jeevesondaoad2002 Of course it was written just for me. I mean, who else could it be?

[PTS74]

Or a linky to an mp3 recording of this performance :D

[PTS74]

Wish the whole song was here for CD burning purposes. Poster, do you have any more of this gig? Thanks.

[willsells]

I could hear a pin drop. Wow, how he can silence a crowd. I notice one thing that makes him different is his actor background which enables him to play out all the different characters he sings about in his songs.

[HiAdrian]

Great.

[obldst]

sublime

[jizzy00jarsh]

god i love will...

lol it kinda looks like he could pull his bottom lip over the top of his head :]

[otterpopable]

Such a beautiful track, he is awesome

[iszek]

like it

[kadane7777777]

i don't want to be blasphemic, but i hate the way he changes the singing melodies. live, he does that with every song.

[crckntoast]

Oh I think that's the best thing in the world.

[scarpath]

I like Johnny Cash's version best.

[iceaxe56]

just show what someone with no talent at all--can still perform to people

[primemover80]

wow that is harsh. Have you ever heard one of his records?

[Jansigurdblack]

well.. he do got a talent for performance and storytelling, in addition to a great song writing talent and he knows how to use his voice in the right way. So in every way he is talented. It is just not that easy to spot it at the first glance. But this guy is truly special.

[Bigpineapple]

Critics are funny things... Although they are so fast to find problems and insult, they can never ever reproduce what they're insulting. I.e you will never be able to do what will's doing ol' chap.

[iceaxe56]

But you still have to face the fact-HE CAN"T SING

[GoneAsGoneCanBe]

Sure he can...compared to other "folk" music artists... i.e. Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan or even Tom Waits....... all of em have ' in a traditional sense, horrible voices..... but they work for them...and for me.... and id like to say that you sir are a tool..those who cannot do.... well i would type 'teach' here but good god..... i really dont want you teaching my children....

[iceaxe56]

you must be a big fan--as for the personal atttacks kiss my ass-i just made a statemnet which seems like everyone agrees--with the question-who in the hell buys his cds--you compare him to dylan and tom waits--that shows you don't know what the hell your talking about

[birdstuckinchimney]

That really depends on how one defines singing don't you think? People who say that 'X' can't sing, even though 'X' has an enormous fan base, always strike me as having way too much self importance. You might as well say "I am the final authority on what defines singing". Thinking that way strikes me as a form of musical dogma or fundamentalism that would be really unhealthy to the progression of the art if too many people were to hold it.

[birdstuckinchimney]

"He will never do what Will's doing"? That's hardly a problem for someone who thinks what "Will's doing" is crap. What's more for all you know iceaxe56 may well be an extremely talented individual, your insistance that he isn't is based on nothing more than your hurt feelings over his cooments on BPB. Fans are funny things...they always take negative comments about their idolised ones so personally.

[Bigpineapple]

Ok- i retract what i said regarding his ability to reproduce what "will's doing" HOWEVER, i don't understand why people have to insult artists... I just don't understand. I understand this may not be to everbody's taste but why can't they just keep their opinions to themselves? I don't go around posting comments on other videos saying "URGH, HE/SHE HAS NO TALENT ARGH"- i just move along and let them enjoy it...

[birdstuckinchimney]

Indeed, which is exactly the point I made in my comments to iceaxe. Mind you I don't think negative comments are completely uncalled for. I think it can be very usefull at times to hear others opininions on the artists I love, even if they are negative. The important thing from where I sit is that if someone wants to make a negative comment, they should give a reasonable explanation of the comment and secondly the they should own it as "only their opinion"

[Bigpineapple]

indeed, i agree with you've said :) - especially about the reasonable explanation following comments. i'm glad that has been solved :)

[mejliw]

what the hell does he do with his mouth at the end of the song? Reminds me of Edward Norton in Fight Club when he is in a meeting and he shows his teeth (all fallen apart).

[ayeyeyeyeye]

if you like bonnie prince billy download(is free)"quando arriva la gente si sente meglio" that is an italian band's Ep. This band is called "Numero 6" and bonnie sing the first song: "da piccolissimi pezzi". Bye from Italy

[NastySlashinBro]

RIGHTEOUS!

[jonasnilaus]

Ha! I saw you filming. I was sitting right behind you. Great concert, though incredibly long (three hours almost)..

[zeldagoblin]

How cool is that! Youtube brings ppl together =D

[yonimiller]

Tottaly! (-;

[LoneFuckingWolf]

I love this man! You are so fucking great i actually started crying now, but I'm drunk so.. Anyway this was GREAT! thank you!!

[iatethecloudsforyou]

i wish the recording was this...i didnt much care for the album version

[melikesk]

Doesn't he look like Nietzsche??

[PommeNoir]

3 min 38 ahahahhhahha

[PAULLONDEN]

"Demons"....as in;personal troubles.

[iatethecloudsforyou]

we all got demons. the artists and people i like the most are those who are open with them as they are with joy.

[PAULLONDEN]

Bolly "prince" belly...more like.

[schwipschwap]

what do you mean?

[PAULLONDEN]

Sorry....I was a bit flippant,

Sometimes it's exciting when people

excorcise their demons in public;

this is just plain boring.

[ch90000]

how is he exorcising demons?

[alkrin]

you do understand that music does NOT involve your sence of sight, if youre that shallow, go check out mtv or some disgusting fad that will be dead in a year.

i hope you reply to this, you can laugh if you want, laughter is the first sign of fear

[PAULLONDEN]

Oh well...fear is in all of us,

it makes for bad entertainment though.

[PAULLONDEN]

Sadly there's not much too laugh here,

Billy made the ultimate writers sin,

by putting in the word "I" ,17 times here.

[iatethecloudsforyou]

so are you watching this this many times or are you coming here just to nag more?

[PAULLONDEN]

I was asked to elaborate by Alkrin,

otherwise you would'nt have seen

me here anymore,

I'm going for the light,seeya/

[ch90000]

i still can't understand what you're saying at all

[Questpeace]

Yeah, I mean, first person narrative? What the fuck is that shit?!

[PAULLONDEN]

Will will be pleased with your intelligent

reaction here,Mr.Slush,

Still....nice to see you laugh./

[slashfoot]

im glad you are pleased, now enjoy the song!!