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
Palace
material, for that matter -- it's still an enjoyable album that will please completists. ~ Heather Phares