Nick Cave put The Bad Seeds “out to pasture” for his last few albums, but they’re back!
Our ears particularly welcome the return of Thomas Wylder behind the kit as well as occasional theatrical clangs and hisses provided by percussionist Jim Sclavunos.
Some honorary Bad Seeds of impeccable pedigree were also brought in for album number 18, including bassist Colin Greenwood (Radiohead) and Double R Collective on BVs – gospel choirs have become an important presence in Cave’s work of late.
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“I woke up this morning with the blues all around my head/ I felt like someone in my family was dead…” – Joy’s opening lyrics were inspired by a blues classic (Death Letter by Son House) and give us actual chills in light of the devastation that has been thrust upon Our Nick in recent years.
Further elevated by forlorn, dignified French horn, this standout track also encapsulates the entire record in a single line (delivered by “a wild ghost”): “We’ve all had too much sorrow, now is the time for joy.”
As soon as we recover from Cave’s use of the word “panties”, we’re floored by O Wow O Wow (How Wonderful She Is) as well. This moving tribute to Anita Lane (who died in 2021) closes out with a 2019 phone recording of the former Bad Seed playfully reminiscing – immortalising her childlike wonder and ageless speaking voice.
Cave recently told Stephen Colbert that, on the other side of cumulative grief, “There is joy and there is happiness in a way you could never believe possible”. A triumphant, biblical listening experience, Wild God chronicles Cave letting the light in.
Fun fact: That jaw-dropping, transcendent final build in Conversion was entirely improvised by Cave and the gospel choir.
LABEL: [PIAS]
RELEASE: OUT NOW
