Bill Mallonee’s Ongoing Achievements

We’ve said it before, but it’s worth saying again. Bill Mallonee is easily the most prolific artist making music today. His stream of new releases — most available as downloads from billmalloneemusic.bandcamp.com — seem to arrive a rate of one every six weeks, and sometimes more frequently as well.

Happily then, Mallonee has never had to sacrifice quality for quantity. Every one of his albums hold its own, coming across as an exquisite set of songs that easily stands up to anything that’s come before. The man’s a veritable powerhouse when it comes to songwriting, and while his early work wit the Vigilantes of Love set the bar, he never fails to rise to those heights.

The Rags of Absence, recorded with a newer band, THe Big Sky Ramblers, is no exception. Like most of his music, the themes take a decidedly spiritual stance, but Mallonee isn’t the kind to preach or pontificate. Instead, these are songs that speak from a powerfully personal point of view. “All the paths lead to the mountaintop,” he decalres on the title track. “But, God, it seems so steep.”

“These were big theme songs that all fit together,” Mallonee says in summing up the set. Lots of ‘exploration’ of multi-layered guitars. I wanted eloquent ‘conversations’ between them, really. I’ve been playing lap steel, a lot on the last few albums, so sometimes the guitars and steel are atmospheric, sometimes just straight out rocking. But, really? It was the themes: Love, Loss, Grief and Resurrection…the classic stuff.”

That compelling sound he describes makes The Rags of Absence worth revering, but then again, the same can be said for each of his albums. Mallonee’s well-worn vocals impart a sense of remorse and reflection, but on certain songs like “Nothing Here Was Meant To Last” and “Coverin’ Ground,” the music brings to mind Neil Young in all his faded glory. Other tracks like “Mesmerized,” “The World’s Tip Jar” and “Boom & Bust (Most Decent Folks,” he conveys a sense of tattered determination. As well he should. After staking out a career in the indie underbelly, Mallonee’s earned the credence he deserves.