Willi Carlisle, “Victorious Wings”
ALBUM OF THE DAY
Willi Carlisle, “Winged Victory”
By Ben Salmon
· June 30, 2025
Willi Carlisle is a profoundly gifted folk singer and storyteller, a versatile multi-instrumentalist, and a captivating live performer. His recent albums, 2022’s Peculiar, Missouri and 2024’s Critterland, brim with thoughtful lyrics, timeless melodies, intriguing characters, and, above all, Carlisle’s unwavering belief in the power of love—extending not only to our nearest and dearest but to all. “The heart’s a big tent,” he expresses in Peculiar’s opening track. “You gotta let everybody in.”
On his latest album, Winged Victory, Carlisle remains an earnest Midwesterner, weaving a rich tapestry of traditional folk sounds with his unique quirks. This album features seven original songs alongside four carefully chosen covers that explore universal themes of love, loss, and labor. The tranquil, Celtic-inflected interpretation of “Beeswing,” originally by renowned folk artist Richard Thompson, beautifully showcases the emotion in love. The lively tribute “Old Bill Pickett” by Mark Ross, celebrates a fallen Black cowboy with warmth and respect. Included too is a whimsical rendition of Lavender Country’s queer anthem “Cryin’ These Cocksucking Tears,” and a poignant bluegrass take on the protest song “We Have Fed You All For 1000 Years,” reflecting a rich history of resilience and justice, encapsulated in Carlisle’s soulful refrains.
In Carlisle’s own creations, his deep reflections and enchanting melodies intertwine in extraordinary ways. “The Cottonwood Tree” emerges as a gentle ballad, evoking nostalgia and a sense of freedom, breathing life into the heart through its delicate instrumentals. “Work Is Work” blends heartfelt sentiments with a joyous, jamgrass vibe, while “Sound And Fury” invites listeners into the uplifting realm of a cappella gospel. “Big Butt Billy” reveals his playful side, showcasing an amusing twist in his talkin’ blues style. Yet, it is “Wildflowers Growin’” that resonates most deeply, gently urging us to “slow down and treasure the sweetness of life.” Through Winged Victory, you may find a perfect opportunity to embrace this mindful approach to existence.
