Hope is an EP by Palace Songs. It was released in 1994 through Drag City Records. The title "Agnes, Queen of Sorrow" is a reference to the short story "Jane Sinclair; or, the Fawn of Springvale" by 19th century author William Carleton.
Critical reception AllMusic wrote that "given a rich, reliable musical backing on Hope, Oldham is free to wander without hindering the songs." Trouser Press wrote that "the fuller tone of these songs, colored to a great degree by Liam Hayes’ Hammond organ, is reminiscent of Dylan’s initial Nashville forays — particularly the hypnotic 'Agnes, Queen of Sorrow.'" The Spin Alternative Record Guide wrote that Oldham "hones the edge between uncertainty and beauty."
Track listing "Agnes, Queen of Sorrow" – 4:05 "Untitled" – 2:23 "Winter Lady" (Leonard Cohen) – 2:42 "Christmastime in the Mountains" – 1:38 "All Gone, All Gone" – 4:52 "Werner's Last Blues to Blokbuster" – 4:41
Personnel Push (Will Oldham) – vocals, guitar, bass Liam Hayes – piano, organ, electric guitar Rian Murphy – drums, harmonies Sean O'Hagan – piano, harmonies Rob Allum – drums Briana Corrigan – harmonies
References