This came out in 2001 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Goth pioneer, psychobilly shaman, murder balladeer, novelist. Nick Cave has put together quite a resume over the years. But all those gigs now seem like nothing more than preparation for his most challenging and satisfying career — romantic balladeer.
Not that the former leader of The Birthday Party and current frontman of The Bad Seeds has suddenly become the Bryan Ferry of the black eyeliner set. But without doubt, Cave has turned a new corner in his style with the magnificent No More Shall We Part, a collection of poignant, tragically romantic piano ballads and slow, solemn laments. Minimally decorated, languidly paced and darkly textured, these 12 songs combine Cave’s literary narratives and mellow baritone to maximum effect, weaving mesmerizing tales of sickness, death, obsession, sin and salvation, whose bleak messages are leavened by the sheer beauty of their performance and artistry. One of the best albums of the year — and of Cave’s career so far.
