First Cow
(Vinyl)

Merge Records presents the soundtrack for the drama First Cow. This album contains the film’s music composed by William Tyler, a Nashville guitarist and composer.

Merge Records presents the soundtrack for the drama First Cow. This album contains the film’s music composed by William Tyler, a Nashville guitarist.

The soundtrack is available digitally March 6, 2020.
A CD and vinyl edition will come later.

First Cow is written and directed by Kelly Reichardt with John Magaro, Orion Lee, Toby Jones and Ewen Bremner.

Kelly Reichardt once again trains her perceptive and patient eye on the Pacific Northwest, this time evoking an authentically hardscrabble early nineteenth century way of life.
A taciturn loner and skilled cook (John Magaro) has traveled west and joined a group of fur trappers in Oregon Territory, though he only finds true connection with a Chinese immigrant (Orion Lee) also seeking his fortune; soon the two collaborate on a successful business, although its longevity is reliant upon the clandestine participation of a nearby wealthy landowner’s prized milking cow.
From this simple premise Reichardt constructs an interrogation of foundational Americana that recalls her earlier triumph Old Joy in its sensitive depiction of male friendship, yet is driven by a mounting suspense all its own.
Reichardt again shows her distinct talent for depicting the peculiar rhythms of daily living and ability to capture the immense, unsettling quietude of rural America….

Visit A24.

More info at: Official movie website A24

William Tyler’s stirring score for First Cow out digitally march 3, 2020, with LP to follow in July !

William Tyler’s stirring score for First Cow out digitally march 3, 2020, with LP to follow in July !

William Tyler’s Music from First Cow arrives on all digital platforms, March 6, 2020 - the same release day as the A24-released, Kelly Reichardt-directed film for which he composed the music.
A physical version of the score will be available on July 31; pre-order on vinyl today in the Merge store.
On March 31, Tyler will make an appearance at the Belcourt Theatre in Nashville for a special screening of First Cow.

In First Cow, Kelly Reichardt once again trains her perceptive and patient eye on the Pacific Northwest, this time evoking an authentically hardscrabble early nineteenth century way of life. A taciturn loner and skilled cook (John Magaro) has traveled west and joined a group of fur trappers in Oregon Territory, though he only finds true connection with a Chinese immigrant (Orion Lee) also seeking his fortune; soon the two collaborate on a successful business, although its longevity is reliant upon the clandestine participation of a nearby wealthy landowner’s prized milking cow. Reichardt again shows her distinct talent for depicting the peculiar rhythms of daily living and ability to capture the immense, unsettling quietude of rural America. Regarding Tyler’s score, Reichardt says: “William Tyler turned up at the First Cow edit room with his several guitars, a dulcimer, and long fingernails. He got right to work, picking and strumming—it was all as good as it could be.”

William Tyler’s latest full-length is 2019’s Goes West, an album the Wall Street Journal says “exists in the spaces between genres and styles,” one that “finds Mr. Tyler taking harmonic and melodic development to a new level.” He also recently recorded an Aquarium Drunkard Lagniappe Session featuring covers of Yo La Tengo, Dvořák, Handel, and Fleetwood Mac. This month, Tyler hits the road for a run of shows in the southeast with Steve Gunn and Mary Lattimore, including an appearance at Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, before returning to Nashville for the special screening of First Cow.

More info at: Official website Merge Records