No, I don't know what it means either though it sounds like Lallans to me, but Bill Callahan comes after Bikini Kill in my iTunes library, and that's one of the songs on his Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle album, of 2009.
I've got loads of Callahan's work - under his own name and as Smog - on vinyl, but only this latest one on CD. He's one of those singer-songwriters who'll never, ever, trouble the charts, be adapted as a ringtone or ice-cream van tune, but is cited in hushed tones by musicians and lovers of the slightly offbeat (I'm trying to avoid the term 'cult'). If you don't know him, you really need to chase down the Smog and Callahan albums. They're often twisted soul-country and always melancholic.
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle is quite like his Smog stuff - moody, grumpy but somehow transformative (and he namechecks Mogwai too). It's miserable, mumbling and lonesome, but also insanely catchy.
I think that 'All Thoughts Are Prey To Some Beast' is nothing short of genius.
'Too Many Birds' is dedicated to Ben and Dan:
'Eid Ma Clack Shaw'
'The Wind and the Dove'
3 comments:
Funny you should mention that because my ring tone is actually Held by Smog.
(although it is real tones now not ring tones. Get with the program grandad.)
Late to the party again but in case you haven't heard Gil Scott Heron's latest album he covers two Smog tracks on there. Excellent artists, both.
I haven't got hold of enough Smog stuff to compare it to under his new self-monikered guise but I prefer this to what I have listed as Smog.
Most of the Drag City (I think that's the label) roster is full of good stuff too.
I agree - I think the solo stuff is better. Didn't know GSH had covered him though, what a meeting of minds. Must get it.
Drag City's a great label. I also rate Bella Union and Duophonic amongst my favourites.
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