Shelter from the Smoke

Bill Fox | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 10, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Scat Records
• ASIN: B002N5KVBS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #95,885 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A true gem of a folk-rock album, Shelter from the Smoke originally appeared on the obscure Cherry Pop imprint in 1997. Those who heard the 15-track album found its exceptional assortment of original tunes worthy of high praise, but, of course, very few came across the title. The Spin Art label provides a second opportunity for the uninitiated to sample the skills of former power-popper Fox (he led the '80s Cleveland band the Mice). Fans of classic Byrds, early Dylan, and even '90s lo-fi of the Sebadoh and Chris Knox variety will find Shelter to be a revelation. Kicking off with the infectious "Over and Away She Goes," Fox conjures up melodies that feel fresh yet familiar and fleshes them out with evocative couplets. Fox has an intimate vocal style that's complemented by his own guitar and harmonica plus judicious small-ensemble embellishments. In the end, he's something of an updated American Billy Bragg, albeit one working with a much more limited recording budget. But Shelter shows he came up with enough bucks to record one keen collection. --Steven Stolder

Product Description

Digitally remastered and expanded edition of the debut solo album from the Cleveland-based singer/songwriter and former leader of The Mice. Originally self-released in 1997 and reissued the following year by SpinArt, both previous versions featured different tracklists. This edition includes all songs from both versions, as well as the two tracks from a scarce 1996 seven inch single.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE ELUSIVE MR. FOX, December 16, 2009

By 

K. H. Orton (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shelter from the Smoke (Audio CD)

Dust off this attic find & discover sepia toned snapshots of arresting beauty. Originally, released in 1997, this Scat reissue is not only the finest thing I've heard in 2009, but in decades. In terms of infectious song craft & lyricism, this is an absolute treasure.

Imagine if Dylan had Lennon & McCartney's sense of melody, backed by the Velvet Underground's do it yourself aesthetic. Or a Lo Fi Americana answer to Big Star. Vocally at times reclusive English songwriter Bill Fay comes to mind along with ragged echoes of Simon & Garfunkel. Not to mention the more contemporary likes of Elliott Smith & M Ward, both of whom have dropped Fox's name as an influence.

Yet, true to surname, Mr. Fox eludes all points of reference w/ melodic grace. For my money, Fox is a major discovery. Laid down in the mid 90's, Shelter sounds like it's been lost in the vaults since the 60's. Things kick off with the irresistible Over And Away She Goes & doesn't let up through a journey of Appalachian Death Sighs, Lonesome Pines & Junked Lot Serenades.

Fox recorded this & the yet to be re-released Tranzit Byzantium mainly on 4 track in his hometown of Cleveland in the mid 90's. Then he all too willfully disappeared from view. To this day, he shuns all press & acclaim, leaving rumor & speculation to duke it out as to why. What you will hear here more than lives up to any hype or legend that's certain to follow.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling Bill, February 17, 2002

By 

Detelina (Long Island City, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shelter From the Smoke (Audio CD)

I first heard "Over and Away She Goes" on a comp. CD and read that Bill Fox lived in Cleveland, and just happened to be living in Cleveland and just happened to see he'd be playing live near my house. And, I just had to see the real guy. yeah, and I did want to give him the night of his life! But anyway, I love this CD, it breaks my heart and the lyrics are very good. Now I can only wonder what ever happened to Bill Fox? I saw Bob Dylan with this guy! I went to Peace Corps, came home in 2000 and he was gone! Someone at Matador told me something very bad happened to him. Does anyone know the truth?

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars oh so smooth, but at the same time makes me want to jump, November 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Shelter From the Smoke (Audio CD)

Listening to this guy sing his songs is like bowling a strike, it rolls on straight and fast and then BAM it hits...what a glorious moment. His lyric style is poetical and elusively romantic without being pendantic. If I were a girl I'd seek him out and give him the best night of his life. Thanks, Bill Fox wherever you are. Tom Marchi