Customer Reviews

Supper

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Another gem from Lou Reed's deadpan bastard cousin, Bill Callahan, whose 2X4 baritone and ability to sound assured and vulnerable at the same time evoke a terse bartender packing heat in the world's unconsciously hippest saloon; there may be danger, and it could be your funeral, but everyone will dress sexy for it, and would you want it any other way? The usual Smog palette is in place: thoughtful, nuanced arrangements and understated, dry, poignant lyrics that avoid being maudlin. Pedal steel guitar anchors some of the lovelier harmonies, which are launched into orbit by a female vocalist (listen to "Feather by Feather" & the epic "Truth Serum", almost too short at only 7+ minutes); not as earthbound as his last "Rain on Lens", "Supper" aims for the ethereal sonic beauty of '97's "Red Apple Falls" with the incisive, laconic songwriting that marked "Dongs of Sevotion"'s austere power. Rather than uprooting you with the force of an earthquake, Callahan's songs usually feel like aftershocks, low-key jolts that will turn your head but still leave your house standing. As he sings (in the leadoff song): "When they make the movie of your life, you'll have to do your own stunts.....", you're struck by his prescience - songwriter or seer? That walk on the wild side may just land you in a pothole.

Along with M. Ward's "Transfiguration of Vincent" and Howe Gelb's excellent "The Listener", you probably won't find a better album this year.

Smog's new full length, "Supper", is a masterpiece. From the beautiful and unpredictable "Butterflies Drowned in Wine", to the call and answer lyrical genius of "Truth Serum", Callahan flawlessly pulls off a new, more captivating sound. Never has one of his records represented his ideas so clearly. His songwriting is concise, intelligent and brilliant. (Smog) is in a league all his own stucture-wise. His songs on "Supper" are like a lovely rollercoaster ride. There's the build of anticipation, that ultimately pays off every single time. Also, you'll notice that any bad reviews of this work are about the fact that Callahan doesn't sound like he used to. All I have to say is that his old sound has absolutely nothing to do with the beautiful work he has produced now. An artist who remains the same throughout his carreer is an irrelevent artist. None of the bad reviews say anything about the record except that it's different. Last time I checked that wasn't a bad thing. "Supper" is an album unlike any other by (Smog) or otherwise. It is an acheivement.

Very pretty ballads with a (Smog) twist. This album is about love with a theme that goes from morning to night. In terms of style the songs on this album are light years away from the type of stuff that was on Julius Ceasar. This album to me is like the Velvets self titled album.*I just want to add that I love Julius Ceasar and that it's also a 5 star album. When I say that it's light years away from Julius Ceasar, I mean in terms of recording and style. This album is another step in the evolution of (Smog).

A pleasant surprise. If you've never heard this guy, he's a cross between Lou Reed, John Cale & Willie Nelson. Interesting guitar playing (a la Nirvana, perhaps).

But certainly unique, despite my attempts to convey the style & sound through the work of others. I'd be interested in hearing more...

I can't understand how anyone could find this album a disappointment. (smog) is an ever-evolving project of Callahan's and this latest episode is a beautiful and, especially in terms of lyrics, profound one. Sure, if you're looking for the (smog) of sewn to the sky and julius caeser, he's not here, but why would Callahan want to keep churning out the same type of stuff year after year. As a lo-fi kind of home recording musician, I know that, given the opportunities success has given him to achieve a more polished sound, I'd use them too. Truth Serum is fast replacing Dress Sexy at My Funeral as my favourite (smog) song. Its a long and eloquent meditation on friends, relationships, life...everything. In my opinion this is probably (smog)'s best album to date.

I'm vaguely familiar with this artist, Smog - which is basically a one-man outfit (for the most part) Bill Callahan. Didn't know Smog had as many different CD's out as they do. This title reminds me of Lou Reed - very much so. Some of the tunes here I sort of liked were "Feather By Feather", "Ambition" and "Truth Serum". Line-up: Bill Callahan - guitar, piano, organ & vocals, Andy Hopkins - guitar, Ryan Hembrey - bass & cello and Rian Murphy. Best possible description of this music is lo-fi sadcore (I mean, is that even a genre?). Might appeal to some fans of - say Joy Division, Pulp and perhaps Liz Phair.