Bill Callahan
Dream River

Dear XXX,
the challenge you've given me doesn't really thrill me. It seems a bit too simple and predictable to review a Bill Callahan album. His albums shouldn't be reviewed, they should just be listened to. Sometimes you need to trust, let go, take a risk. And for "Dream River", the risk is really minimal compared to the final reward. One is left open-mouthed as the album's eight tracks unfold. You even risk reaching ecstasy with "Javelin Unlanding" and "Ride My Arrow", two songs worthy of a perfect score. The rest is of very high quality where Bill Callahan's classic "formula," spoken baritone voice, guitar, and multi-instrumental folk-rock, never feels heavy or repetitive.
It's a rich and meticulous album, full of nuances, intricately crafted thanks to soft but incisive arrangements. Particular attention is paid to the rhythms that play a fundamental role in not weighing down his narrative of small stories tied to everyday life and the monotony of daily living. An extraordinary album by an extraordinary author who for 25 years has been offering music and emotions that very few others can provide. A short album to be listened to for a long time, "realist" music sprinkled with healthy "naturalism." I'd like to remember "Dream River" as "The Four Seasons of Bill Callahan" ("Spring", "Summer Painter" and "Winter Road"), despite the lack of autumn. But it's important to remember that "Dream River" is purely autumnal, of the best autumn, the one that colors the woods, cools the mornings, and still offers a bit of sunshine warmth. It's an album to listen by the fire while chestnuts crackle and red wine colors your cheeks. And when the bottle is finished, you shouldn't be sad, my dear XXX, because Bill will warm your heart.
Intricately, YYY

Dear YYY,
Dirty Three, Cormac McCarthy, a crisp November morning with the sun struggling to dry the frost that the night has frozen on the car windows. A series of peaceful, placid, sunny, and relaxing images. This is the kaleidoscope and imagery immediately created by the opening track of this album, "The Sing". An album that should only be gathered and protected like a precious gift and that establishes and consecrates one of today's great singer-songwriters. Since the days of low-fi, basements, and streets filled with smog, a lot has passed. Unfortunately, there's been no due and rightful "official" recognition, but the path is now marked and leads towards consecration. With an imposing voice, a baroque irony, Bill Callahan is now a predestined artist who with this beautiful album consolidates a career whose beginnings date back to 1990.
Returning to "Dream River", let me just add, to complete your thought, that "Small Plan" is a lullaby where our voice becomes the protagonist, reciting the usual obsessive mantra. In "Spring", there's more space for music; a great piece embellished by a magical flute that draws open applause. "Seagull" brings us to the realms of Tom Waits with a touch of jazz. Ultimately, you are absolutely right! It's impossible to speak ill of this album, no point in complaining. There can be no challenge between us on this album because the winner will always be the singer-songwriter from Silver Spring.
Hastily, XXX