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It feels strange to discover that you were under the illusion of having discovered a new artist, and instead he had been recording albums for more than fifteen years. You wonder why and find no answers. Why had I never come across him? Why had such talent and such wonder always remained hidden from my ears? Mysteries... it's a pity, really. "Red Apple Falls" is beautiful.
Behind Smog is Bill Callahan, a pessimistic singer-songwriter, originally from the East Coast, Maryland. He moved to Texas a while ago. He began recording his works on a small four-track at home, and from this craftsmanship came his first two albums. A lo-fi that is not easy to listen to. Cut-up, spoken texts, and noises characterize this one-two released in the early nineties.
"Red Apple Falls," however, is from 1997. And it is his sixth LP. The three in the middle I wouldn't call transitional, quite the contrary. They are truly excellent records. But here Callahan reaches the peak. Perhaps it's the three sherpas who guided and helped him reach the top...
The secret here is simplicity. Nine simple songs that touch the heart. There is no room for complex arrangements that would prove superfluous. Acoustic guitar, bass, drums, and rarely all together. The only exception is "Ex-Con." A playful up-tempo, enriched by a trumpet that describes the difficulty of feeling comfortable among people. Like an ex-convict. "But on the streets I feel like a robot by the river looking for a drink"
The pair " Blood Red Bird", "Red Apples" on the other hand, is sad. Seriously. A torch song with a disarming text, performed with a moving suffering, the former, and a whisper dedicated to someone who has forever lost their half, the latter. Wonderful.
This is not an album to listen to for amusement. It's something that helps you reflect. Perhaps on what you've done in a lifetime. On the mistakes you've made and cannot remedy anymore. On the lost opportunities and those that will present themselves. The big questions. It's "intimism" that presents itself to you dressed as music.
It took Bill five days to immortalize words, sounds, chords that with every listen strike me and will strike me profoundly forever. Perhaps in different ways, but I wish I could be capable too. Giving such emotions is a gift... who knows, maybe one day...
Start by gifting yourself. Get this album and listen to it well. Maybe you'll thank me, and I'll feel a bit more capable....
Tracklist Lyrics and Samples
04 I Was a Stranger (03:23)
I was a stranger
When i came to town
Just yesterday
I was a stranger
They dont come much stranger
So why
Why did you believe
All every word I said
Why did you believe
Believe a stranger
A stranger
And why do you women in this town
Let me look at you so bold
When you have seen what i was
In the last town
In the last town
You should have seen what i was
If i was a stranger
I was worse than a stranger
I was well-known
07 Ex-con (03:35)
Whenever i get dressed up
I feel like an ex-con
Trying to make good
Jean jacket and tie
Feel like such a lie
When i go to your house
I feel like i'm
Casing the joint
In the grocery store
In line behind a mother and a child
I'm going to take take that child
I'm going to take take that child
I'm going to take take that child
See because alone in my room
I feel like such a part of the community
But out on the streets
I feel like a robot by the river
Alone in my room
I feel such a warmth for the community
But out on the streets
I feel like a robot by the river
Looking for a drink
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