Dream River
*Dream River* is Bill Callahan’s 16th (or so) release, including those he recorded as Smog. His music is mysterious and intense. Even after 25 years, it remains filled with surprises. Where in the past Callahan has thrived on repetition, here nothing is static. *Dream River* is sublime in its subtlety; each word and pause feels essential. The instruments are in sync with Callahan’s drowsy and understated baritone, and the arrangements fully support the freeform lyrics and open song structures. The music is lush and the backing band inspired, particularly the remarkable guitar work of Matt Kinsey. His guitar tones play off Callahan’s vocals beautifully as keyboards, flute, congas, and percussion add texture and motion on standouts like “Javelin Unlanding” and “Spring.” Another highlight is the opening “The Sing,” a Callahan classic featuring pedal steel, electric guitar, country fiddle, and a hint of mariachi rhythm. *Dream River* is an affecting album that ranks among Callahan’s best work.
Ol' man Eagle is back, floatin' Apocalyptically on a Whaleheart down the Dream River. Eight gentle percolations fire the pressure-cooker of life, dialing us into the Callahanian mind- and soul-set. Deep like aqua, soulful like man and animal alike.
Since 2007's Woke on a Whaleheart, Bill Callahan has moved counterclockwise to the rest of the world's spin. As life has become crowded with text, he has, with each record, become more laconic. His quietly devastating new album finds him in typically minimal form, this time exploring the power of human connection.
The longer Bill Callahan makes music, the more he seems to lose. That encroaching minimalism became strikingly apparent recently when the reclusive, enigmatic singer-songwriter (who once recorded behind the smokescreen of Smog) released extended dub versions of “Javelin Unlanding” and “Winter Road.” Both are tracks…
The man formerly known as Smog's latest has the scent of sweet, sweet soul in its nostrils and a delectable sense of optimism coursing through its countrified blood
After the urgent sound of 2011's Apocalypse, where Bill Callahan uncharacteristically turned his wry gaze outward to examine America's physical, psychological, and cultural geographies, he returns to a more familiar interior landscape on Dream River.
Much like Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's recorded output, a new Bill Callahan record will always be met with absolute reverence, even if its content isn't particularly memorable. Where 2009's Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle positively soared, follow up Apocalypse seemed to be lacking its predecessor's vitality. 2013 finds the former Smog man somewhere in between – Dream River isn't without its high points, but it adds little to his songbook.
"The only words I said today are 'beer' and 'thank you,'" Bill Callahan intones on "The Sing." It's a charming introduction to Dream River,...
Another odd-numbered year, another Bill Callahan long player. His newest, Dream River, is 40 mellow minutes of the singer in a downtempo, reserved mode.
Album review: Clash covers 'Dream River', the new album by the man once trading as Smog, Bill Callahan.
With his 15th album Bill 'Smog' Callahan is surely the natural heir to Leonard Cohen, writes <strong>Kitty Empire</strong>
On Bill Callahan's previous effort, Apocalypse, he looked outward across the American landscape.