by Flanna Sheridan

While we appreciate Will Oldham, Jim O’Rourke and other lo-fi cowboys, we should run our hands along the living epitaph of one of the low-fi pioneers of the 90’s. Settled as an outsider, Bill „Smog“ Callahan boldly etched the way for other introspective outsiders in the organic, far-removed slow-fi genre in the most unbrazen way. He’s one whose fame was found one day under a large, dark umbrella and who has never quite totally emerged.

Bill‘s lyrics whirl you into the metro, riding alongside someone not adhering to the etiquette of public transit. She’s crocheting maniacally or he is wringing his hands a bit after flopping down some beat up book. You might just do the same. You figure she‘s had a nice slow morning before coming out to slide down into the metro. Maybe he is not even going anywhere, but there they are with enough dirty spunk to writhe amongst the parallel suits et al. This is the uncomfortable lyrical uneasiness of Smog.

Callahan‘s unhurried voice is the most folded and warm part of your old cradle. He would be singing it even if we weren’t there to listen simply because he must. A Smog show is a chance to close in on that unassuming crocheter/bookflopper inside yourself while Callahan’s voice covers you like your forgotten blanket. It’s a visit to the village suburbia of the indie „in.“

His latest album ‚A River Ain‘t Too Much to Love‘ continues his long relationship with the famed Chicago indie label Drag City. It was recorded at the legendary Pedernales Studio in Spicewood, Texas - home of many a fine Willie Nelson recording. Smog's got a set of laugh out loud/cry out loud tales to tell here. He has recruited the talent of the Dirty Three drummer of Jim White and a few other guests to support him for this tour.

Smog plays Friday, July 1st at Akropolis: tickets 260kc in advance and 300kc at the door.

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