Hmm, how do I put this? If you like the band Smog, you will like this solo release from the band’s creator, Bill Callahan, quite a bit, but probably not as much as you like Smog. If you do not like the band Smog, you will dislike Bill Callahan’s “Woke On A Whaleheart,” but you will probably not dislike it quite as much as you dislike Smog. Got it? Oh, and if you don’t know the band Smog, I don’t know where to put you.
Callahan’s first solo album is as slow paced and focused as his previous releases, but not nearly as minimalist. This time around, a full range of instruments accompanies his stone-faced country tunes and familiar deep, monotone, nearly spoken vocals. As previously explained, the effort is far more accessible, probably easier to catch onto and enjoy the first and second time around, but that’s not what we’re used to from Callahan, and fans will find it far less important than past releases, such as 2005’s “A River Ain’t Too Much To Love.” Sorry, I had to.
Still, the story-songs that make up Woke On A Whaleheart, are very literal, honest and somewhat heartbreaking. “Sycamore,” sends a message along to a man from Callahan’s past. “Christian, if you see your poppa, tell him I love him. He taught me to love in the wild and fight in the gym,” and later, “…you won’t get hurt if you just keep your hands up and stand tall, like sycamores.” “Honeymoon Child,” is about exactly what its titled suggests. “You are a true honeymoon child. Conceived on an island in the sun. Heels dug in the white sand. Loved and adored from day one.” Later in the song there’s a change, “Mr. Bones from town said he saw you the other day. Said you’d changed, but he wouldn’t say how. It can always turn. The wind can always turn.”
The album in its entirety, ignoring for just a little bit the comparisons to Smog (Smog, Smog, Smog), is a very good, solid alt-country album. It is deceptively easy to catch onto, with quite a bit of heart and detail to be worthy of multiple listens.
This is “Footprints,” the second track on Woke On A Whaleheart. Beware of soulful backup vocals.
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