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Bill Callahan's Smog: Rediscovering a Breakup Classic
12 Aug
Summary
- Bill Callahan's 1999 album as Smog is a masterful breakup record.
- He moved between various cities before settling in Prosperity, SC.
- Smog evolved from gray, formless sounds to distinct songwriting.
Pitchfork is revisiting Bill Callahan's 1999 album, released under the moniker Smog. This record is characterized as a masterful breakup album that delves into discovering new ways of navigating the world post-relationship.
Callahan, born in 1966, lived a transient life, moving through various cities in the United States and England. His career as Smog began in the late 1980s, initially releasing tapes independently before signing with Drag City in 1992.
Early Smog music was described as gray and formless, influenced by both soft-rock and hardcore punk. Over time, his songwriting developed, moving towards cleaner guitar tones and more profound lyrical themes.
The album features a blend of raw emotion, with lyrics expressing both bitterness and unexpected tenderness, reflecting complex masculine myths. It highlights a significant evolution in Callahan's artistic expression.
