Bill Callahan - Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle

Listening to music is much like many other things in life:  you must be in the right mood to listen to the right music.  In the mornings I have certain artists I prefer over others for the sole reason that they just fit my mood in the morning.  I'm not an up-and-atom kind of guy so it takes awhile for my engine to kick in.  Van Morrison, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, and any of the country greats (personal fave, Patsy Cline) are perfect for me in the morning.  And to add to this list is Bill Callahan.  I was going to review this album last nite but I was just not in the mood so I held it off until today.  

First off, this is a beautiful album.  The sound of it is just that, beautiful.  Callahan's voice is not going to blow anyone away but it perfectly compliments the backing instruments (which range from the the normal drums, guitar and bass to the addition of strings and horns) as well as the album's overall tone.  His lyrics are mostly first person tales which often sound as though he is describing dreams.  The track "Eid Ma Clack Shaw" has him taking advice in some zany language which I believe to not exist.  Nevertheless, the track sounds great and the addition of the strings in it's second half only strengthens it.

As the album progresses it tends to get better.  Which is too often not the case with many of today's releases.  You get a nice first track and it kind of rolls fizzles out from there (I recently experienced this with the latest PJ Harvey effort).  However, Callahan's Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle builds upon itself up until the excellent ten minute long finale "Faith/Void."  I would recommend other songs to check out but honestly, listen to the whole thing.  It's worth it.  

I listened to this album on a whim.  A British publication raved about it (they love any music that they can label "americana") so I decided to give it a go.  And it turned out to be one of those pleasant surprises.  Like a movie you sit down to watch only because you have nothing better to do and then after it's over you are calling friends and telling them they must check it out.  This album is the same deal.  And if it doesn't jump out at you right away, don't give up on it.  Give it a second chance (especially a morning listen (Sunday's are usually the best)).  Trust me.

4.3/5

Bill Callahan - Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle