In House #1849: Bill Callahan's Woke On a Whaleheart; New Clientele

Now the man formerly known as Smog (or, alternately, (Smog)), Bill Callahan releases the first effort under his own name, entitled Woke On a Whaleheart, tomorrow on Drag City (edit-Actually, that's only if you're in Texas. Everyone else has to wait until next week). A prolific, previously mysterious artist, Callahan has released no fewer than twelve previous full-lengths over the past seventeen years or so. His frayed-edge, lo-fi beginnings have gradually been polished up and expanded, though his work has remained consistently dark and interesting, much of it built on the foundation of his caustic sense of humor. The latest takes the general direction of his last few albums, the most recent being 2005's A River Ain't Too Much to Love, a step or two further with nods to gospel and Americana-based folk. "Diamond Dancer," meanwhile, lays a looped string chorus over a fat bass-line of the Stax variety and ends up light years away from the bedroom hiss of his early output. It's fitting that this is the album's standout track, as it sums up the evolution of an artist who has nevertheless managed to remain edgy and captivating through it all.

In House #1849.
Airdate: 4/16/07
Focus: New release from Bill Callahan, Woke On a Whaleheart, plus new music from The Clientele, Apostle of Hustle, Julie Doiron, and more.

BONUS MP3-
Bill Callahan, from Woke On a Whaleheart:

"Sycamore" (MP3)

The Clientele, from God Save the Clientele (due 5/8):

"Bookshop Casanova" (MP3)

PLAYLIST