I was going to say that my first listen to Dream River wasn't the first time Bill Callahan's music had evoked a dream-like quality - and it's probably true - but more often it's a daydream. This is true of Red Apple Falls, A River Ain't Too Much to Love, Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle and parts of most of his other albums. Dream River, however, definitely sinks into the subconscious. Callahan staples such as acoustic guitar strums, sparse arpeggios and snare cracks are de-emphasised or excised entirely in favour of phased electric guitar and hand percussion, the latter courtesy of Thor Harris, and a world away from the crazed thudding I was lucky enough to witness him perform with Swans earlier this year.
The first and last song take place in the "real" world while the others are dreams of the protagonist, or least take place inside his head. The reality is mundane - in opener "The Sing" we learn he's been sitting in a bar all day with a single purpose ("the only words I've said today are 'beer' and 'thank you' ") and "Winter Road" even tells us what's on the radio in the car ("a Donald Sutherland interview"). However, the real world concerns that occupy the reality also permeate the dreams. There seems to be a consensus that 2009's Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle draws its themes from Callahan's last breakup, or at least was influenced by it. Accordingly, Dream River could be the flipside, its writing having begun a year into his relationship with his now fiancée. But that's unimportant. The meta text isn't the point even with a teen pop idol such as Callahan and I shouldn't rehash what is no doubt all over the gossip rags. Either way, the importance of other people in any person's life is a significant theme. Callahan has claimed in the past that he "feels like an ex-con trying to make good", but if there's one universal truth to gleaned from Dream River, it's that being out of step with the world doesn't mean you have to navigate it alone.
The first and last song take place in the "real" world while the others are dreams of the protagonist, or least take place inside his head. The reality is mundane - in opener "The Sing" we learn he's been sitting in a bar all day with a single purpose ("the only words I've said today are 'beer' and 'thank you' ") and "Winter Road" even tells us what's on the radio in the car ("a Donald Sutherland interview"). However, the real world concerns that occupy the reality also permeate the dreams. There seems to be a consensus that 2009's Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle draws its themes from Callahan's last breakup, or at least was influenced by it. Accordingly, Dream River could be the flipside, its writing having begun a year into his relationship with his now fiancée. But that's unimportant. The meta text isn't the point even with a teen pop idol such as Callahan and I shouldn't rehash what is no doubt all over the gossip rags. Either way, the importance of other people in any person's life is a significant theme. Callahan has claimed in the past that he "feels like an ex-con trying to make good", but if there's one universal truth to gleaned from Dream River, it's that being out of step with the world doesn't mean you have to navigate it alone.
Related:
Bill Callahan - Apocalypse
Bill Callahan - Rough Travel for a Rare Thing
My 200 Favourite Albums of All Time
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