The Holy Grail: Bill Callahan’s "Smog" Dec. 10, 2001 Peel Session Bill Callahan
Pickup currently unavailable at Truck Oxford or Witney
Delivery options at checkout:
Store Collection
Oxford or Witney
Local Courier
OX1-OX4 postcode
Delivery
UK postage
December 2001, Maida Vale: Bill Callahan’s “Smog” perform with demonstrative zeal for their British witness at the BBC, shimmering and hissing with a Lynchian vibe of U.S. darkness in the invariable shadows of the fallen towers. Callahan & band (Jessica Billey, Mike Saenz and Jim White) cover Stevie Nicks, Lou Reed and Smog with grey, ashen resolve and tour-torn flexibility, amassing a bruised, plaintive essence of humanity with their efforts.
“This one to me is a time capsule more than most any of my recordings. All music is a time trapped in time that preaches timelessness -– preaching either convincingly or not. But with a radio session such as this, there is a different aspect. It’s all live, all first take, no overdubs. Also I think having the BBC engineers at the controls, with their own aesthetic, not one I am bringing to the studio, that makes it more encapsulated -- “remember that day we did that?” The circumstances and the memory of the smell of the studio makes it stand out. So it’s more of a performance maybe than a usual recording, because the audience (engineer and producer) were foreign to us. British, milk in tea. So we gave them something to show them who WE were -– Dale Coopers with our black coffees.
Somebody said this EP is very Twin Peaksy. Not in a Badalamenti, torch-song way –- a deeper connection. I can see that.
“Beautiful Child” has been turned into a minor key song because, well, it really should have been one in the first place! “Cold Discovery” was a live staple then and some nights it could really catch fire. We got a pretty good one for BBC. “Dirty Pants” here is probably better than the LP version. And then there’s “Jesus”. Sweet, sweet “Jesus”. Here sounding like a deathbed plea shot through with visitations from the angel of mercy.”
- Bill, 2024
FAQs
Answers to any questions you may have about ordering with us can be found below. If not, don't hesitate to get in contact!
Shipping
- We aim to ship out all orders placed within two working days (except for pre-orders, see below)
- We send all postal orders via Royal Mail's 48 hour tracked service. Your tracking number will be added to your order upon fulfilment
- If there is a problem with your order we will let you know as soon as possible
- Please direct any issues you may have to our helpful team at orders@truckmusic.store
Store Pick Up
- Orders can be placed for collection from either of our stores (Oxford or Witney)
- Let us know which store you would like to collect from either by adding a note to your cart or by emailing orders@truckmusic.store
- We aim to have your order ready within two working days (except for pre-orders, see below)
Pre-Orders
- Pre-ordering is a great way to secure your copy of an album prior to its release date
- We aim to ensure all pre-ordered products are shipped or ready for collection by the album's release date
- Pre-order release dates are subject to change, we will keep the product page up to date with any changes so please refer to this if you are concerned an order hasn't been shipped
- Please direct any enquiries about pre-orders to orders@truckmusic.store
Out of Stocks
- If an item is listed as 'Sold Out', don't despair! We are most likely able to get hold of it so please do contact us if there is something specific you're after!
- OR fill in the 'Notify Me' form to get notified when a product is restocked
Returns
- Website orders are eligible for return up to 14 days after the item has been delivered, please get in contact ASAP if you would like to return an item
