Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle

De vraag wat vind je ervan kan soms een best moeilijke vraag zijn, toch maar nog eens luisteren en nog eens. Tiny desk opgezocht: saai. Ik zal daarom nu dingen opnoemen die ik niet leuk vind: De vrouw die rokoko zingt De manier waarop hij my friend zingt Zijn manier van zijn baritone zingen. Naast dat vind ik het poëtisch niet bijzonder hoogstaand, tis af en toe een beetje clichématig gedaan. In het laatste nummer heeft hij een sterke boodschap maar mis ik wel de diepgang, de kracht ligt dan niet in herhaling want het nummer gaat 9 minuten door. Dingen die ik wel leuk vind van het album: De sfeer die word neergezet. Ik ben enorm liefhebber van de akoestische gitaar, wat dat betreft begint het album ook vrij veelbelovend. Productie is ook goed. Ik zou graag willen weten wat Tess van t album vindt, ik geef het 2 sterren dus misschien vind ze t wel erg goed

Didn’t know Bill Callahan before this. Not my type of music. Found it incredibly dull and boring and actually annoyed me so much I didn’t finish it.

Not sure what to think about this one

I found Faith/Void to be a bit too repetitive, one sided, preachy and didactic in espousing a theistically skeptical worldview and I'd think a more heartfelt song like That's Why I Love Mankind by Randy Newman is a much better treatment of wrestling with God but the rest of the songs on this album are wonderful folk songs that range anywhere from relaxing countryside tunes to dark ballads on human nature.

It may be unfair to review an album in my current state, but fuck it. This is my review. I listened to about a third of this album, then received some entirely unexpected news about a family member in the hospital. I've had a really difficult time with the news, and admittedly I'm still processing it as I write this, but I relistened to the album and it didn't make me feel better, but maybe not so upset at myself for how I'm feeling. The vocals, while rough on the first listen, complement the lyrics exceptionally well. The push and pull of beautiful instrumentation and sometimes-subtle-sometimes-overt darker moments really hit me. I left the album feeling not so alone with my own complicated feelings.

I kinda liked it kinda didn't. I think I like the actual music and Callahan's voice, gives me kind of The National vibes at times. But it is a bit too spoken word for me and I think that just isn't my jam

There is some incredible songwriting in here. The first song fantastic, but I really convey just how much I hated the second song. Rhythmically, I found it torturous.

a highlight of Bill Callahan's discography. there had been some beautiful arrangements, increased instrumentation, vocal clarity, and lyrical inclusion on the natural world in his works leading up to this, but they were often tempered with sonic experimentation, lo-fi recording qualities, and a healthy willingness to obscure. on Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle, he embraces melody and allows the band to fill out these songs with sweeping strings, rhythmic intrigue, and brooding tension. "Jim Cain" is one of the most beautiful songs he's written, and "Eid Ma Clack Shaw" provides such great use of non-lexical vocables. there's moments of humor in the lyrics, but not as dry as his records under the Smog moniker, and not as evocative as later recordings (a great example being "The Sing" off the album Dream River). one of my favorite aspects of Bill Callahan as a performer and songwriter (and an approach he shares with sometimes-collaborator Will Oldham aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy) is that he doesn't move from one moment into the next in a song until it is time to do so -- it never feels rushed. this especially plays out live in concert. for first-time Callahan listeners, I'd suggest the two songs from this album I mentioned above, but not the rest of this album. those suggestions would be: Knock Knock - Smog Apocalypse - Bill Callahan Dream River - Bill Callahan Dongs of Sevotion - Smog

I'm sure he is great and profound, but that was hard. At times thought I was listening to Hobo Johnson's depressed uncle. All of the bird imagery will likely boost my rating bc I have now reached bird-watching dad mode. Otherwise, too poetic I guess for my retarded brain. The only song I took time to read into was faith/void because at first listen (and after dissection) I found it to be an eye-roll-inducing song (admittedly because of it's apparent indignation towards religion™️). Sounded like a kid with a distorted version of God going to college, discovering atheism, and deconstructing a faith he never really understood (evident by the surface-level take on problem of evil) just to replace it with his own "truth" (that really reduces to preference when separated from a worldview that gives them objective meaning. Rant against moral relativism to follow 😆). I can speak from experience having been a lite version of that kid in college (though I was more enlightened bc I considered myself agnostic 🧐)...

Overall, good songs and sounds. The tracks that stuck out were “Jim Cain” and “My Friend.” “My Friend” in particular has a very Smog-ian kick in the middle. As David Berman said, “All my favorite singers couldn’t sing,” so Callahan’s voice is a feature, not a bug for me.

It's kinda boring, but I'm a sucker for a baritone. 3.5

It’s not bad, per se, but it is entirely unmemorable and bland.

- I'm placing Bill Callahan in the same category as Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, and other singers with distinctive voices and complex lyrics about love and loss and the human experience and whatnot - this isn't the music I typically listen to (my running theory is that everyone is either a music person or a lyrics person; I'm the former), but I'm regarding this album more like a poetry reading set to soft folk guitar and gentle americana sounds - this would scratch the itch for any literary folks who like to read along with the lyrics as they're sung

ok

This is more impressive than I thought it'd be. I like that lil calm shit.

This guy would be fun to camp with.

I'd never heard of Bill Callahan, but his voice sounded very familiar and a bit of digging helped me to find out he used to be Smog. I knew and liked the odd Smog song but didn't really know much of his work. This album was pretty downbeat but I enjoyed it. It makes me want to listen to more of Callahan's/Smog's work.

Lite fred åkerström-vibe. Mer i min smak. Gillade Rococo Zehgyr och Eid Ma Clack Shaw. 3.85

Some bits were fun but this felt like a mission to get through

the best of the old-man-with-deep-raspy-voice-sings-pseudo-philosophical-songs genre

On dirait qu'il me parle enchantant c'est bon

Just boring. Couldn’t get through it.

I’m not a hater, but lost the thread after a few songs.

161/1001 First listen. I don’t have much of an ear for this one. It all sounds like the same monotonous song. I dug the vibe though. 4/10

Never heard of this guy before. Any riff on country music isn’t going to down well with me and this didn’t offer any surprises. Not as bad as standard country music, but not something I would listen to again.

Beautiful instrumentation

I like this! (I knew I would, based on the description.) How have I never heard of this guy? Got pretty depressing there at the end!

it wasn't bad but it sure as hell wasn't great

7/10

Kiva mieslaulajat ja maalaili ja musiikkeja.

4.25 - Listened on repeat 2x though at home, but never got to pay attention to which songs. Obsessed with Bill though

not the bill callahan i would reach for

quite an interesting listen. a bit different from those mid 70s vibes

The deadpan delivery got old pretty quickly for me. Favorite track: Rococo Zephyr

2.5

Honestly really enjoyed this. Sleeper surprise.

even just the title does it for me. i love you bill

Previously unknown. Oddly compelling.

Album No. 0186 on my list. I had never heard of Bill Callahan before (or his album "Sometimes I Wish I Were An Eagle" for that matter), and quite frankly, I have no idea what to make of this album. This is really something unique, unlike anything I've ever heard before. It is classified as Country music on this page, but I think that doesn't really cover it. It's more like progressive contry-folk. The whole thing is certainly very interesting. I like Callahan's voice, and the sound on this is very good as well. I'm not a huge fan of the songs themselves, though - both musically and lyrically. I found most of them lagged a little bit of dynamism and catchiness. Still, pretty good stuff. I'll add "Jim Cain", "Eid Ma Clack Shaw", and "Too Many Birds" to my playlist, because they're pretty representative of the whole album. Maybe this is an album that you should listen to multiple times to really "get" it, so maybe my rating will increase over time. But for now: 3/5 stars.

fine.

Gorgeous, warm instrumentation wrapped around Callahan’s trademark baritone—unfortunately delivered in such a flat, deadpan murmur that it drags the songs down. The arrangements soar, but his monotone vocal style feels more sleepy than soulful. A beautiful album held back by a voice that never quite wakes up.

Íntimo, conmovedor y hermoso

This might be one of the few albums on this list I've listened to mulitple times before rating. Love the vibe!

Like a soft country folksy album. Not too bad.

Amazing voice! Love this album. It makes me want to stop everything and go listen to his entire discography (solo and as Smog). This is 100% the reason why I love the 1001 project.

Bill has a hell of a voice, I can tell you that.

I really enjoyed this in the first half, and while I may have been just tired, it did unfortunately fall off a bit with the last few songs. That said, this is still a very solid album! Bill's voice is very rich and soothing, and complements the Americana style on the album well. Particular highlights were the opening track Jim Cain, and two back to back tracks in the middle, Too Many Birds and My Friend.

I accidentally listened to this on shuffle. Jim Cain followed by My Friend was cool because both songs were good! And then I didn't like any others. I don't think it was like godawful. They did at least have some decent music going on, but a lot of it was boring or not for me.

That horse's got some real baritone chops 🐴 It's not bad, in fact I quite enjoyed the instrumental parts! It reminded me a bit of Fleet Foxes in the way his words and soundscapes evoke nature. Very serene for the most part. Standouts: Too Many Birds • Faith/Void

Damn, I really liked this and it could easily become a 5 but I can't describe why that is at all.

I own this album digitally, but have not listened to it in a long while. A great first album after his Smog albums. The opening song Jim Cain is just magnificent and there is something funky about Eid Ma Clack Show, and then it just keeps you hooked with every song. I see some comments about his voice, but I find it incredibly soothing and combined with his great array of instrumentation it results in a great listen. The violin in Too Many birds is just marvellous. The album ends just as well as it starts. It is time to put God away. Standout song is Too Many Birds. This is very close to a 4. So close that I am giving it a 4

Idk man I feel like it's some dad in the midwest that busts it wide open for this album it was just generally a little boring for me. Had it's moments but very hard to follow along. Not a lot of variation or diversity and felt like one long thought but not in a good way. Highlights: Rococo Zephyr, Faith/Void (but like not the whole 9 min, more like 2:00-5:00

Kinda reminded me of Silver Jews, but a little more experimental. I will have to reserve a little judgement since I think this one is a relistener. Pretty good though. The way he says “My friend” on My Friend…ugh!!

I just didn't vibe with the voice

I wanted to like this but i did not

Sometimes hints at being beautiful, sometimes just simply drab and boring. Feels like an attempt at being Matt Berninger but with less emotion in his voice and less lyrical impact.

I quite enjoyed this one although can’t really say why. There was something familiar in the tone and spoken word style of singing - perhaps I was primed by Tom Waits 2 weeks ago. 3/5

Ompa mielenkiintosta muzakkia. Tää on jotain tyylisuuntaa jota en oo ehkä koskaan kuunnellu. Tykkäsin, siinoli fiilistä.

Aivan mukavaa puhelaulantaa, osa biiseistä oli kovin hämäriä, osa taas ihan perus folkahtavaa rokkia, tai mitä ikinä. Tuskin tulee uudestaan kuunteluun, mutta oli mukavan erilaista vaihteeksi.

One of the few country albums that left me with a good impression 3/5

This is just beautiful.

The 80s indie godfather strikes again.

92. cant sing

Never heard of this before and will never listen to again. Just doesn’t do anything for me.

I think hes right, it is time to put God away This gets better with every listen There's a few moments that stand out in different songs. But generally, its just good stuff There was a long instrumental period in the penultimate song that I didn't love but its fine and everything else is great Faith/void is superb

A bit slow for my tastes. But it wasn't horrible.

81/100. My word, this might be some of the best sounding country I have heard. The songwriting is fantastic, with a sound that feels warm, sad and unique.

6/10

Better than I expected

Jamais écouté avant. Des mélodies répétitives, des arrangements bancals, un parlé-chanté qui voudrait paraître détaché mais qui sonne surtout paresseux. Un album qui se voit beaucoup plus intelligent qu'il ne l'est vraiment. On s'ennuie ferme. Top : Eid Ma Clack Shaw Flop : Invocation of Ratiocination

I gotta be in a very specific mood for Bill Callahan, but when I am in that mood, he really does it for me.

This album got a blank stare from me when it turned up as I have never heard of Bill Callahan nor Smog and I had no idea of even what genre to expect. Well I am now becoming a fan of both. This may be my favorite discovery on the generator thus far. I deduct one star for the final track being extremely repetitive and 7 minutes too long. Otherwise the songwriting, accompaniment and unconventional singing were all a win for me.

Very interesting baritone voice. More than a nod to Leonard Cohen, but musically more interesting, even if the lyrics aren't quite as strong. I think I will be listening to this again, and it might hit a 4 then.

The list said "country" but it ain't. It's more like less theatric Leonard Cohen or Nick Drake if he drank too much coffee and knew a backing band instead of settling for three chords. I didn't think I'd be into it but the more I listen the more it draws me in.

Haunting vocals and lyrics, v good.

never heard of him, but that was surprisingly pleasant - like spoken word poetry set to music

I really wanted to dislike this whole thing… but I don’t.. just his voice and that weird second to last track.

I have no idea who Bill Callahan is, even though he's been in the industry for almost forty years, but on this album, at least, he reminded me of both Leonard Cohen and The National. The former has a "reading a poem to music" style, while the latter features rich arrangements featuring strings and keyboards. The mood of the songs is sometimes light, sometimes dark, and sometimes the lyrics are dissonant with the music; everything is in keeping with the genre's canons. It's a decent, laid-back album, but I won't be adding it to my library. Perhaps to truly resonate with this kind of music, you have to live in the American Midwest, although it was pleasant to listen to even with a snow globe outside.

This isn't usually the type of album I throw on, but I quite enjoyed listening through whilst I worked. It's soft and calming, with a slight folky vibe. It's an album I will definitely listen to again

I absolutely cannot deal with spoken word "songs." I love actual country music, so when I saw the genre of this album, I was looking forward to hearing an artist that was new to me. Now I know why I haven't heard of him. This sounds like Leonard Cohen, who I also VERY MUCH dislike as a performer. If you'll excuse me, I'll take the time I saved not trying to get through this and listen to Zach Bryan or Sturgill Simpson ⭐.5

Mr Rogers music

Dreadfully boring. The clarity and crispness of his admittedly good voice was just so counter to the folksy feel that I feel the album would’ve benefited from. Felt like the same song 9 times.

nice easy listening, I liked it more than I thought tbh

It’s ok

2,2/5

Favorite track: Jim Cane 3.5/5

Len Houmous actually was half eagle. 5.0 3/9 The Wind Of The Dove

Annie and I agreed, 3/5 for Mr.Rogers doom country folk extravaganza

no more singer/songwriter albums please

virkelig aldri hørt om, men albumcoveret snakker til meg // dette er veldig min type musikk hehe. storytelling, følelser, twee. howww?!! høydepunkt: The Wind and The Dove, All Thoughts Are Prey To Some Beast

It's fine. Mostly pretty good, but a few really bad ones being it down as a whole.

¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

Bill Callahan KNOWS he can't sing, and he's not even gonna try!

2+

Never listened. Expectations: None - Verdict: Very Good - I really like his voice. The simplicity and directness of the songs combines with a sort of cinematic feel that is really interesting. All Thoughts Are Prey To Some Beast is a highlight. Really cool record that I had never come across before.

# Album Name: Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle # Artist: Bill Callaghan # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Quality little album. Very Surprised by this one. I enjoyed it throughout. # Top Tunes: # Would I listen to it again? Yes

3.4 For some reason quite tough to get through. I enjoyed some tracks. The opener and All Thoughts Are Prey... we're quite lovely. On the whole though it kind of dragged, the High Fidelity line of "old sad bastard music" sprang to mind I'm afraid. Not bad though, just not great.

The guy from The National sings Beck Mutations. I can dig it.

I don't like slow, and I don't like country. But put the two together and...I'm still not a fan. This seemed well constructed, and doesn't grate on me. But it is dull. I gave it an extra star because it's one of the few things country-like that I was able to listen through without pain.

No. 363/1001 Jim Cain 4/5 Eid Ma Clack Shaw 3/5 The Wind and The Dove 3/5 Rococo Zephyr 3/5 Too Many Birds 3/5 My Friend 3/5 All Thoughts Are Prey 2/5 Invocation of Ratiocination 2/5 Faith/Void 3/5 (2x) Average: 2,9 Nothing offensive. But got pretty boring towards the end.

Graduated from pleasant enough to enjoyably pleasant. 3.5 rounded up.

Not sure if I enjoyed that or not. Pretty strange artist/album.

Listless

A 2009 album from an artist that I hadn’t previously heard of, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s described as alt-country, which doesn’t feel quite right. His voice sounds a little like Leonard Cohen, but he’s accompanied by some nice strings that put me in mind of 70s style Glenn Campbell. Other tracks add some interesting bass lines and vaguely middle eastern sounding orchestration - perfectly pleasant listening, but nothing to frighten the metaphorical horses. Lyrically, he’s in similar territory to Leonard Cohen but I’m not sure if the latter ever sang a song about death from the perspective of a horse though. I’m feeling charitable, so I’ll give this three stars but I think I might have preferred it if this was just him and a guitar in a more minimal arrangement.

I'm so close to liking this...

ok

Lovely country from a very interesting man.

Can’t get behind the vocal style

Always exciting, a recent album. From an artist I’d never heard of, and about whom—along with this record itself—precious little information can be found on the almighty internet. That doesn’t change the fact that this is a fine album. Not that those two things—the amount of online information and my appreciation of the music—have much to do with each other anyway. So where does this sit? Think Howe Gelb or his former band Giant Sand. Think Will Oldham, but with a sturdy baritone instead of a fragile quaver, and a little more rock, a little less country. Somewhere in that vicinity. Bill Callahan was 43 when this album came out and already on his sixteenth record. The first fourteen were released under the name Smog—though that, too, was essentially just Callahan. This second album under his own name earned him broad acclaim. And rightly so, because again: this is a strong and beautiful record. On first listen (half-distracted, watching the Games) I wasn’t particularly impressed, but with each spin the album grew. The instrumentation is restrained, yes, but the overall sound is warm, atmospheric, and beautifully recorded. Not sparse, either—there are elegant strings, and “All Thoughts Are Prey to Some Beast” features a particularly fine horn arrangement. It’s also one of the album’s tougher moments. A special mention—and, for once, a bonus point—for the lyrics goes to the closing track, “Faith/Void.” Built around the line “It’s time to put God away,” it feels like a mantra. The sentence is repeated twenty times, plus eight variations (“I put God away”), which is both excessive and somehow entirely fitting. Musically, it’s one of the high points: hypnotic, incantatory, and quietly resolute in its embrace of a life without a higher power. The encouragement prize goes to drummer Luis Martinez. His playing is extremely economical—borderline simplistic—but it works. High-level effectiveness. A fine example is the subtly syncopated beat in “Rococo Zephyr,” one of the album’s standout tracks. I have just one quibble. The filler preceding that evocative closer—the instrumental (unless you count a distorted female voice as singing) “Invocation of Ratiocination”—is entirely unnecessary. Still, I’d happily hear more from Callahan. This is a pleasant surprise, especially given how dismal most recent additions to the list have been. Bill advances to the next round.

Didn’t like this Album at all! No idea how it got on the list!

Smegma

Terrible

I… think I enjoyed this one?

Rare to hear someone perform in a spoken word style and think, “This guy has a great voice.” But Bill Callahan has a very nice voice. I find it interesting that he’s not singing in the traditional sense, because I suspect he’d be very good at it. At the very least, he’d probably make a nice audiobook narrator. The other day I wrote that Dion’s music sounded like a canvas for his vocals. Here the music sounds like a canvas for the songwriting. I tend not to gravitate toward this sort of writerly songwriter style though (see also: Leonard Cohen). I didn’t connect with the lyrics here, but I found the music calming.

Really beautiful, introspective, and deep album. The repetitive droning is alluring and I can't help but be pulled in. It's really, really enjoyable. I think I liked every track, except for "My Friend", which felt a little out of place. The lyrics were a little too on the nose and straightforward, and I didn't like the weird low rumbled "my friend" vocal part that he would do from time to time. Sometimes I don't love this sort of sound- see my many Nick Cave reviews.. but this album of a similar style really captured me. Callahan's voice is a perfect timbre for it. I'm giving this a 4/5 and I think it would grow more on me. I haven't had a 1001 album in a while that was totally new to me where when I got to the end I didn't want it to stop. Really good!

Not good. Bill doesn't even sing.

Je suppose que c'est un album que beaucoup de gens adorent, mais franchement, je me suis ennuyé. Et pourtant, je suis pas forcément réfractaire aux albums acoustiques assez dépouillés. Mais alors là, j'ai pas compris l'intérêt. J'ai pas compris pourquoi l'auteur s'est dit que cet album était spécialement intéressant à écouter. Jusqu'à présent, la décennie que je note le moins bien dans sa sélection, c'est les années 2000, mais je comprends pas comment il a fait cette sélection mais elle est plutôt décevante jusque-là. Je suppose que je devrais parler un peu plus de la musique ? Ben franchement, c'est entré une oreille et c'est sorti par l'autre. J'ai vraiment juste eu l'impression d'avoir un random américain qui fait des balades à l'américaine et je suppose que le reste du monde est censé se pâmer d'admiration ? J'ai même pas encore eu un seul Bob Dylan, bon sang. Je suis sûr que l'album sera bien noté et que je serai dans la minorité, mais hé, c'est mon profil et mes notes, je fais ce que je veux.

It's pretty, I enjoyed it quite a bit, but I can't say it fully grabbed me!

2000s indie folk was catnip for teen me, and honestly, this really scratched that itch. Lush, full of presence, with wonderful songwriting.

Really quite soothing and consistent throughout

This feels like the kind of object I'll only unlock further and further with each progressive listen. Found myself humming along a lot to these songs I was hearing for the first time. Bill Callahan seems to be one of those songwriters who accesses melodies that feel so obvious and immediate but new. "My Friend" is one of the best songs we've gotten so far in this project.

Extraordinarily rich in feeling. His voice is such a textured instrument, every word tells a story.

Went in with very minimal expectations and ended up very satisfied. Some excellent songwriting, folksy but with just a bit of edge

I really tried with this one, but it just bored me to death. The whole album feels slow, muted, and stuck in neutral. Nothing grabbed me, nothing surprised me, and nothing made me want to lean in. It has that soft, introspective singer songwriter vibe, but for me it never builds or goes anywhere interesting. Every track kind of blends into the next until it all turns into background noise. I get that some people probably find this thoughtful or meditative, but it did absolutely nothing for me.

Well this guy can talk a good song. I listened to this driving to work at 5am on a cold Sunday morning and it was good company, properly in the moment. However I can’t get to grips with the talking. I will give it another go though. Would have been 3 but because of the talking it’s a ……….

"Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle" has a unique perspective delivered by a singer with a unique vocal style, backed by beautiful music. It can only be - FOUR STARS

Starts off strong, but gets more boring the longer it goes on. Reminds me a lot of Nick Drake, but less depressing. Fine to listen to once, but not a second time. 6 / 10

2 seconds in and I’m already chillin. It’s the smoothest of vibes, rid of all that smog angst, he’s reflecting now and it’s wonderful. The sun is shining, there’s a glint of memories from the darker before-times in his eyes, but he’s shrugged them off for now. Isn’t nature great? Isn’t being maybe a cowboy or something great? Masculine, but not in a bad way!!! And that’s important.

Ol’ billy catamaran at his very finest, probably the peak of his mystic cowboy wandering the plains phase, some absolutely phenomenal lyrics here and voice like velvet soup. Love it!!

Very mellow. Maybe too mellow sometimes? 8th track shouldn't be included. 3.5

6.0/10 Liked the vibe of the songs but not a fan of his singing/talking style

Es un álbum dulce. Aunque monótono.

Jesus Christ what a snoozefest. I normally enjoy folky music, but this guy doesn't even sound like he's singing. He just kind of... musically speaks? Never coming back to this one.

Really enjoy his voice. The songs don't really stick with me but the music and vocals are calm and make a nice big blanket

Never heard about the artist before, read a little about him and noticed that the only known artist that was similar to him was Lambchop. They have always been boring to me, so I had low expectations. But I must say it was a pleasant surprise! I liked the mellow style and his vocals. Like a cross between Leonard Cohen and Colter Wall. I think I liked the album as an overall experience, but I didn’t really pay attention to what songs stood out. He could have left out the second last song though - that was just weird noises.

Not for me fr

+ kul stemme, fiiiine strings, bra lyrikk, clean prod, vet ikke med en gang hvor sangene går - er noen duds

Soft lush-folk tracks, philosophical lyrics, singing that is half-speaking... this didn't grab my heart or my attention, but it is interesting stuff. Worth returning to.

Boring

No private session used for Spotify. Pleasant music, but didn't care for the dude's voice as it sounded like it was struggling a lot. I can't imagine ever listening to this again.

In the little corner of singer-songwriter music, where lyrics often outshine sound and monotony can reign, Bill Callahan stands out for his instrumentals. This isn't your dad with an acoustic guitar, this guy is backed by an orchestra. Some ideas land better (Too Many Birds) than others (Rococo Zephyr). Overall, Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle is a rewarding album for those, who have the patience for it.

Top 3: 1. All Thoughts Are Prey To Some Beast 2. Eid Ma Clack Shaw 3. Faith/Void Least Favourite: Too Many Birds Solid album, "All Thoughts Are Prey To Some Beast" is a fantastic song.

Great writing, songs are really well put together. Enjoyed this one

This album was the first time I’d really paid attention to Bill Callahan (I think I had a Smog album before this), and I remember being pretty floored. Holds up great

American singer songwriter, never heard off the bloke before, but so far it's quite a pleasant listen.

- This is beautiful. It broke my heart. - He talk sings in a nice baritone, and I think it fits the poetic nature of the music. - The instrumentation is lovely and varied (strings, piano, great bass and guitar licks, etc). The musicality is mostly in the instrumentation, but his voice is a nice compliment.

Started strong, then downhill

i have no idea what to expect here. soft guitar intro. loving it. OH my he has a good voice. so deep and just on the line between smooth and gravelly eid ma clack shaw--what is that title??? this is sad boy music. well balanced between vocals, piano rhythm, percussion rococo zephyr--"i used to be kinda blind... now i can sorta see" too many birds--this one is a little less melodic than the others my friend--good crescendo. "my friend" growled is a bit unnerving faith/void--i don't love this song, but i get it overall 4/5. thoroughly enjoyable, unique sound executed skillfully. his voice is incredible. some songs were outside my tastes; but would certainly listen again.

ima veoma ozbiljan glas, nisam to očekivala iskreno. ozbiljan u smislu dubok, a i pomalo kao da više recituje nego što peva haha. ponekad mi je mnogo teško da razlikujem dobru i lošu muziku i ovo je taj trenutak. upravo je rekao fucking a pesma nije obeležena da je explicit. listen, im not a prude, ali ta oznaka postoji sa razlogom. brat samo izmišlja reči, respect. three songs in and im sick of this man, hes just saying whatever at this point. plus produkcija je toliko haotična, nema veze što je ovo neka indi/alternativna spora muzika, na svakih 5 sekundi upada novi instrument sa novom melodijicom. to naravno može da bude dobro ako je dobro urađeno, ali ovde samo imaš osećaj pretrpanosti. gotov je. ovo je ubedljivo najdosadniji, a borim se da ne kažem i najgori, album koji sam ikad poslušala. toliko neinspirisan, prepotentan, ugh. tekstovi svih pesama su ekvivalenti rečenici ''trava je zelena, nebo je plavo'' - nula umetničkog duha ili bilo kakvog truda da ovaj album, koji se najviše oslanja na singer-songwriter aspekt muzike (iz nepoznatog razloga), ima bilo kakvu koherentnu temu/priču, bilo šta da ovo bude barem podnošljivo za slušanje. ali nije podnošljivo i to najmanje zbog tekstova zapravo. ne znam ko je ovom čoveku dopustio da peva i smišlja melodije (ako ih uopšte on i smišlja) jer nisam dugo čula ovako loše melodije (ni glas njegov mi se ne sviđa, ali to je više subjektivno - melodije su objektivno loše). produkcija je gitara, bubanj, violina ponekad, na najdosadniji, i u svakoj pesmi identično odsviran način. ponekad pokuša da napravi neki ''dinamičan'' momenat sa instrumentalizacijom i zabole me uši. gore sam pomenula da je u jednoj pesmi bilo 50 različitih instrumenata ali od toga je ubrzo odustao. slušala sam npr 6. pesmu i neironično rekla naglas zašto ja ovo slušam, ovo je užasno. žao mi malo ovog bila ali opet ne toliko, nisam ja kriva što mu je sranje album.

OK.

I hate talk-singing most of the time but this dude was hypnotic. Good background chill music for a stressful day

Has it's place in 1001 worst albums.

Alussa olin positiivisesti yllättynyt miten kivalta kuulostaa, mutta sitten kun päästiin pitemmälle niin lähti kyllä toistamaan itteään hyvin vahvasti ja kaikkien biisien idea oli aivan copy pastea. Mutta fiilistelystä kolmonen

Nojoo, ihan kiva tunnelma, muttei varmasti tule uudestaan kuunneltua

Vähän huokailuks jäi, mutta ei nyt kovin ärsyttänytkään. 2/5.

Aattelin kannen perusteella, että päästään jonkun modernin kantrin äärelle, mutta jos tää semmosta on niin ainakin on moternii. Kai tää on kuitenkin enempi jatkumoo sille leonarti kouenille kun kanttarellille. Tykkään kyllä enempi Sun Kil Moonista tän tyylisistä artisteista, mutta sitä ei varmaan näillä listoilla nähä saati kuulla. Hyvin samantyyppistä se kuiteskii on, mut ehkä ton lauluhomman suhteen enempi sävyä kuiteskii kun tässä. Tai no ohan täskin esim. My Friendissä HYVIN eksoottista mörinää. Ekalla kuuntelulla mietin, että ei saakeli kyl pysty tätä, mutta sitten ehtoolla kun salakavalasti laitoin uusiks soimaan, niin rupes se tunnelma enempi välittyyn. Että tuotaaah, kai mää tätä voisin kuunnella vapaaehtosesti uusikskin ja tulkinta hyppää sen verran yli sen puhelaulun riman, että ei mee vaan liialliseks kouenin runolausunnaks. Sit kun miettii mille kaikelle antaa kuitenkin kolkkiakin niin voihan tälle nelkin panna. Sillai kyl, että jos tää sois vaan taustalla tiettaria näpytellessä, niin todnäk aika paskat pisteet irtois ja haukut päälle että monotonista möhinää. Nyt kuitenkin kävi pilillä tuuri ja fiilistelin lisää niin heti nous pisteet. Pili siis voi olla pystypäin niinkuin pilin kuuluukin.

Tästä ei kyllä jäänyt mitään käteen. Aika turhanpäiväistä jollotusta. Ei nyt kuitenkaan ärsyttänyt.

Interesting

not so much my type a music

This album was not for me. I was a little bored by it. Sonically it was fine, but something about his voice in combination with the folky type instrumentals wasn't working for me. Individually, I liked the instrumentals and his voice, but together I think they were both to mellow and needed some contrast. However, it did pick up for me toward the end of the album. The last 3 songs I enjoyed, but by that point it was too little too late.

Simple songs, more spoken than sung. Interesting but didn’t earn a second listen.

Painfully slow and boring

What the hell is this. Experimental with kind of stream of conscience lyrics, pretty good musicianship.

OK Tier

Terrible album cover. Pretty solid album though, I like his voice - really reminds of Afie aka Bahamas. A couple good tracks like Jim Cain, Eid Ma Clack Shaw, Rococo Zephy, Too Many Birds, but overall a little boring and don't think I'd go back to it. 3.25

Hat mich nicht gepackt.

3.5⭐️/5 01.25.2026

This was new to me and I really enjoyed it. His voice reminds me of Lou Reed.

5 stars because it’s Bill. Real heads know APOCALYPSE is his best but he is an essential singer-songwriter for sure. People complaining about how slow this is are so weak and would quake in fear of his more recent albums.

Wow, didn't expect to see Bill Callahan on here! His output was never as good after A River Ain't Much To Love, but holy smokes did he have some gems on those Smog records. I'll be generous and give this a 4, even though I wish it were one of his earlier records.

Important voice in indie music

Langweiliger geht immer, oder? Das waren meine Gedanken am Morgen beim Start in den Tag! Am Abend dann nochmal gehört und siehe da: Es schleicht sich in die Ohren! Neuentdeckung, nicht für jede, aber für besondere Stunden!

Gorgeous

Consider me whelmed. Didn't really do much for me tbh, it went by well enough but nothing stood out. Also Callahan's voice was a bit hard to get behind.

A surprise album for me and not my usual genre of music. I liked the folk vibes and unique instrumentals and the voice had a neat quality to it.

Music isn’t bad but the spoken word style just doesn’t do it for me

Haven't heard of him before. The album reminds me of something but I'm not sure what exactly (Nick Drake? but not really). Overall I wouldn't say it's bad but Bill's monotone voice got boring halfway through 2/5

Stand-out tracks: Jim Cain - really nice, promising start Eid Ma Clack Shaw - a strong feeling of tension contrasted with literal gibberish lyrics at the end, very peculiar The Wind and The Dove - the occassional oriental sounds are a real surprise on this one My Friend Started off as a soothing album, both the instrumental side and especially the vocals, but as it progressed certain tracks had darker/reflective themes in their melodies and lyrics. It got quite experimental by the end. I like how varied the instrumentals are and they don't necessarily "scream" the country sounds I expected. Despite the praises, some tracks do feel a bit drawn out and the instrumentals get a bit stale at times (especially towards the end of the album). It honestly had a promising start, but left me confused by the end at what it wants to actually be musically.

Highlights: Eid Ma Clack Shaw, Too Many Birds For the majority of the record, the vocals follow a certain template. Kinda gets monotone, but some songs have scarce lyrics and long instrumental parts which make them interesting. First half was noticeably stronger than the closing half. Definitely not something I will give another listen in its entirety, but it wasn't bad. Just a bit too artsy and mysterious for my taste. Also, too many birds.

Very nice music, a silky voice, some borderline lyricism (your partner is a tree?). Some stuff i recognised and liked, what was new to me i found myself on the fence on. 3.0/5.0 Best Song: Eid Ma Clack Shaw

I do love Bill Callahan, he has so many good songs, as Smog and just as solo stuff, hes such a unique and interesting songwriter and this is a great show case of his abilities. Sometimes though, i feel he tries to be too interesting, where it doesn't quite land, which is also the case here sometimes. But overall its a very good album i think. Best Track: Eid Ma Clack Shaw

Bill seems like a cool dude. I haven't listened to much Smog but I always enjoy the stuff I end up checking out.

This was fun. I like his voice and the lyrics.

Just could not get this

Being an eagle sounds pretty freaking badass, I was enjoying the guitar, but then this dude talk-sings, and I'm just not a fan of that style, in general. This is fine, could have gone on not listening. 2*

I was not convinced!!!

I love Bill Callahan. What a wonderful poet. This was my first listen to this album, and I'm glad it was part of my day today. Classically meandering, this album is musically solid, anchored by his relaxed tambor and artful lyrics. It might not make my heavy rotation, but I appreciate it tremendously and it was a wonderful bounce back from the 1/10 album I winced through yesterday. My only criticism I have is that the author didn't select Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest. One of my faves. 8/10

New to me. Found it to be chill and interesting. Nice guitar sounds.

Loved this. It had a National vibe to it, mostly in the vocals. The instrumentation was really cool too. All Thoughts Are Prey To Some Beast was such a cool track. This is a very rare first time I listen 5*.

This was just okay. I am not familiar with Bill Gallahan , but this was meh.

Lovely alt country album.

Tres doux, un mix de country et de folk avec beaucoup de guitares-voix! Très bel album

A little slow but the instrumentals are dreamy and pleasing. Each song has a different primary instrument which makes it a nice listen. Meadow music.

Qué canciones mas aburridos!!

Odd lounge music

I don’t get it. Not gonna slander it, but definitely not for me.

Not for me

Amazing. Never heard of this album or artist and it instantly became one of my favorites.

I think I got a bit surprised listening to this album, it started with nice melody and in comes his voice .... listening to this on high volume with his voice is really something. I do like dark music, even though I didn't pay much attention to alot of the lyrics (since i am listening while working) the songs do give dark melancholic tone. I need to listen again and pay attention to each song and lyric. Overall, good album to listen to while working and also to sit down and try to digest. I need to write my favorite songs of the album here once i listen to this again. Added to my playlist

On a cloudy winter's day, this is like the current a gently flowing river. Instrumentals that gently guide you along, nothing too harsh. Could have used a gentler voice with more pointed singing. The headphones/Apple Music album I was listening on made the voice way too loud so it felt improperly mixed. "Too Many Birds" was an interesting one, and I liked "My Friend."

Didn’t do it for me.

It’s ok

well it's alright

Interesting voice

Way too esoteric for me

Album #1,010 Spoken word singing style over some nice lush instrumentation. He really wants everyone to put God away. That’s my takeaway. Lure people in with some pretty songs and then says let’s all be atheists. Well, I already am one, and even I don’t want to hear him preaching it over and over.

Songwriting here isn't bad but this dude needs to find someone different to arrange and sing his songs for him. 2 stars or D+.

fav song from the album: my friend

Just not my speed

Faith/void is so soothing. All the songs are long. I liked this album

It's like The National if they didn't try as hard.

was not expecting to like this but I did. minus 1 star because I’m tired and this didn’t help

this made me wish I had decided to purchase ariana grande concert tickets on may 22nd, 2017 in manchester, england

Kinda hot ngl

Pretty good, just not my thing and a bit monotonous.

Good album, the vocals are good despite their deadpan nature

Not my vibe but I won’t take away stars because it’s not my taste.

I fail to see its significance

Well this was a great find. I am still a bit confused by it but I liked it.

2/10

4/5

kinda gave me bon iver vibes

I'm completely unaware of Bill Callahan, so this is my first time listening to anything by him. I find this to be pretty boring. Sometimes I wonder if this list of 1001 albums just contains some albums that are designed to make you enjoy the really great albums more. It's like: "how can you enjoy the sunshine without the rain?"

An artist I was completely unfamiliar with, but whose style is reminiscent of other baritone, lyrically oriented singer-songwriters like Scott Walker and Leonard Cohen. A great find, and an artist I'm now exploring more broadly (leading to the conclusion that this is not, in fact, Bill's signature album). But that aside, this is great melancholy, life affirming fair for a winter Sunday morning.

It was okay there was 2 standout songs for me but other than those the composition was bland and boring

6/10 - not bad, not particularly memorable but good to have playing on the radio

Not really my style of prefers music, but I like to keep discovering new music even if I do t really resonate with it.

I love this. Very musical, with new ideas popping up throughout. You don’t hear many voices like his, and I thought it contributed to unique and interesting textures and colors. Raw and emotionally weighty. I thought it was cinematic in the sense that each track painted a feeling—I think it was a very effective record in that regard.

Lovely whisper of country twang, loved it 4

I have no idea what this is, but the album title, artist name, and artwork have already annoyed me. Is it going to be Country or folk or hipster twee? Or have I got it all wrong and this is going to be awesome? Twee hipster folk sounds right. You know how a great vocal can improve a crap song, or you hear a decent song and think 'this song could be four stars if only the singer was better'? The music here is nice and the vocals are more spoken that sung, but I don't think a better singer would actually improve things. It's that twee, bland niceness that is beyond help. It's fine if you like that sort of thing, or are in the mood for it. It's yet another album by some random American nobody has heard of which has zero business being on this list.

Good craic

I actually stumbled across this album a month or so ago and was surprised to see it pop up on this list. It's not a bad album by any measure, but I'm not sure what makes it so exceptional either. Bill Callahan's music is best enjoyed alone, preferably in the chill of fall or winter. It's isolating in a really haunting and sometimes depressing kind of way, but I still find myself digging it. Sometimes, I also wish I were an eagle.

Very ornate sounding folk rock with some beautiful moments peppered in. Callahan's voice has that Kozelek monotone which means you really have to be in the mood for it but the production on this is really nice. Not quite as vivid a songwriter as Kozelek is so this is no Red House Painters but I could see myself returning to this. Not quite as good his project Smog, specifically Knock Knock. Favorite Tracks: Eid Ma Clac Shaw, My Friend, Rococo Zephyr, Faith / Void

i could never hate an album like this, something that feels like a true passion project, so for that i really respect it. it helps that it’s also really pretty most of the time

Not bad but not rlly my vibe. Chill guy though, wants to be an eagle and leave god.

Landlord: Dude, you are such a goated tenant. Bill: Yo, thanks beast. Landlord: I'm lowering your rent because you are such a chiller. Bill: Dude, fuck yeah. Bill: By the way, there's a ton of mold underneath the sink in the kitchen.

Hey! Another one I used to listen to constantly and then forgot existed!

Talk-singing folk indie. (Too many nouns as adjectives, I know, but it is what it is. 😉) For this “genre”, I generally like Mt. Eerie more than Callahan, but both are similarly engaging in some spots, dull in others.

Good music, but his voice gets old after like 2 songs

Another one of those half singing half talking albums, but there were at least enough interestingly written songs to keep my attention

I wasn't familiar with him, but this is great. Full of atmosphere.

Why would you put horses on the cover if you wish you were an eagle? Is this from the eagle’s perspective? Pretty sure eagles don’t have grainy ass vision

I enjoy his voice, the relaxed delivery, and the variety of this album. It's not an immediate love, but I'm giving it a 4 because I'm certain that after a few listens I'd really appreciate the lyrics too.

This feels like a mix between LCD Soundsystem and Johnny Cash. And I think I like that?

Really good stuff. I'm not sure I'm scrambling to give it a re-listen, but I may eventually

I love country but these songs are bland and boring. His voice is no big deal

He sounds like Leonard Cohen if he didn't cover Hallelujah and he had more expansive sound in general.

Have always loved this album. And aveelisten did nothing to change my mind. Full of great songs with Bill’s unique voice. Beautiful

This was surprisingly good. I wasn't expecting much after seeing the cover. I particularly enjoyed Eid Ma Clack Shaw, and loved the reverence with which he sang the nonsense he had dreamed.

Very pleasant, slight country twang but a bit Alexi Murdoch

He has a strange delivery for such a pleasant voice; the lyrics are out there too. Maybe it reminds me a bit of Leonard Cohen? Very wistful. Favorite tracks were ‘Eid Ma Clack Shaw’ and ‘Too Many Birds’.

Liked this more than I expected to! I really dig his voice. And there was a thread of silliness throughout that balanced the melancholy. Favorite track was My Friend.

This didn’t really blow my mind or anything, but I happened to listen to it on a day when I was feeling really sad and vulnerable and in this context it kind of hit the spot ❤️‍🩹

Love all things Bill Callahan.

Sometimes, I wish Country Music was better. Favorite Track: "My Friend".

Liked this a lot. It’s folky and relaxing, but also unexpected. Just when you think you know where a song is going, it shifts in a surprising and enjoyable way. A keeper

Really nice

Immediately put me in mind of Will Oldham and I was a bit concerned I would get a little bored - but actually, the songwriting and arrangements kept me in engaged and I enjoyed the warmth and even playfulness some of these songs delivered. I imagine the vocals will get some criticism on here - they do lack variety and the delivery is identical on every tune. But again, there was enough little musical moments - a little vocal harmony, a little organ motif, a wilting violin - to keep me listening. I don't like the album cover though - I think horses are evil and would kill us all if they could. Edit: Turns out this guy is Smog who I've listened to a lot before!

one of my all time favorite songwriters

This album knows what it’s doing, and as a result knows what it isn’t. Which makes for a truly brilliant ‘singer-songwriter’ record where the lyrical content is supreme above all else. So it’s a good job that the lyrics are really quite something, then. On Rococo Zephyr and All Thoughts in particular, I feel something that is only felt through the very very best that songwriting has to offer, like I’m reading a book. This is for specific situations, sure, but for that little niche that it engineers itself into, it couldn’t do much better.

6/10

This was unexpected (I hadn't heard of him). A very interesting collection of songs in a free-form sort of musical style; very melodic and with poetic (deep!) lyrics. It will need more than one listen, I think. I found it intriguing, and I enjoyed some musical passages very much. I currently have no idea which of my playlists I would add any of these songs to, but I intend to contemplate that further. Maybe it just needs to be considered as an album. I get the Nick Cave comparison, but this is sung, deliberately, in a much more low-key way. There's power in the words, though. I enjoyed it; pleasing sounds, and much to contemplate. It also sounds like he's been doing all sorts of interesting and different things for years, so I'm glad I've heard of him now.

New to me. Really liked it

Would it be surprising to say that I thought I was listening to Nick Drake? Bill Callahan has that nostalgic tone and eerie vibe, too. I mean, the guy even included a some kind of summoning in the middle of the album. Faith/Void is a folk epic track that kept me hypnotized the entire 10 minutes. Great album.

Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle feels like an album built from stillness, the kind where every note sits exactly where it needs to so the whole thing can breathe. Callahan’s voice has that low, steady calm that makes even the smallest lines feel weighted, and the arrangements around him are deceptively beautiful. The strings, the slow unfurling melodies, the measured pacing, all of it gives the album this quiet, expansive atmosphere that sinks in gradually rather than knocking you over. What makes it so compelling is how controlled it all is. The songs move at their own pace, never rushed, never overly decorated, but always purposeful. “Jim Cain,” “Rococo Zephyr,” and “Eid Ma Clack Shaw” in particular stand out because they balance simplicity with something oddly mystical, like Callahan is revealing thoughts he has spent years refining into single sentences. The writing is sharp without calling attention to itself, and the emotional weight comes from the way he phrases things rather than big dramatic moments. If there is any criticism, it is only that the album’s unhurried nature means a few tracks blur together, especially on a first listen. It is not a record built for instant impact. You have to sit with it, let it spool out, let the details find you. But when they do, the reward is big. Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle is understated, beautifully crafted, and quietly powerful, the kind of album that grows in meaning each time you return to it.

I liked it but didn’t love I really liked all thoughts are prey to some beast The music is really nice but I got kind of bored with the vocals and sameness It is a good album for a thoughtful Sunday morning

I know I was introduced to Bill Callahan at some point, because I remember listening to his 2022 album YTI⅃AƎЯ and ended up liking it. He had been around the edges of the indie acoustic scene since the 1990s, often performing under the name of Smog. Only in the mid-2000s did he begin performing under his own name. Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle is his second solo album under his own name, and I'll admit this is the kind of record that leaves me in awe with its simplicity. The songs on this record tend to involve very simplistic structures, simple chord progressions, Bill's conversational baritone delivery, and the complementary string and horn arrangements courtesy of Brian Beattie. There's this quiet, soothing energy present throughout, as the image of the eagle flying alone among the birds in the sky is used to reflect Bill's feelings of isolation, depression, and fragility. It speaks to more than just "white guy with acoustic guitar", as most of the guitars are nestled back in the mix in favor of the rich string arrangements, all the while invoking this comforting, non-confrontational earnestness. Not a moment felt wasted, as the tension builds toward the end on "All Thoughts Are Prey to Some Beast" with the greater thoughts and disconnection lurking in the mind becoming such inescapable driving forces. Then, the tension is cut with the howling processed vocals of the instrumental "Invocation of Ratiocination", leaving the mind to wonder where its flight will land before those wild thoughts are suppressed in the closer "Faith/Void". Perhaps the last track could have been better woven into the narrative of the eagle, even if it was done as a light tribute to the Faith/Void hardcore split LP, but that's a minor nitpick in the grand scheme of things. Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle is a fantastic record, showcasing the strengths of Bill Callahan as a singer-songwriter with striking imagery and wonder. It's an emotionally exuberant experience, and I could not get enough of it.

This is my first album of the 1001 on this website and I laughed out loud when I saw it. This is a great album and I listened it a lot last year to the disdain of my girlfriend. We talk about it so much that it has become a running joke in our relationship. Bill Callahan is truly great and under-appreciated. He reminds me of a mix of Brian Eno, Nick Cave, and Nick Drake.

An easy and chill listen for a Sunday.

I feel like I should've disliked this more, given the singer's Shatner-esque vocals. But for some reason, it was kind of pleasant. The easy, smooth guitar melodies kept this as a 3.

I'm not sure this is the bomb, but it's certainly the balm to my raw ears after Megadeath. Good but nothing really special. Way too many hoky nature references. The guy sure likes his birds and trees.

I like this album. I'm not usually into talking-style singing, but this one is just melodic enough. Plus he uses some symphonic sounds in the background, which I always like. My favorite tracks are: Faith/Void, Jim Cain, and the very odd Eid Ma Clack Shaw.

Almost rated this a 5, but realized I was probably getting out over my skis because I was excited the list recommended something new I was excited about. Callahan has that almost spoken word style that reminds me or Reed or Cohen, but more country and more atmospheric. He also reminds me a bit of a less jokey version of John Lurie, in his Marvin Pontiac mode. Regardless, into it!

Just really enjoyed this. I've always liked Smog, especially love where Bill Callahan has shown up in collaboration with Joanna Newsom & Will Oldham, and just dig this whole baritone, dark folk-tale vibe. I somehow hadn't given this album an intentional listen & added multiple tracks to playlists.

Bit bland and harmless. It's time to put him away.

I do like much of the album but I don’t understand why his voice is always separate sonically from the music. It irritates me where someone else who speak sings a lot like Howe Gelb does not because the music feels just as important but not with Callahan.

I didn’t expect much based on the country genre and the horses-in-a-field album cover, but I was pleasantly surprised. it’s pretty good

This was pretty bland and boring. The vibe I got was - cheap production, home-recorded, amateur trying to sell CD's on a corner bad. The title of this album bugs me. Why not "Sometimes I Wish We Were Eagles"? (And why then are there horses on the cover?) It made me think of Kirk Van Houten's demo tape on the Simpsons, "Can I Borrow A Feeling". It's so corny I can't take it seriously. I wasn't feeling it and had to fast forward through every song. 1.5/5

498/1001 🌕🌗🌑🌑🌑 😴

I’m not overly into this album but I can see with the right hallucinogenics this could be a 3. Just depends on the drug. Meh. 2.5

First couple tracks were so slow and the monotone singing wasnt doing it for me but as it went on the tempo increased and I liked it more

he has a deep voice

It was okay. Reminds me a little of Leo Kottke, but without the guitar skills. 2.5/5 Probably won't listen again

Exceedingly bland. 2/5

Fave track: Faith/void Idgaf if you think the lyrics are repetitive IT'S TIME TO PUT GOD AWAY‼️‼️🗣🗣🔥🔥

Meh. Solid first track. 2/5

Navel gazing with a primitive beat.

It’s ok. Probably not something I would register to.

Rien ne m'a marqué

Vaya disco más aburrido. Tío, si no tienes ganas de cantar, no cantes.

SPEAKING. NOT EVEN SINGING. 1/5

I tried, I gave it 4 songs before I gave up. I just didn't like it

I like this. It’s mostly the lyrics/vocals that turn me away from country/folk music, but if they focus on atmosphere instead, sometimes it sounds quite nice. This is one of these examples. It’s nice, enjoyable, well-produced background music with a pleasant atmosphere that doesn’t put vocals on the forefront, which I personally enjoy. 7/10

Gelukkig zit er een hoop verschil op deze lijst, want nog een grindcore album had ik niet getrokken. Dit is denk ik de grootste tegenstelling die ik had kunnen hebben en eigenlijk ook iets meer de vibe die ik nu wil. De zanger of eigenlijk de muziek an sich doet me nogal denken aan Leonard Cohen in dat het muzikaal vrijwel minimaal is. Een gitaar, soms een piano, heeeeel soms een drummer met een klein tikje hier en daar. Het is allemaal minimaal, de cover verteld eigenlijk al alles over de vibe van dit album en dat is ook prima. Ik trek het best ok, maar om nou te zeggen dat Bill me omver blaast? Mwah, het is prima, ik ben blij met een lekker achtergrond albumpje maar denk niet dat ik dit snel nog eens aan zet of dat er mensen zijn die dit album meteen moeten aanzetten. Het voelt als een album dat ergens in een kledingwinkel aan staat. Niet een hele hippe kledingwinkel. Of misschien een koffietentje ofzo. FAVO: Eid Ma Clack Shaw, Too many birds

Fav: Eid Ma Clack Shaw Least Fav: Rococo Zephyr Regret listening to this before bed, don’t think I was in the right mind to truly enjoy this

A boring gentleman, I've heard enough. Half an album is all he's getting

Another listener in our group disliked this…so hear are some surprisingly pleased snippets as I listened and enjoyed it: ‘You gave me the fear but I quite like his voice’ ‘ He sounds like a gentleman’ ‘ Track 8 goes a bit mad, he must have been playing silent hill that week.’

Liked this a lot. Interesting to read about his lo-fi background which I might dig into. Reminded me of Giant Sand a lot, Father John Misty slightly. His voice was perfectly cromulent, but unusual in that we don't hear a lot of baritones in pop music

very chill. guy just kind of talking over some nice sounds

Loved the music, was only so-so on the monotonous vocals. The type of album that's right in my wheelhouse and that I might appreciate a lot more on a return visit. On a first listen it was a little bit sleepy. I'd go 3.5 if I could.