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Smog - Knock Knock |
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ALBUM REVIEWSPick of the Chick: Our Favorite Releases, 1999-Present |
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Smog is the brainchild of Bill Callahan, a guy who produces wonderfully catchy, yet often unnerving, DIY indie rock. Callihan's downer-sounding vocals are reminiscent of J. Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.) and so is the subject matter of his songs on Knock Knock--often sad and sometimes even troubling (e.g., "Cold Blooded Old Times"). But pound for pound, Callahan packs more hooks into his music than Mascis has ever been able to muster. These hooks keep Knock Knock from dipping too far into the depressive depths. Callahan is also an amazing songwriter who delivers poetic lyrics that are just vague enough to leave you chewing on his words for days (e.g., "Hit the Ground Running"). Knock Knock is worth owning solely for the picture on the back cover, which features a group of kids singing along in the studio with a cat that's screeching at the top of its feline lungs. PIGEONHOLE: Downer indie-rock with just enough
hooks to keep you from slipping away.
Andrew Helminger |
SMOG
