ALBUM REVIEW: Bill Callahan – Gold Record

Drag City

Released: 04.09.20

Every Bill Callahan album contains at least one song that is a masterclass in songwriting. This time out, it’s Pigeons. Over a subtle but gently inventive tune (dashes of woodwind and brass against a simple guitar figure), Callahan imagines himself a wedding limo driver reflecting on love and marriage. And it’s just the loveliest fucking thing. Wry and tender and bookended with a self-deprecating gag.

Gold Record shares a general sense of ease with his last album, but this is a warmer and wittier affair. Ry Cooder is just Callahan goofing off really, surprisingly daft but still insightful. And there’s a lovely reworking of Let’s Move To The Country (hey, Jonathan Richman has been doing this for years!). Contentment never sounded so appealing.