Austin-based singer-songwriter Bill Callahan has surprised fans by releasing six whole songs, the entire first side of his forthcoming record Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest. Granted, the album is 20 tracks long so it’s only about 30% of the record, but it’s still quite a treat.
The advance songs include “Shepherd’s Welcome,” “Black Dog on the Beach,” “Angela,” “The Ballad of the Hulk,” “Writing,” and “Morning is My Godmother.” The set is a cohesive unit of rambling acoustic instrumentation featuring Callahan's legendary baritone voice with all except the Hulk-themed track wrapping up fairly quickly.
Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest is Callahan’s first full-length in six years, following 2013’s Dream River, and is out July 14 via Drag City. Callahan, who previously recorded under the name Smog, is setting out on a US tour next month with a date in Seattle on Saturday, June 22 at the Neptune.
Below, listen to Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest – Side 1.
The last time Southern troubadour Bill Callahan came to Seattle, he played a quiet, solemn show at the Triple Door. And on Wednesday night at his sold out show at Neumos? He was dare I say, peppy? Or at least as "peppy" as the Songwriter Formerly Known as Smog can get.
