Wed, Nov. 4, 9pm EST - 'Red Apple Falls' by Smog

The majority of this album is neither loud nor upbeat, from both a tempo and lyrical standpoint. It's primarily soft, slow and forlorn (perhaps that is why I love it so).  The instrumentation is minimal and any sort of guitar wizardry is completely absent. Does that mean it has little to offer? Of course not. Listen to the first track, "The Morning Paper", and you'll too be drawn into the fictional town of Red Apple Falls.  

Bill Callahan, who records under the moniker Smog, penned this concept album in first person. He presents deep and mournful stories of the empty and ultimately strained relationship between him and a widow. Revelations of his former deviant self, now in a new town unaware of his sketchy past, weave through the two upbeat (tempo-wise) songs on the album in "I Was A Stranger" and "Ex-Con". Encouragement to break free from bad situations and fantasies of being selfless do show signs of positivity ("Inspirational" and "To Be Of Use"), but overall the main character is presented throughout the album in a light more akin to the wounded bird crying in the woods outside his window "weeping into dead leaves, with wing torn and jutting bone" ("Blood Red Bird"). 

Despite the melancholy overtones of Red Apple Falls, the album does not come across as depressing. Instead it seems hopeful. And 18 years since its release it still feels fresh every time I listen to it. I look forward to spinning it once again during "Album Night" on Wed., Nov. 4th at 9pm EST. I hope you can join me!

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