This is an excellent album - probably my favourite of 2009 so far. Bill Callahan has been around a long time under the Smog moniker and tends to produce low key albums that grow on you with more listens. This one struck me as more instantly impressive than his last outing, his rather dry delivery nicely contrasted by some excellent string arrangements. Well worth listening closely to the lyrics - some interesting and quirky takes on love and religion here. Intelligent indie music for discerning listeners I would say. If BC is new to you, reference points would be Lambchop meets Richard Hawley. If you are already a fan then this will exceed your expectations. And that's praise indeed!