"Just remember: I wanna help you; I don't wanna hurt you..."

"...So don't tear it apart."

This cover tune pays tribute to singer/songwriter Kath Bloom as only Bill Callahan can: with his languidly gripping baritone and a subdued emotional resonance that reignites the song's devastating narrative core. Included on the upcoming 2-disc tribute album Loving Takes This Course (along with reverent renditions by the likes of Mark Kozelek, Devendra Banhart, and the Dodos), "The Breeze / My Baby Cries" is perfectly suited to Callahan, dealing with elemental allegories and filial struggles and natural adversities. All these themes are tied up with a stark, cathartic directness and a melancholic, uniquely "Smog-y" doubt. It's all pretty darn affecting.



Here's some info on Kath Bloom from the Chapter Music label:
"Kath Bloom is a legend of folk, country, blues and avant-garde music. She has been making records since the late 70s, and has had her music featured in the movie Before Sunrise by Richard Linklater (starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy).

Kath met avant-garde guitarist Loren Mazzacane Connors in 1976, teaming up with him for a series of now highly sought-after recordings of traditional blues and folk songs and Bloom’s originals. Some records were released in editions of as few as fifty, most no more than 200 copies, until the duo released their swansong Moonlight in 1984."

"The Breeze/My Baby Cries" by Bill Callahan (download):








I, for one, can't wait for Callahan's new album, which is set to come out in April ... Here's the gorgeously equine cover art for Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle:



BONUS: Here's that scene from Before Sunrise—a film that, despite my distaste for Ethan Hawke, I really enjoyed—featuring Bloom's "Come Here"...

Comments

Erica Kelly said…
your blog is full of wonderful things! loving Kath Bloom...

quick question - where do you get that convenient little mp3 player?
Bradley said…
What a beautiful song.

Not to ruin the mood, but I keep thinking "What did Joni think of Kath...?" She was such a hater back in that day. Good thing she lightened up enough to embrace such timeless artists as Coolio. Aww, I kid!
BJK said…
copperseal: i created that little flash mp3 streamer (it's just a pretty basic swf file), but you can definitely find a similar template if you google "swf mp3 player" or similar terms. this one works well: http://musicplayer.sourceforge.net/

sign_anonymous: good question! was she really that critical of her peers? and what is the coolio story?! don't tell me they did a duet! that would be outrageous!

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