I'm absolutely loving Smog's A River Ain't Too Much To Love. I'm finding it real hard to find stuff other than this album locally, so if I order something, what's the next best choice to make here, keeping in mind that I'd like to stay somewhat similar in sound and style to this one for now. I love Callahan's voice - he's got that kind of thing going that makes me think of some old dude from like Virginia who's practically soaked his vocal cords in tobacco for most of his life - but the album's sparse, airy production fascinates me as well (I especially love the very raw drums.) Help me Obner-won, you're my only hope!

It's not that similar in style, but I'd say pick up Red Apple Falls next. It's my favorite overall Smog album. The production/arrangements are a little fuller and Callahan's voice doesn't sound as up front and isolated, but it's a fantastic record on its own terms. It's still fairly sparse and spacious (as pretty much all Smog is) and the lyrics are, of course, top notch.

The closest one stylistically to A River... is probably Supper, but there are a handful of other Smog albums I prefer to that one, namely Dongs of Sevotion and Knock Knock. Although Supper is very good and seriously underrated.

I don't care as much about the earlier stuff like Wild Love and The Doctor Came at Dawn. I've actually never heard Julius Caesar which supposed to be one of his better (if not best) of his earlier works athough I intend to pick it up eventually. His earlier stuff all has a more indie rock/low-fi aesthetic.

The only thing of his that I've heard and don't really like is Rain on Lens. It's not that bad, just kinda bland and off somehow.

I lurve Smog. A River... made my #1 of 2005. My fav is Dongs, my entry point to Callahan. Red Apple Falls, Knock Knock and Supper possibly the most accessible. All great records.

Sparse 'n' Poignant:
Red Apple Falls
Dongs of Sevotion
Knock Knock

Dark 'n' Morose:
Rain on Lens
The Doctor Came @ Dawn

Raw Lo-fi:
Burning Kingdom
some KK
Julius Caesar

Slick production:
Supper

Awesome, this helps a lot.

Is there an official Smog/Bill Callahan site? I couldn't find anything other than the Drag City site. I'm just stunned when I find an artist that doesn't have an official site, especially a small artist like this - exposure, people, exposure!