What makes Ex-Con by Bill Callahan notable?

'Ex-Con' is notable for its critical reception, particularly among indie music circles, where it helped establish Callahan's reputation as a leading figure in lo-fi music. The album's raw sound and poignant storytelling influenced a generation of artists, contributing to the growing appreciation for introspective songwriting in alternative music. In 1997, Bill Callahan released 'Ex-Con' as his third studio album under the moniker Smog, following his earlier works 'Sewn to the Sky' and 'Julius Caesar'. At this point in his career, Callahan was solidifying his unique voice in the alternative country and lo-fi scenes, crafting narratives that combined the mundane with the profound.