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The Great Tomato Singer Songwriter Collection
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Avalon Blues - A Tribute to the Music of Mississippi John Hurt
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Honeysuckle Dog
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Chris Smither Album Review:
Long Time Comin ! at 2004-04-03
31 years late . . . but VERY COOL! Ive been waitin on this release for quite awhile.The intrigue of the guest artists alone starts you thirsting.A few choice licks by The Greatest Feat of them all is a special treat!Ive noticed that 5 Stars are thrown out there far to frivolously on this site. There are two reasons that hold that last star out of my rating . . . . .1: This album couldve started on song #2 and instantly improved.( Not that song #1 sucks, but it just doesnt fit the feel of the rest of the album).2: The background noise is much more tolerable with no snaps, crackles or pops . . . but its still background noise.( In fairness, it does bring you back to the day a bit).Bottom Line . . . this is an excellent album, and Id recommend it to most anyone.
Chris Smither Album Review:
Its 1973, not 2004 at 2004-03-17
I thought this album was a follow on to the excellent Train Home, but once I got past the shock when I played the first track (Smithers voice is higher and less mellow in 1973) I loved it. Its like being shown photos of your lover as a child-- this one is so sweet you just want to carry it around with you. Lonely Time is seriously sexy, and Braden River sparkles. This is great stuff.
Chris Smither Album Review:
Blast from the Past at 2005-05-09
Chris Smithers Honeysuckle Dog was recorded to be his 3rd album for Poppy, the follow-up to Dont It Drag On. Of the 12 songs here, Chris recorded 10 of these on other releases; so the music is familiar to those of us who have followed his work. On what is cited in the liner notes as the first recording of Randy Newmans Guilty, Chris voice shakes with vulnerability and is like a gentle apology from a guy who knows hes messed up. With the backing vocals of Maeretha Stewart, Hilda Harris and Patti Austin, his take on It Aint Easy carries a gospel fervor for the downwardly mobile. Lowell Georges electric lead snakes through the track. The classic Homunculus is one of Chris best melodies. This stripped-down take with just Chris and guitar ironically sounds full and rich. Braden River is cited in Michael Cuscunas liner notes as one of the first songs Chris wrote and shines here with Mike Mainieri enchanting on vibes, Dave Hollands acoustic bass and Ralph Mcdonalds tasteful percussion. Theres a lot of hiss on Chris reading of Bessie Smiths Jailhouse Blues. Whether intentional or not, it makes the track seem related to Bessies own recordings. The title track pulses like a cousin to Jimmy Reed and is very easy on the ear. Chris has a knack for taking another writers material and totally embodying it as if it were written just for him. On Eric Von Schmidts Rattlesnake Preacher he tells the tale of Diamond Joe, Hes the rattlesnake preacher marching through the land; If you aint got the grace of God, hell strike you where you stand. Chris take on Rosalie is a rollicking good time. It may have taken 31 years, but this is a set well worth exploring for Chris longtime fans and those just discovering this marvelous singer. Enjoy!
Chris Smither Album Review:
Every Chain has a weak link at 2004-07-07
I am a loyal Chris smither fan and have been that way since I was 2. But this Cd is total weak compaired to almost all of his other CDs. Most of the songs have no real fealling to them, which is very unusual for Chris. Plus most of the tracks are horribly over-Produced. This just makes it seem like he was forced to record and had no new ideas. I think that the main reason that this album was stored away for 30 plus years was because of its weakness. try getting any other Chris Smither Cd besides this one.
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Train Home
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Chris Smither Album Review:
Best CD yet from a great singer/songwriter at 2005-09-05
Be sure to check out Chriss cover of Crocodile Man!The whole CD is superb.
Chris Smither Album Review:
Can listen to this over and over at 2005-07-21
I bought this CD shortly after it was released, and I dont get tired of listening to it. Its pleasantly folksy, the lyrics and tunes are interesting, and his singing voice is just different enough to keep my attention. Its a very relaxing CD, even though the songs arent particularly slow. Its a keeper.
Chris Smither Album Review:
I want to own this music! Will shop tomorrow! at 2005-05-08
Tonight as I was driving home (again) I heard Crocodile Man on NPR. Although I hadnt heard anything about this album, I knew immediately that the foot-stomping artist was Chris Smither (having seen him in concert at least thrice)...but I also knew that the song was...Dave Carters! This momentarily confused me, but I kept listening, and trying to figure out who is the female vocalist singing back-up (could it be Tracy Grammar?). Yes, Chris Smither has an amazing knack for making songs his very own, doesnt he? What an astonishing talent! If you havent seen him in concert, I highly recommend the experience. And Ill buy the album tomorrow.
Chris Smither Album Review:
Journeyman catches the last train home at 2005-02-01
Train Home is a pleasant, well executed but fundamentally unambitious outing for gravelly voiced troubadour Chris Smither. Smither has a nice, and well-recorded, fingerstyle on the steel string guitar (although the overdubbed arrangements of it lend the album an uncalled-for busyness) and by the sounds of it an impressively smoked-on, whiskied larynx, put to great effect towards the back end of the album, especially on the wry Let It Go. But it isnt apparent what Smithers motivation for writing his songs is - hes neither a song-and-dance man nor a poet: as a result Train Home falls uneasily between blues (which he plays fine but doesnt seem to suffer) and folk. Theres a taste, but not a full slate, of the word-smithery (but not bitterness) of Leonard Cohen, the technique of Chet Atkins, the sardonism of Bob Dylan and the lunacy of Tom Waits. But Smither is never bold enough to travel past the point of no return on any of them - fair enough, I guess, on a record called Train Home. What remains is an accomplished outing from a journeyman whos seen plenty of stuff on his travels, but isnt planning on serving as a touchstone for new directions in popular culture any time soon. But, as a way to unwind on that Train Home from the office, its right up there. Olly Buxton
Chris Smither Album Review:
Incredible at 2004-06-07
I can listen to this CD everyday and I never seem to get tired of it. Its got a rare quality to it thats hard to define and near impossible to find. If nothing else buy this CD to hear his fantastic take of Dave Carters song Crocodile Man. Its worth buying the CD just to get that song.
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Don"t It Drag On
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Chris Smither Album Review:
Best album of 71 we never got to hear. at 2004-09-05
I bought this album after Smithers excellent Train Home and its like seeing a new black belt in his first tournament after youve seen him as grand master. Its very good, Train Home is great.
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Live As I"ll Ever Be
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Chris Smither Album Review:
Live Smither...sort of at 2004-02-26
As almost any of the other reviewers will say, you havent truly experienced the full genius of Chris Smither until you see him live, but Live As Ill Ever Be is very much what the title sounds like: an excellent live disc of the living, toe-tapping wonder with the blue guitar. With no intention of prejudice, one might ask in jest, A middle-aged white guy playing the blues? It cant be! But Chris Smithers brilliant lyricism and sturdy voice certainly extend beyond all boundaries. Song lyrics that strive for (and acheive) an ethereal sense of grounding glide between the harmonies of fingerpicking that defies comparison. Few recordings can delve as deeply into the psyche as Smithers Cave Man or his moving cover of Roland Salleys Killing the Blues.Smither himself states it best in his song Help Me Now: A one man band to the bone.
Chris Smither Album Review:
Concert in a box at 2003-12-09
My wife introduced me to Chris Smither via his studio albums a number of years ago, but it wasnt until 2001 that I got to see him live. I was absolutely blown away! Although I disagree with the reviewer who doesnt like his studio albums, the live experience is definitely better. A man, a mike, his blue guitar, and his tapping feet - thats all you need! As someone who grew up on rock rather than blues it really struck me how much better a musician Chris Smither is than anyone else I have seen live (which includes Rush, Primus, and AC/DC as well as Moxy Fruvous, Eddie From Ohio, and Janis Ian - all of whom I like!) He is very charismatic, but what I found most amazing is that while playing these incredible licks he totally ignores his guitar, as opposed to the stereotypical rock guitarist who looks like he is examining the grain on the neck of his guitar during a solo. Its as if C.S. is just twiddling his thumbs, so much is the guitar a part of him.Do yourself two favors: buy this album, then go see him in person (or vice versa!)
Chris Smither Album Review:
Seems So Dumb to Get So Excited at 2003-09-14
Ive been a fan of Chris Smither since his 1972 Dont It Drag On LP. When he blasted Statesboro Blues and Friend of the Devil, it was like having an old friend I never met in my living room. I went back and picked up his Im A Stranger Too from 1970, then he disappeared as a recording artist until 1984 with It Aint Easy. These were albums to which I continually returned. If I understand correctly, he was battling his own personal devils with alcoholism. Then he returned in 1991 with his live CD Another Way to Find You that covered his recordings to that point. Throughout the 90s he consistently put out excellent CDs, followed recently by the classic Train Home that came out this year. Live As Ill Ever Be was my #1 CD for the year 2000 on my Class of 2000 list here on Amazon, but I never reviewed it. I also had never seen Chris live, until last Friday night in Chapel Hill. Chris is the quintessential live performer.What comes across so amazingly live is the great humor in his songs. When he sings, Seems so dumb to get so excited, on Cant Shake These Blues, its not that its a comedy song, but just that you get the humor of his great spirit. His facial expressions contort to often express a humble self-effacing guy with wry wit. On Friday he related singing at prison where the inmates were a little wary of him at first. Then after a couple of songs they figured I just hadnt been caught yet. This disc is a great representation of his live show. All of the songs on this disc are so strong that its hard to pick highlights. Hold On is a great opener. When he did The Devils Real, he said his friends showed up at his concert worried that hed gotten religion. He assured then he hadnt; and they all left. His closer in Chapel Hill was Link of Chain which is a great song with his great penchant for lyrical twists, Fly me like a kiteline smilin like a goldmine, I dont need to be right. No Love Today with its intro about the vegetable man makes you think this will be a funny song about a street seller until the song hits its great pathos, I could not love to save myself from lonesome desperation, everything I thought was love was worthless imitation. Cave Man boasts a gorgeous melody about the supreme loneliness. Chris guitar on Small Revelations is about as expressive as a guitarist gets balanced by his wistful vocals, Passion is feeling in motion, compassion is standing still. When Chris adopts a song like Robert Johnsons Dust My Broom, he encompasses it so completely that its hard to tell that it from his self-penned pieces. There is also a great universality and worldly wisdom that comes through in Chris songs like, Im not the passenger, I am the ride. One of my favorites is Up On the Lowdown with its insistent beat and they great rise in melody when Chris sings Thats whats so surprising. Chris set Live As Ill Ever Be is a great recording of a man in his element. His guitar is so distinctive that just like I can recognize James Taylors or George Harrisons guitar as individual as their vocals, so too is Chris guitar unique. I thought this was the best recording of 2000. Enjoy!
Chris Smither Album Review:
Buy 1 for you and 1 for a friend! at 2003-04-20
One of the most enjoyable CDs in my collection. I have given it as a gift many times and it has always been well-received.If you cant see him live, it is the next best thing.
Chris Smither Album Review:
Do yourself a favor... at 2002-11-28
...and pick up this CD. I heard a few songs on NPR one day and decided to give it a try. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be a giant understatement. As far as a live solo act goes, Im yet to hear one thats better.
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Drive You Home Again
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Chris Smither Album Review:
As good as his CDs are he is sooo much better in person at 1999-06-03
Saw him this week opening for John Prine...He stole the show. Didnt know his work before the show, but am now a big fan. His guitar work is super...I could listen for hours. His foot tapping seems anoying at first, but grows on you and you miss it when he stops.
Chris Smither Album Review:
love the lyrics at 2000-03-15
i heard this on the radio a couple of weeks ago and had to hear the rest. Except for the last two cuts which seem out of sych with the rest of the music this is a first rate CD. hes a poet with lyrics, the melodies are floating or funky, toe tapping rhythms, the CD is fun to listen to... again and again.
Chris Smither Album Review:
Simply Smither`s at 2000-01-29
Chris Smither once again Produces pure emotion, Chris takes us on a trip on Driving you home,only to drop us of at a girl`s house who plays steel Guitar, To whome we then must tell that We got no love today...... Hey Hey Hey........etc. this is another example of music in it`s purest form.Congrats Chris, on putting together this Master piece.
Chris Smither Album Review:
Get Waiting on a Train Instead at 2003-09-01
After falling in love with Smithers newest CD, Waiting on a Train, I decided to try this one. A big disappointment! What I love about Smither on the new CD is how wonderful his guitar playing is and how well he accompanies himself. On Drive You Home Again, Bruton overproduced the album. There are too many musicians and just too much stuff going on that you only hear Smither as a singer. The arrangments lack all of the sweetness that makes Waiting on a Train so great. I would not recommend this CD.
Chris Smither Album Review:
one of my favorite CDs at 2003-02-20
This CD is really one of my all time favorite CDs. For me, this CD provides moments like at a Grateful Dead show when, the music lifts the top of your head, allowing pure thought below. Really dont know how else to put it. P.S. the other reviewer was absolutely correct about the last two tracks.
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Another Way to Find You
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Chris Smither Album Review:
My all time favorite Chris Smither CD at 2004-03-13
I became a Smither fan after hearing him play live, which is where he really shines, and have since made a point of catching his performances all over the U.S. I have all his CDs and this one is my perennial favorite. Its hard to articulate exactly why, since Chris is so uniformly masterful with his guitar technique and his famously smooth/gravelly voice. I guess its largely the song choices, which are a teriffic blend of traditional blues covers and his own soulful compositions. Also the live format infuses the entire CD with an energy and consistency missing from many studio productions. This is a singular virtuoso performance; being in that audience must have been a sublime experience!
Chris Smither Album Review:
Vital and Nuanced at 2002-11-06
Chris Smither turns in a brilliant live performance here that mixes folk and blues standards with his own less classifiable originals, which seem more informed by tradition, rather than defined by it.His acoustic guitar playing is technically impressive, and this is the first thing that some young, guitar-playing friends of mine seized upon, when I lent them the CD. He can burn with up-tempo picking.Yet, it is the reflective ballads that command my attention and affection the most. Smithers baritone communicates a dignified sense of melancholy that hints at genuine spiritual depth. These ballads are sequenced against upbeat versions of tunes that range from his own Love You Like A Man to a Chuck Berry cover.In the end, this is a vital and nuanced performance that is more rewarding for me than his studio recordings with a full band. Highly recommended.
Chris Smither Album Review:
Recommended in BLUES REVUE magazine too at 2000-03-19
Another Way to Find You was listed by Kenneth Bays of BLUES REVUE magazine as a favorite album. Since I liked or loved *every* other album Bays listed but had never heard Chris Smither, you bet I sent for this quick-like-a-bunny. Oh my wow. Read the other reviews here, they are absolutely right about his guitarwork. He writes an excellent song, walking back and forth between what those who want to classify would call blues and folk. Interesting individual voice that goes well with his lyrics and phrasing-- his voice, playing and writing are extremely well integrated. If you like this kind of music (and I approached it from a blues background) you will find tremendous subtle variety among the cuts; if youre not used to it, this is a CD WORTH listening to til you do find them. His Love You Like A Man is hilariously joyful guy-stuff and beats Bonnie Raitts all hollow (!). Shake Sugaree is a wonderful choice to cover. It figures if he writes songs as he does that hed find this and deftly bring out EVERYthing the song has in it. I can only agree with what has been said about other cuts. One of those rare CDs with such high consistent quality and depth throughout, where the concept aids and abets what is great about the artist... its just something to put on again and again to hear as a whole.
Chris Smither Album Review:
Excellent Acoustic Blues Guitarist at 2000-03-06
Another Way To Find You features master blues guitarist Chris Smither. Thats all - just Chris and his guitar. No backup group singing harmony, no other musicians filling for Chris and no multi-track recording manipulation. Chris is well qualified to stand alone. He is a wizard on the acoustic guitar - his technique is so elaborate that youd swear you were listening to the work of two or three players.Traditional songs (such as Statesboro Blues) are rendered with dignity and respect. Chris is equally comfortable with folk (Down In The Flood) and rockabilly (Tulane).Im certain that the relationship between Chris and the small audience present during the recording session was intimate; however, much of that intimacy is lost when the listener is not a member of the live audience. Eighteen cuts of Chris Unplugged is a bit lengthy for my tastes. Despite this minor complaint, Another Way To Find You shows an exemplary talent in fine form.
Chris Smither Album Review:
A remarkable CD that demands a place in evryones library at 1999-08-15
I was recently introduced to Chris Smithers through a local radio program (out of the blue radio review by Page Wilson, on WCVE in Richmond). Mr. simithers ability is aparent on every Trak.I have been absolutely enthalled by his mastery of the guitar. The music presented on this CD is as rich and complex as it is hard to categorize. Anyone looking for an example of acoustic folk/blues/rock with a hint of the mississippi delta, you need look no further.
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I"m a Stranger Too!/Don"t It Drag On
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Chris Smither Album Review:
Terrific! at 1999-05-24
After trying to replace my vinyl copy of Dont it Drag On (Stolen in NYC in 1973)for more than 20 years I was delighted to find this re-release. Getting Im a Stranger Too was a real bonus. Unfortunately you cant sample some of the better tracks on the album on Amazons site - Down in the Flood is probably the best version that youll ever hear and Friend of the Devil is particularly fine. This is an album that definately wont disappoint.
Chris Smither Album Review:
The blueprint for Chris work started here, at 1999-04-23
Ive worn out my vinyl, multiple copies too! So great to have some of Chris best originals and inspired covers on CD
Chris Smither Album Review:
Interesting to hear Chris with a younger country voice. at 1999-04-16
There is a subtle charm to these older recordings. His voice is less refined, less full, but his delivery is just as sincere. While I do prefer his later work, these tracks are worthy in their own right. Most of these tracks are performed in Chriss later albums, but there are a few great tunes that you wont hear anywhere else. He does a great cover of Neil Youngs I am a Child.
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Small Revelations
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Chris Smither Album Review:
Excellent Smither! at 1999-04-28
I still believe this is Chriss best. His versatility and song writing capability really shine through on this one...Small Revelations most of all.
Chris Smither Album Review:
Real blues, real bluesman, real fine music at 2000-12-27
Musically, there is a great distance between the live Smithers, rocking over the sweet guitar, stomping his feet and bellowing out lyrics and notes, and the produced, rich, full sounds on albums such as these. This is the one I play most on the radio, especially the deeper cuts in the middle of the album and, of course, Small Revelations itself; the others I listen to alone after a long day, immersing myself in the raw voice and stomp of the foot. Most folks like one or the other best, but I dont think one can choose -- its almost as if he were two great musicians, not just one. So I recommend all of Smithers work, from the oldest songs now covered by the likes of Bonnie Raitt to the newest sound on the other end of the live spectrum, like Small revelations -- but buy this one first if 1) you need an introduction to his work (and then get a live session album, too), or 2) if you need an album to introduce your friends to Smithers. Then find them copies of I Feel the same, It aint easy, and Real Fine Love, the best Smithers songs anywhere, both live and produced.BTW, on my personal copy of this, my father, who introduced me to Chris earlier work while I was still prenatal, had Chris sign To Joshua, who has a cool dad. Thanks, Dad.
Chris Smither Album Review:
Chris Smithers best ! at 1999-11-08
I agree with the person before me, who said this is chriss best. Mostly original songs, these are his finest. Buy this first, then Drive you home, then Another way to find you, then Up on the lowdown. Chris is a master guitarist and songwriter.....
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Up on the Lowdown
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Chris Smither Album Review:
Deep Blues at 2001-08-01
Smither is one of the most eloquent and intelligent performers on the solo circuit. With only guitar, voice and foot tapping rhythm section he squeezes more emotion and wisdom and world weary irony out of a song than anyone I know. He is a great interpreter but his originals are the best tracks here - Link of Chain, Deed I Do, Cant Shake these Blues and the fantastic The Ride. No other contemporary songwriter pens a better, cleverer lyric and very few engage the listener so well. Best seen live but this CD and Small Revelations are priceless souvenirs.
Chris Smither Album Review:
Chriss best studio album! at 2000-05-01
It has some strong competition, but UP ON THE LOWDOWN is the best of Chris Smithers many fine albums. (In fact, only one of his 1990s releases is subpar -- HAPPIER BLUE, which is overproduced with synthesizers. On the upside it has two great covers -- John Hiatts Memphis In the Meantime and Lowell Georges Rock and Roll Doctor.) I saw Chris live last fall (2000 -- at USU in Logan, Utah), and it was a great show -- he is a great guitarist, and he is really funny in between songs. Ive laughed at some of his songs since the concert after hearing the spin he put on them. His one-man two-foot rhythm section (with a board!) is priceless. But hes not just funny, he has a serious message as well. The lyrics to songs like I Am the Ride are Buddhist gems. If you take them to heart they can change your life. Cant Shake These Blues is just awesome. Check out not only the Dylan cover here (What Was It You Wanted, from OH MERCY), but the back cover of HAPPIER BLUE, with Chris sitting on a porch with big sneakers, just like Bob on the back of UNDER THE RED SKY. Hes just cracking up. If you appreciate great lyrics, idiosyncratic vocal styles, and a social conscience -- the genre founded by Bob in the 60s -- check out my DYLANITES OF RECENT TIMES list and several more reviews. Some of the others included are Greg Brown, Stan Ridgway, Peter Case, Steve Earle, Bill Morrissey, Butch Hancock, Dave Alvin, and T-Bone Burnette.
Chris Smither Album Review:
Smither - the wittiest bluesman around ! at 1999-08-23
Heard Chris Smither live at Downpatrick Folk Club - one of the best live concerts ive ever been to. The man is a genius with lyrics, subtle, sophisticated, clever, funny, honest, and a world weary voice that is perfect for the material. Brilliant guitar picking style. This album is full of classics - the original Link of Chain, Deed I Do, Cant Shake These Blues and utterly fantastic I Am The Ride plus lovely cover of Dylans What Was It You Wanted. He creates a wonderful mood (any time of the day). Accept no substitutes!
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It Ain"t Easy
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Chris Smither Album Review:
Chris Smither will ruin all other music for you at 2002-03-14
Of all of the music I own, Chris Smithers work lands in the top 3 of my most prized albums. His cheek-full lower tones rise to a full force shout as the emotion in the music changes. All the while, his hard driving acoustic pinger picking keeps the rhythm and melody, casting a spell all its own.As one magazine reviewer noted some time ago, the music is the work of a very complex sensibility. Much more going on here than meets the eye, and I find that each time I listen to a song, I discover something I hadnt noticed before. An inflection, a melodic sweet spot, or a glimpse of Chriss subtle humor. Outstanding. 5 stars is not enough. I also recommend Another Way to Find You.Wait till you have a bad day, week, month, or year (get fired, divorced, audited, whatever) Take both albums, buy yourself a fifth of scotch and settle in on the couch in front of the stereo. Youll come away with a new perspective.
Chris Smither Album Review:
Stripped Down Blues at 1998-10-05
This is the Chris Smither album to buy if you want to hear Chris play without accompanyment. Chris other albums are wonderful in their own unique ways, however, theres nothing like the sound of Chris playing with his old Epiphone guitar. His later albums employ the use of a cheap Alvarez that looks cool, but has no soul. That having been said, this album most faithfully recreates his live sound in a way none of his other recordings even approach. When a singer/songwriter is limited to his voice and guitar (and foot--for percission), he has to say a lot with very little. And Chris sound speaks volumes on this LP. A must own for the Chris Smither fanatic, and previous concert attendee. My favorite song on the album is Sittin on top of the World. Chris is simply the finest singer/songwriter in the United States. Unparalleled in performance--singularly gifted in crafting intellegent lyrics full of pathos and good ol fashioned blues tales.
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