Customer Reviews

Leave the Light on

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
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Chris Smither has been turning out a consistently excellent catalog of music. Each new release is a worthy successor to the last. "Leave the Light On" is another excellent collection. The first track, appropriately titled "Open Up," has a country flavor with Tim O'Brien's mandolin percolating with Chris' usual wit, "It comes as no surprise that I can't analyze my usual refusal to open up my eyes." The title track is an acoustic gem that observes the passing of time, "It's like water. It runs right through our fingers, but the flavor of it lingers like a rich red wine." On "Seems So Real" the band Ollabelle joins on background vocals on a sweet shuffle. My favorite track is "Origin of the Species" as Chris takes on Darwin and offers evolution as the divine technique. Peter Case's "Cold Trail Blues" receives a soft embrace from Chris & his distinctive acoustic guitar style. On a CD where Massachusetts native Smither thanks John Kerry, he then rocks out politically, "We got the guns, we got the oilmen too, They're like a choir, they wanna sing for you. Wham! Bam! Slip-slidin' away; The less you got, the more you gonna pay." He ends, "It's the land of the free, blind and leadin' the lame." "Father's Day" is a gentle slow tune for anyone who has loved their dad. Chris' version of Bob Dylan's "Visions of Johanna" shines the familiar melody, "Just Louise & her lover so entwined; & these visions of Johanna that call from my mind." Two traditional tunes, "Blues in the Bottle" & "John Hardy" conclude this strong set. Chris Smither's music is soulful, rootsy, gentle but sometimes violent with witty lyrics that tweak your mind while your foot taps to the beat. Bravo!

I love this CD. It's hard to write a review that doesn't make this sound less than it is, it's that good. Smither's writing has never been better, and his covers-- Cold Trail Blues and Visions of Johanna-- bring a whole new beauty to each piece. My favorite is the title track; it's catchy, tightly written, warm, full of understanding and that touch of humor that distinguishes Smither's work. I'm with him on Origin of Species (like I am on Train Home.) They draw such a gentle line between where we can be sure of ourselves and where we probably shouldn't. And after listening to Smither sing the blues, I always feel like trying again.

Ever since I heard him talking about this cd on WUMB FolkRadio this past June, I have been anxiously awaiting this gem.You can feel his enthusiasm pour through every song. Even "Cold Trail Blues" the Peter Case tune with all of its darkness and as Chris said.."Man this is Really, Really dark..", has a feeling that he, Chris, has met the challenges of the character of the song and lived to tell the world. Steve Tilston suggested to Chris a while back that "Visions of Johanna" could be done in waltz time, so Chris does it in 6/8 time and brings incredible feeling and a fresh interpretation to Dylan's masterpiece, thus making this work of art his own. "Father's Day" pays tribute to his 94 year old dad.The last lines reveal much.."But I took all you gave or ever wanted to. "Ain't I done good" I needed that from you. All I got to say is, by the way, you done good too." One also has to consider that Chris is now a dad. He and his wife adopted a jewel of a child and now he plays the role of very proud papa. I know that I'm not the only one who has heard "John Hardy" and couldn't figure out what was being said. With Chris' interpretation by slowing down the tempo, one get's a full view of this mini opus.
The "John Hardy Reprise" comes shimmering in and leaves the listener reaching for something to keep off the chill.
Let's all hope that Signature Sounds keeps Chris in their stable of multi multi talented artists.
The Grammy Awards are awaiting you Chris.."you done good too."

A master piece. This and his last albumn, "Train Home" represent a body of work most musicians could only dream of in a lifetime. To call Chris Smither a bluesman doesn't come close. Always known as a musician's musician, Smither combines his amazing skill on the acosutical guitar with his Dylan-esque mastery of the English language to take blues to another level altogether. But unlike Dylan, Smither does not use language impressionistically. This is a man with ideas, big ones, who leaves the listener with no doubt about where he stands on the issues he examines - what it means to be human and alive.

This guy is one of America's great lyricists. Consider this take on self-destructive behavior from "Seems so Real":

Up or down * Never mind the level * If down were up you coundn't get much higher* Working hard * Digging with a shovel * Trying to set your soul on fire* But it don't burn * These easy things are hard to learn

A bit beyond "my baby done left me", wouldn't you say? Or later in the same song when he tackles consciousness itself:

I mind my brain * Its real enough to shatter * Behind my eyes up between my ears * I think of mind * It's the ruler of the matter * But its nothing but the whinning of gears * It seems so real * But its nothing but the spinning of wheels

The albumn is full of gems like these. My only complaint and its a small one is that the albumn is a slightly under-produced. One has to strain a bit to hear the incredible musicians he has backing him up on most of these songs. I'm definately in the less is more when it comes to production but this is a bit too muted for my taste.

Buy this albumn though, you won't be disappointed.

Chris Smither is a guitarists' guitarist. Even when his discs include orchestration they are incredible. If you've been to a solo concert, you're better off buying his two solo "live" discs in a small studio, because it's what you've heard, but if you like all Chris does, you won't be disappointed with this one.

I used to catch Smither in small clubs in the early seventies but haven't kept up with him since. I purchased this CD on a whim and was not disappointed with the sprightly writing and was impressed by the strong muscianship. In particular, the title track as well as the Shillin' for the Blues cut are really good. Additionally, Origin of Species and Diplomacy contain some memorable lines. Then, he gives us a Dylan cover--Visions Of Johanna--in three-quarter time no less! Yeah, this one is definitely a keeper.

i have been a fan of chris smither`s for about 35 years since first hearing cuts on the now long gone radio station WHFS,102.3 in bethesda,md. (D.C. and vicinity listeners from long ago should recall the station affectionately,also.) smither`s guitar playing is a unique and distinctive blend of folk,blues, and country that can only be described as superlative. his songwriting and way with words are unmatched, and comparable to Dylan, in my opinion. my favorite albums are "don`t it drag on","up on the lowdown", and now this most recent offering to those who can appreciate his talents,"leave the light on".

I couldn't think of a better title for my review, listen to the the song and I think you will agree. Chris Smither gets better with every cd that he makes. He has a sound of his own and sees and hears life through a very unique perspective. There is not a cut on this cd that I don't like. Try it you want be disapointed.

A compact serving of a veritable cross-section of American music, this album is a true work of art by a master of the craft. Smithers has had a long time to develop his skill, and develop it he has! From delta blues to melodic and comical cynicism, each song is a jewel of its genre. And "Visions of Johanna" is a fitting and delectible dessert for a hugely satisfying musical feast.

I heard him on NPR and loved "Intelligent Design" and bought the CD just for that song. I am usually a little more country and a little less bluesy, but his music (expecially his wonderful lyrics), is very real. I have since also purchased "Live As I'll Ever Be, and am now his newest big fan. He is unique in that his bluesy style is pretty upbeat!