Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Something for everyone, September 6, 2008
I know music is such a personal thing, but I am honestly surprised that this record hasn't gotten more attention. It is beautifully written, arranged and produced. It is thought provoking, and fun at the same time, and it isn't trite or shallow. All the things one looks for in a solid pop album.
The only trouble is that it is hard to decide what kind of album it is. I guess it isn't strange and lo-fi enough to be indie pop. It's hard to categorize- it's not country, it's not punk, it's not dance... so I guess that means that it isn't the same old thing.
Oh wait, I like that!
I highly recommend it, if you like just about anything
p.s. Check out the guest artist list!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
this album gives me goose bumps, August 28, 2008
I absolutely love this CD!! It is the kind of music you can listen to while running, driving, or just sitting on the porch or by the fireplace where you can absorb the meaning of the lyrics as well as the diversity of the instruments used to create such wonderful music. I love the first track with the sounds of the London cabs and the narrative about what life is about. If your life seems in a rut, just listen to My Town and you will have the courage to go out and change your life. There are some cool percussion beats and some soulful harmonica on a couple tracks. There is also some fabulous violin being played on a couple of tracks. This is a great debut solo album for Steve. What a talented musician!!
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3.0 out of 5 stars
Don't stop here, Steve - keep going! , June 9, 2008
After learning Dirty Vegas was no more a few years ago, I had been anxiously awaiting for the long-anticipated Steve Smith solo album. I love his voice, and Dirty Vegas is still one of my favorite bands. He is clearly an amazing musician. I was confident that Smith would keep the tradition going, most likely without some of the electronica that made Dirty Vegas such a hot ticket.
If many fans consider the very underrated "One" album to be "Dirty Vegas light", then "This Town" could easily be considered "Dirty Vegas light ...light," which is probably what Smith fully intended. His refocus on songwriting in his new surroundings (left England and settled in Massachusetts) was quite inspiring for him based on what I've read, so the mellow feel that 75% of this record provides no doubt stems from that. The hard rocker 'Hit Me Up,' (track 2) is fantastic, as this has a sound that harks back to the debut album "Dirty Vegas". The title track is ok, but not the strongest on the album. My favs are tracks 2,3,5, and 7. The rest are easily forgettable, making this cd a good but not great effort. Other than 'Hit Me Up,' the songs fail to bring forth that feeling of emotion or drama, nor do they provide us with those catchy hooks that made songs like "I Should Know", "Human Love" (one of the best Steve Smith-penned songs ever), Simple Things, Walk into the Sun, or "All or Nothing" such amazing hits.
That being said, the two bonus tracks are worth the price of admission. "Late Nights and Street Fights" is probably my 2nd favorite Smith/Dirty Vegas song (to Human Love) in the entire catalog. For those who have not heard this before, get ready for an AMAZING song!! Truly great work. Very catchy and addicting!
The second bonus track, a remix of "Days Gone By," is great. Never mind all the different mixes and versions of this song floating around out there for the past six years, some you may like and others not so much - this one is a winner.
Dirty Vegas fans must have a listen. I'm glad Steve Smith put this album out ... just don't make this the end of the line!
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