Leave the Light On, Chris Smither, and help me forget about Elvis the Dwarf

by oz on January 24, 2007

Chris Smither

While extremely underrated, Chris Smither’s music has become a good friend to me. He put out his first record in 1970 and his music hasn’t changed much since. That’s probably why I like him so much. I’ve been trying to think of a description for his music and it’s place in my life, and this is the best I can come up with:

I’m in Las Vegas right now and I can’t wait to get home. Vegas is a nice enough place, but I’m getting tired of the blinking lights, the sounds and yes, even the drinks. Today a dwarf Elvis impersonator handed me his business card and my instinct was to scream and run, but I composed myself and just backed away slowly hoping he wouldn’t bite. Once you see a dwarf Elvis, it’s time to go home, relax on the couch, and think about nothing for a while.

That’s how I feel listening to Chris Smither. While I enjoy listening to indie bands pushing boundaries to create new and interesting music, it can sometimes get exhausting. Even when I encounter the random Dwarf Elvis indie band that freaks me out, I know that I can always count on Chris to give me well written, toe-tapping, acoustic blues to take my mind off things. He continues to put out tried and true folk/blues music and the love and passion for his craft comes through in each pluck of the guitar string. Listen to the MP3 below and watch the video and you’ll see what I mean.

I just purchased his newest album, Leave the Light On. It’s another great addition to a Smither’s consistent body of work that is an effortless joy to listen to. I can’t wait to see him at SXSW 2007.

Chris Smither – Leave the Light On

I also found this clip on YouTube that shows off his guitar skill and has some great commentary about the impact the Internet has had on his career and many other talented musicians flying under the pop-culture radar.
Chris Smither – Live at Sidmouth Festival
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

1 Piter 02.27.07 at 2:49 am

Its good

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