CD Reviews

Chris Smither

Leave the Light On | Signature Sounds

By TED DROZDOWSKI | January 2, 2007

3.5 Stars

POINTED: Chris Smither does it all on Leave the Light On.

Folksinger-guitarist Smither isn’t the type of artist you’d usually find on Rolling Stone’s top 100 songs of the year list, but his “Origin of the Species” — which clocked in at number 42 — is so damn clever, funny, and pointed it’s undeniable. The song is a tongue-tripping lampoon of creationism that ends with Darwin getting into the picture and the finale “Yes, you and your cat named Felix/Are both wrapped up in that double helix/That’s what we call intelligent design.” The rest of Smither’s 12th album is just as good: sad, beautiful love songs like the Tex-Mex-flavored “Cold Trail Blues,” politically savvy cultural commentaries like “Diplomacy,” the life-affirming title track, and wisely chosen covers — Dylan’s “Visions of Johanna” and John Hurt’s “Blues in the Bottle,” which showcases Smither’s blues-based guitar technique. And on top of that the damn thing rocks whenever Smither kicks up the tempo, thanks to a more-than-capable supporting cast that includes the band Ollabelle on backing vocals. It’s all proof that Smither’s artistry, energy, and outlook remain vital nearly 40 years into his career.

Topics: CD Reviews , Chris Smither, Chris Smither, John Hurt

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