Steve Smith’s This Town begins with an extended intro to the title track with a Michael Stipe-like spoken word/interview with actor John Savage that acts like a part of a sermon on the meaning of life. This lands into the Country-influenced Rock sound (like Tom Gillam) in a more folk rock way. That seems to be the core behind the varied scenes of this album; no matter the action on center stage, Smith’s backdrop remains a folk rock with hints of country filtered through some fine effects pedals.
Like Peter Distefano, “Hit Me Up” has Smith as singer/songwriter laying out over a dance-heavy, electro-rock track. For “Restless,” that singer/songwriter sound moves in a song that seems inspired by Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, and the Black Crowes, while poking at spiritual questions (“You got to give me a little grace to run around”/“All my prayers are on the pavement”). “Comedown Queen” is a soulful folk rock.
While I really enjoy Smith’s lyricism, the awesome instrumental “Morning Jane” really commands attention with its harmonica-led, bass-bounced, Country-influenced rock blues with dance-track-like rhythms. It moves, shifts, grows, fall, and spins like an epic tale.
Smith is the vocalist in the electronic/dance funk group, Dirty Vegas, made most famous by their single, “Days Go By,” being placed in the Mitsubishi car commercial.
