Search - Corey Smith :: Hard Headed Fool

Corey Smith, as heard in Nashville

Jay Nelson Stanfill | Jackson, TN USA | 10/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was able to catch Corey Smith at his show in Nashville (TN) on October 12 ('07) at the Cannery Ballroom. I was completely caught off guard by his audience. Albeit, I was apparently one of about a two dozen over 30 years of age in the entire crowd - the crowd was absolutely forceful in their loyalty. Not sure what his magic is, but he certainly has it.

Perched upon stage Smith is not your usual looking performer. His slim dark sunglasses and height only accent his individuality that any listener quickly detects in his songs. Truly an entertainer. He put forth an exciting stage presence and together with his small band it was well worth cost of tickets.

One of the most notable aspects of Smith's music I enjoy is its rather simple production. Smith manages to keep the lyrical messages loud and clear in each of his songs. His busy style of guitar picking keeps everything focused around the story his song has to tell.

I expect you will quite pleased with his albums. If you enjoy what you already have of his works, I suggest buying all of his albums. The internet downloads and rips you probably got from your buddy at college lack the clarity you will hear in the real records. I exclaim, Smith is worth your money!

JNS"

Chains We Hide

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 02/23/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Corey Smith's "Hard-Headed Fool" sounded great to my ear from the listening wall at a music store. "I've never been to Colorado & I probably never will, I do all my travelling by remote control," he sings with his simple acoustic guitar backing him on "Technology." Vocally, he reminds me a bit of Shel Silverstein's recordings as on the country-flavored "Maybe Next Year." (Or could it be his hairless coif?) On "What Happened" he crowds his simple melody with a word-packed lyric that reflects a cluttered life, "She used to be my better half, Now she's the thorn stuck in my side; Our love is a burden we both bear, These vows are the chains we hide." I love his acoustic sound that sometimes gets flavored with the blues, sometime with a boogie beat. If there's a weakness, his melodies begin to sound similar. Nevertheless "Technology," "Maybe Next Year" & "What Happened" are all great tracks. This disc is a pleasure to pop in the changer. Enjoy!"