Fred Smith
Web:
www.indie-cds.com
Texas
is a folksy, down to earth sort of album, packed with wit and humour and sly
observations about human nature and cultural idioms. Fred Smith is an Australian
musician who has been travelling and singing his way around the U.S. for about
three years and recently returned home to release his album of observations and
reflections.
Some
have compared him to Billy Bragg, while I personally think he has more in
common with the US folk tradition than anything else. His songs are relaxed,
catchy and show great musical skill. But they are not simple folk music. All of
his music has something to say and while it generally tends to be subtle or
packed in an amusing package, his insight always shines through. Songs such as
God Bless America” are more obviously satirical while Don’t Dig My Grave Too
Deep is genuinely moving.
Each
track is a snapshot of a distinct stage of his journey across America,
culminating in the six-and-a-half minutes epic of “American Guitar” which seems
to summarise the whole trek.
This
is an impressive album from one of Australia’s best songwriters; it is just a
shame that he isn’t better known outside the folk circuit. Perhaps this CD will
help bring him to a wider audience.