B Smith

By CE SKIDMORE
skidmore@poststar.com
1/4/2007

Glens Falls' favorite son, Bob Smith, bills himself as "an extraordinary talent with an ordinary name."

Fair enough, Bob.

Smith casts a huge shadow over the local music scene. He's had a limb in every media outlet from radio and television to cultivating his own record label. Having personally had to walk in said shadow, I can attest, his monosyllabic first and last name do him no justice as the dude is a mouthful of talent.

Admit it, you want to be this guy when you grow up.

But if you can't be him, you might as well celebrate his savvy. Smith recently released his third solo album, "The Reason for Swimming," on his homegrown label, GFR Records. You can pick up a copy at the Ridge Street Coffee Co. in Glens Falls or at Better Than Toast in Saratoga. If you're a slave to the digital age, iTunes hearts Bob Smith too.

"The Reason For Swimming" is a swanky ride through the softer side of Smith. As certain critics might say, waxing poetic, the album listens like a blustery swagger through the city streets in winter. When I first heard the track "Cool Water," it felt like footsteps in a steady gait down a Manhattan sidewalk.

Creative license? Sure. But that's art, kids. Music is bigger than noise. It's supposed to live outside of its body.

Acoustically, the almost-torch song, "The Pharaoh's Men," has a mellow vibe and a poignant message. Smith makes politics personal with references to war, Marvin Gaye and his lover. He paints a clear portrait of ignorance's trickle-down effect.

The syncopated "Ain't No Saving Las Vegas" has an indie-rock feel with the vocals competing with the guitar hook for dominance. What should be a cacophony comes through as one of the album's triumphs.

Tracks you'll dig: "You Need Time," "Ain't No Saving Las Vegas," "Tuesday."

If you're into Bob Smith, check out: Greg Laswell, Amos Lee. - The Post Star