Denny Smith (formerly of Former) is back with a new band and new sound called The Great Affairs. Joining him are Patrick Miller on the guitars, Matt Andersen on the bass, and Tim Good on the drums. This one marks a departure for Smith, who cut his teeth with the sadly underrated modern rock outfit Former, whose 2008 CD "...And Nothing But The Truth" was a thrilling ride down the melodic rock roller coaster.
The Great Affairs play more in the neighborhood of Tom Petty, Wilco, and The Jayhawks - perhaps influenced in part from Smith's relocation to Nashville. The sound is earnest and organic, pleasant and mellow - not unlike the new one from Black Crowes. Smith retains the wit in his lyrics, which remind me of the subtle lyrical genius of Paul Westerburg at times, and his vocals are just as nicely suited with alt-country as they were with his more commercialized big rock sound.
Highlights include the quietly infectious "Dodge", the Southern rock flavored "Dear John", and the sparkling "Isn't She Gold". "The Great Affairs" takes a few spins to settle in, but once you get into bed with it you won't regret it.
iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 11
The Great Affairs on MySpace. Official site.
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