Hump Day Hot Ticket: Von Smith “Long Ago Maybe”

Von Smith

I know it seems like I tend to focus on only a handful of the same artists from week to week, and maybe that's true. However, in my own defense, can I help it if there are particular bands or artists that I find exceptionally talented, and want to write about whenever I can, so that many people can discover this music, too? Is that really such a bad thing?

Also, if there are bands you want to hear more about or music you think I should feature here, you are always welcome to recommend anything you like in the comments section! I certainly do not mind showcasing new music whenever I can.

Now that this disclaimer is out of the way, I can talk about the new video from Von Smith! For me, he is a singer that can do no wrong. I love everything he sings—whether it's with Postmodern Jukebox or on his own—Von has such a distinct, versatile voice that he can sing anything...which, in many respects, he does. More than this, he can sing anything and sound great doing it, which not many singers can do. This is not a knock on amyone; many vocalists out there are the gold standard in their particular genre, but would never sound exactly right singing another style. While Von particularly shines on more R&B or pop sounds, I have the feeling that if he ever wanted to make a rock album, or dabble in something more avant-garde,  he would be brilliant at that as well. He just has that type of voice, the kind that fits in anywhere, and is addictive to listen to—a combination that even some of the vocal greats do not possess.

If you watch the video for “Long Ago Maybe”, you might be able to understand what I mean. The song is stripped-down, not a lot of bells and whistles—just an acoustic guitar and Von's voice—but it's all you need. The power and emotion in his voice carries the song with the same weight as if he were being backed by a full orchestra. His vocals just pick you up and lift you away, until you are completely lost in the song. His higher notes are more subdued, instead of putting it up in the forefront, as is expected. Visually, the video is equally straightforward: Von sits on a stool and sings, while guitarist Matt Appleton sits beside him and plays his acoustic guitar. If this song of heartbreak doesn't put tears in your eyes, then you have either never really loved before, or you are the one doing the heart-breaking. I'll let you decide. I'm not here to judge!

For more information on Von Smith, visit his official website.