“This singer has an uncanny talent… He can mimic almost any artists music exactly, Including the artists voice. He’s a real joy to listen to.” (Columbian article 1973) Its been 33 years since that article was written. 33 years of raising kids, Obtaining a career, and just growing up. Now…at the age of 49 ½ He is living his dream…Bringing music to the public again, only THIS TIME it’s his OWN music, not someone elses. The year is 2006…12 new songs are ready for you to receive, the uniqueness of this album is…This ENTIRE collection of songs is being performed by ONE man… All of the Vocals… All of the instrumentation… All the arranging… All of the recording…Engineering… Mixing…and if that’s not enough…he plans on doing this on EVERY CD he produces. Truth be told… A word from Mike Smith This collections title cut is a song for my parents, I was a bit "musician" like when I was a younger man…ok…fine, I was EXTREMELY irresponsible. My parents had taught me well…I just wouldn’t apply what I knew to be (From them) the “Right thing to do” But now…I’m a grandpa 8 times over, and I wanted them and the world to know the truth. “Don’t give up”: This one is mostly for my Kids…and any other dreamer that hears its message… A note on” Millies Pride “ I met this woman ( A bag lady in downtown Portland) back in the 80s She seemed not to totally “fit” the mold I had seen downtown, So one day I got the Guts up to talk to her…what I found out about her was so impressive that her story always stuck with me…In this song I tell her story. May God keep you wherever you are Millie. "The Saga of Suzi Johnson", All I can say is...the name has been changed (yes she IS real) so I don't have to add to her fortune. May you never meet her...She's a very very beautiful woman...and lethal. I hope you enjoy all of these songs…Thanks for buying my CD - Mike - From the Label This artist is perhaps one of the most interesting Characters That we've encountered...He seems to have a knack for arranging his material quickly. We hope he stays with us throughout his career. He's fun to be around, and can be the professional or the clown...(sometimes both at the same time) His talent is evident...his personality is undeniable. Truely...ONE of a kind! Enjoy his works. Reviews (from Garageband.com) The Girl with the Angel Face: Review of The Girl with the A.. by Mike Smith Genre: Acoustic good stuff The harmonies sound nice. The production sounds great too. I agree with the lyrics too, it gave me a chuckle. I like the turn of the song at about 1:35. Very original. Nice minstrels reference. - KimStarlin Lincoln, Nebraska March 18th, 2006 ___ Review of The Girl with the A.. by Mike Smith Genre: Acoustic Well done. Nice vocal harmonies. This song draws you in right away. Cool syncopation of lyrics. Mix is strong, and the guitars, lead vocals and backing vocals are blended nicely. Violin or Synth??? Fits perfectly with that bridge. Has a bit of feel from the group "The Band", with a touch of country. Great effort, definitly an A performance. Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Guitars, Production, Lyrics, Melody. - torynado Stewartstown, Pennsylvania March 21st, 2006 ___ _____ I Love you Anyway: Review of I love you anyway by Mike Smith Genre: Acoustic It's awesome! great lead guitar and the effect on the voice sounds good also. the melody and harmonies of the chorus gives me a little tickle. lovely use of STRINGS and i like how the drumroll comes back more intense during each chorus, almost like the guys heartbeat. As if he's getting nervous as he nears telling someone he loves them. Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Guitars, Melody, Mood, Originality, Most Rocking Track. - ketelfamily Portland, Oregon March 23rd, 2006 ___ Review of I love you anyway by Mike Smith Genre: Acoustic 60s vibe Quite a unique sort of sound - kind of 60s vibe but with a contemporary sensibility. I like the vocal style, backing harmonies and the production in general. Catchy chorus had me humming along - well done! Maybe a little more variety (eg a breakdown/solo in the middle) might enhance the song but it's a minor point. Good work - I like this! Extra Credit: Melody, Mood, Originality. - alanjmoore Malton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom March 19th, 2006 _____