Very Good
Sam Mosley | Toronto, Ontario | 11/25/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"'Housefire' was originally released in 1985 but went fairly unnoticed and quickly went out of print, until Bullseye Records re-released it onto CD, and we can thank then for that. It is a fine showcase for Byther Smith's talent, and while it may not be as solid as some of his other albums, it is very fine none-the-less. All but one song is an original, a stinging cover of Detroit Junior's "Money Tree" which opens the CD. The rest are all Smiity's own, and showcase his very intense style. With song titles like "The Man Want's me Dead", you know he means business. Even the instrumental "Knockdown" has a powerful driving force to it that grab's your attention quickly. "Live on and Sing the Blues" is one of the most powerful slow blues I have heard in a while and you believe Smitty that he has lived the blues life when you hear him.
"Housefire" may not be as good as the recently re-released 'Hold That Train', but it is still a fine album of blues that any fan of Byther Smith's must have."