The first thing that strikes you when listening to Hundred Dollar Valentine is just how much the feel and tone is steeped in the past, yet also manages to sound so in the now.

Smither has delivered a traditional roots-laden album with rhythms and vibes anchored in today. Since the 60s he’s been giving us sparse songs of love, longing and loss delivered in his world weary voice, with his trademark and unmistakable acoustic guitar. Amazingly this is his first album of self-penned tunes, of which the conversational hymn-like ‘On the Edge’ is a highlight.

Lou Fulco works as a bookseller at Readings Hawthorn.