Crooning and swooning, Christine Smith’s piano ballads deliver a winking and weary cabaret pop, melancholy without melodrama. From the light touch of “You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore” and “Feels Like Yesterday” to the dark, fiery “Trying Not to Fall in Love” and swelling bittersweet title track, the local singer crafts her own binding for the Great American Songbook. Centerpiece highlight “Happily Never After” wrangles Tommy Stinson on guitar, his warped slide matching the songstress’ wry sense of humor and immaculate fluctuating vocals.

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This article appears in November 29 • 2019.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.