“Wow and Flutter”
Hello there, friends! Once again, it’s time for another Press Play Friday – your one stop shop for discovering the latest new music. And this week, I have something super-special for you. To say that I’ve been listening to this band non-stop for the past couple weeks is an understatement. I officially have a new music obsession (I’m sorry, Florence. It’s true) in April Smith & The Great Picture Show. Late last July, I actually got my first listen to April Smith and their unique infusion of pop and swing. Though, it wasn’t until recently I indulged at my local online music emporium and bought Songs For A Sinking Ship – the group’s debut album. With the melodious, powerhouse vocals by lead singer April Smith and the playful, cabaret inspired tunes featured on the album, I immediately fell for the charming and swoon-worthy qualities they both possessed.
For those music lovers out there, listening to April Smith will undoubtedly be a new, but familiar experience. In truth, there isn’t anyone making this type of music. Listening to the album, you feel as if you’ve been transported back to the early jazz clubs of New Orleans or taking a spin on the dance floor at the local bandstand. Songs reminiscent of the 30’s & 40’s juke joint style set Songs For A Sinking Ship apart from most music available today. Mix that with stand-alone vocals, a piano, a ukulele, and an accordion – and you’re in for one noteworthy ride.
The uptempo, sing-a-along tune Movie Loves A Screen is the first track off the band’s album. Honestly, this is one of those songs that just makes you smile. I guarantee you’ll be clapping your hands and trying to memorize the lyrics soon after you hear this little ditty.
“Maybe what I mean is that I love you more than any other I’ve seen, If you couldn’t tell well I hope you’re quite keen on it, Like a rhyme loves a sonnet, Like a movie loves a screen, that’s what I wanna mean to you.”
Currently, the song vying for my top-spot is the flirtatious and irresistible sound of Drop Dead Gorgeous. Be warned, swaying and swooning are the initial side effects of this cynical and whimsical tune. You can’t help but love the sweet, yet powerful nature of this anthem. Here is a special acoustic version brought to you by the one and only, April Smith.
“Is there anything going on in that pretty little head? Cause if you’re just drop dead gorgeous, You should just drop dead.”
If you haven’t fallen in love with April Smith by now, don’t worry. Here is a song that will make sure you pledge your undying devotion even before the last words are sung. Dixie Boy brings a definite swagger and seductive quality to the album. A jealous lovers passionate soliloquy, Dixie Boy is that one track that is impossible not to adore.
“Cause ladies I’m a lady but please understand when it comes to my boy I will fight like a man, I will seek, and I will destroy for the apple of my eye, my pride and joy, My Dixie Boy.”
Buy Songs For A Sinking Ship HERE
For more April Smith visit the official band website HERE
Love April Smith & The Great Picture Show? What is your favorite song? Have you seen them perform live? Tell me in the comments!
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Kim the FanGirl 
This was an interesting entry in your Press Play series. They do have a sound that is unlike other music currently out there, yet it still seems accessible. I like how her voice has an old jazz quality to it, while the instrumentals (particularly in Dixie Boy) have a fusion of ’50s elements and modern alternative music to them. Dixie Boy was definitely my favorite of the three.
I find it kind of funny that April Smith & The Great Picture Show have supplanted themselves as your new obsession, since they have the same name format as Florence & the Machine. That may just be a coincidence, though.
Yeah, April Smith is somewhat different than the types of artists I’ve featured before. She’s retro AND current. That’s a difficult place to be without falling into one category more than the other, but I think she pulls it off flawlessly. If you liked ‘Dixie Boy,’ you should check out her other song ‘Terrible Things’ – they have similar styles. Plus, it’s a brilliant song too.
Lol. The smilarity in titles is pure coincidence (Though it is pretty funny).