Back in the old days,’ muses resilient troubadour Chris Smither, ‘writing new songs and making new albums were just chores. My priority was, and still is, performing live. I guess I still write the songs and make the records so that I can go out and play ‘ except that now I actually look forward to it. I’ve learned how to do it, and I’m very eager to get stuff recorded once I’ve written it.’ Chris’ newest CD Hundred Dollar Valentine has been recognized by MOJO as the Number 1 Americana CD of 2012.