Though much has been made of Mr. Smith's grisly, Shakespearian end, this album is top notch. Initially I had put up my punk-ethos tainted barrier to Smith, and passed him of as another depressed whiner. Randomly I heard the album without knowing it was him and immediately asked the bartender who it was. So, I challenge any self-proclaimed music afficionado to put aside any subjective resistance and give this album a try. The album rocked me a whole different plane and converted me into a fan. Check out "Stupidity Tries" for a slice of what I'm talking about. Is it tried or true?