Out of work, out of money, and forced to vacate the underground music venue in which he had been living (and recording Love is Not What You Need), Smith was granted a fool's pardon when he received an offer from film director Jason Reitman (Thank You for Smoking, Juno) to contribute a song to his new film, Up in the Air, starring George Clooney. The resulting song, "Help Yourself," is featured prominently in the film, as well as in the film's advertising campaign. In addition, the song was released as the first single off the Up in the Air soundtrack, available on Rhino Records. This good fortune helped Smith, by giving him the time and means, to complete his dormant album, and get it ready for release. Love is Not What You Need, while maintaining the earnest, homegrown feel of "Help Yourself," departs from the latter's gentle folk style, to embrace a number of strange and affecting soundscapes. Mostly dark and meditative, the album is also quite funny, even up-beat at times, and the songs form together a cohesive study of love's unsuccessful labors, and the loneliness, desperation, and apathy that echo in their footprints, along with death, acceptance, and finally, humor and grace. All twelve songs were composed, produced, and recorded by Smith at the Heart of Gold in Chicago, and with the exception of one appearance from guitarist Kevin W. Smith, and two from keyboardist/drummer Jon Steinmeier (Mucca Pazza, The Detholz!), they were performed entirely by him as well. We think you might like it.