I love how people get all defensive over someone they idolize. It's like they know the person intimately and they feel the need to defend them in every aspect of conversation.

it's true that he did write in his blogs that he hates cigarettes. As a reformed smoker myself (8 years smoke free!), It doesn't matter that much to me whether he smokes or not - i can certainly understand the need for a cigarette - but I'm pretty sure that he doesn't. It's difficult to be a closet smoker. If people don't see you doing so, they'll definitely smell it. I know about this, from the many times I tried to quit; I was always busted when I tried to sneak a smoke

I doubt that he smokes.
His voice sounds different, yes. He's become a better singer over the years, and let's not forget that he's a few years older. maybe it's just the 'aging' that you hear.

His voice still gives me the chills, I love it.

i agree, i love it too. I don't understand why so many people are saying that his voice isn't as good now, because it still sounds great to me! True, I'll always prefer his SD singing style, all dreamy and airy (i'm thinking of the verses on cherub rock, all of luna, spaceboy, mayonaise, etc), but I still think he sounds great. Although...man it WOULD be nice to hear him sing a song like he did in 1993.... <sigh...>