Comments on: Ashton Shepherd, Sounds So Good

By: Linda

Linda — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:13:42 +0000

The upbeat songs are good. “Sounds So Good” and “Takin’ Off This Pain” sound like radio friendly songs ’cause they have catchy melodies but Ashton’s twang probably prevents them from being on radio. I can’t think of an female on radio who sings with as heavy a southern drawl as Ashton does, at least not with the newcomers these days. (Reba’s the only one I can think of, but she’s established.)

By: bobby

bobby — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 05:11:17 +0000

I really liked this cd, but I did think there were a few songs that were kind of redundant, however, looking at them seperately i like most of them. i thought lost in you and old memory were a bit too drawn out, but other than that, i can’t get enough of her singing style.

By: Marc

Marc — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:03:40 +0000

haha.. I hear ya! :)

By: Leeann Ward

Leeann Ward — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:31:20 +0000

“…isn’t that EXACTLY the stereotype of country music? Alcohol and Divorce… add a dog and a truck and you’ve hit the magic foursome ;)”
Marc, I suppose it is, but I’m not hearing enough of it on the radio these days. And I’m not talkin’ about party drinking songs like B&D and Montgomery Gentry. I want the stuff that’s dripping with twang and grit!

By: Marc

Marc — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:15:17 +0000

While preface my comments by saying I really do like the album…

1) The oversinging does drive me nuts, particularly at the start of the title track. It feels like what an 8 year old girl does when she’s singing something.. to make it be known she’s singing not just saying the words. Not everything needs to be drawn out.

2) I disagree with your statement of “The opening lines to her debut album, Sounds So Good, immediately inform us that we’re not in for the typical commercial country music fare. Instead, we’re about to hear an album with fresh and clever grit. With unabashed twang, she sings: “I’ve got a cold beer in my right hand/In my left I got my weddin’ band/”

…isn’t that EXACTLY the stereotype of country music? Alcohol and Divorce… add a dog and a truck and you’ve hit the magic foursome ;)

3.5 for me as well, still well worth a download and a listen.

By: Blake

Blake — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:42:59 +0000

3.5 stars in my book. My sentiments echo those of Dan and Leeann. Very nice review. A couple of artistic shortcomings, but overall, a nice introduction to a potentially wonderful artist. I think age and experience will increase the depth of her music.

By: Leeann Ward

Leeann Ward — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:14:23 +0000

Dan,

I almost mentioned the same thing regarding the closing track. It really was a departure from the rest of the album and somewhat different than what I had expected from its title.

I’m not sure, but this may be my first 4-star album…not that I’ve written very many of them yet.

By: Dan M.

Dan M. — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:00:58 +0000

Completely agree with the review, right down to the two weaker songs you pointed out. I’m also glad you noted that “I Ain’t Dead Yet” and “Not Right Now” cover similar thematic territory; I sometimes wish they had taken the latter off the album (though it’s enjoyable on its own merits) simply because it sounds like an up-tempo re-write of the former (which is the better song, IMO). And I’m not sure how I feel about “Whiskey Won The Battle” being the closing track, since the rock-ish sound on it is so unrepresentative of the rest of the album.

But those are such small quibbles when you compare them to the ones I have for other mainstream releases. I find it very hard to conceal my admiration for this release, and I really hope it gets the attention it deserves.