Brittain Ashford

Posted by Joey

More often than not, a first listen to a musician I've never heard of or listened to proves disappointing - The internet has provided the means for nobodies to try and be somebodies; people have started singing just to hear the sound of their own voice. So, it's certainly refreshing to hear someone who can perform for other's pleasure as opposed to just their own.

Call it what you will, but Ashford's music is suitable for the next mac-top commercial while still containing enough depth and diversity from song to song to support the fact that she's not "faking it" or lucky like so many pop-artists today: one catchy tune doesn't mean your a talent, but 3 or 4 probably do.

Ashford describes herself as being a folk/pop artist, a fitting description for high-res acoustic guitars and some toy piano layers. However, the term folk brings to mind old, uneducated southerners sitting on a porch to remember grandma via song - I know this is a product of my own ignorance, but it's the thought conjured nonetheless. Ashford's music does in no way adhere to that stereotype while still fitting the folk label comfortably. It's not Iron & Wine, but it's definitely not Dashboard either.

In any case, Ashford's voice is a sweet tenor in a sincerely dictated, well enunciated English shell. At times, I'm reminded of the late Karen Carpenter (come on, you've all watched the VH1 special...) and the melancholy sadness she brought to every song. Ashford's "Always Home" off her latest There, But for You, I Go, is a humble, intelligent track that doesn't try too hard: precisely what I like best about each of her songs - not a stance I usually take. I typically get into more progressive music and would normally not give a second listen to something with such basic form. I won't, however, make any assumptions about her instrumental ability, despite the simplicity of her music. It'd be like telling Gibbard to get a real drummer for the next Postal Service album; what's the point? It's great the way it is.

THE SKINNY: Brittain Ashford will appeal to those who like to keep things simple, mellow, and pretty but aren't interested in adding any more of the same, generic artists to their library. Press play and drink some tea, or fall asleep, or watch the Real World on mute.
FAVORITE TRACK: Always Home
APPROPRIATE FOR: That mac-book air commercial with the postage envelope. Drinking hot beverages in the A.M. Wondering where she got that cool piano? (KB ?)
FOR FANS OF: Jenny Dalton, Yael Naim, Old Iron & Wine, Jordan O' Jordan