You can’t peg John Shaughnessy’s acoustic-based power pop to one specific style, but you can listen in rapt attention to the great quality of the songwriting and melodies here. Assisted by Smash Palace’s Stephen Butler and IKE’s Brett Talley, John creates a wonderful organic sound that is naturally rhythmic and hopeful, influenced by classic 70’s artists and the Beatles. The opening title track is a fun folk-pop guitar tune with a double tracked vocal, and the follow up “Feeling’ Good Again” is a classic power pop tune with a jangley upbeat tempo. “In The Morning” brought back visions of Gordon Lightfoot to mind for me. Shaughnessy’s multi-faceted approach may be jarring at times, going from slow folk themes (“Don’t Let Go”) to early 80’s styled pop rock (“Dorothy Reminds Me”). The countrified Beatles meets Harry Chapin of “Chasing The Wind” is a delightful spiritual gem and my favorite here. These are all good songs here, each one is anchored by John’s steady vocal and professional musicianship. I look forward to more from Shaughnessy.
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the gentleman from IKE is named Brett Talley….who is a fine artist with a great solo CD named "Lush"
John Shaughnessy is a brilliant Singer/Songwriter. This is an excellent review that really expresses the true performer. I encourage you to see him Live!
thanks Aaron 🙂
FYI "Chasing the Wind" is actually a co-write/collaboration with a talented artist named Jacob Graff. He's another artist who defies categorization and crosses boundaries http://www.jacobgraff.net
JS