"This album is amazing. It is one of the best I've heard from any artist in the past couple years. Lyrically it is intelligent and moving, like all of McDermott's work. Musically, this is one of his most satisfying albums. It maintains a roots-rock foundation, but offers a wide variety of styles that keep repeated listenings fresh. Ashes has had a near permenant home in my cd player since I got it in May. Wether you are a long time fan or a newcomer to Michael McDermott, I highly recommend checking out Ashes."
Michael McDermott is the Definition of Passion
Geoffrey | Florida | 07/30/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Michael's music is the definition of passion. His music and lyrics are honest, intelligent, sometimes funny and light hearted, hopeful, yearning, clever, and deep but not overly complicated. Someone called him a wannabe Springsteen. With all due respect to Bruce, who has written some excellent pop/rock songs, that's like comparing Andy Warhol to Picasso (imho). Michael's music has a depth and passion few artists are gifted with. Michael's lyrics, voice and music touch the soul and spirit in a way that's very rare. Other artists that move me this way are Over The Rhine, Jars Of Clay, and Pink Floyd/Roger Waters.
This cd is outstanding. My other favorites of his I completely recommend are 620 West Surf, and his self titled third cd."
A Must Have
mark d | Simi Valley, CA | 06/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Besides being the premier lyricist of my generation, McDermott shows again that consistency is another of his great strengths. The best Rock n Roll song of the year has to be 'Arm Yourself' which starts this album off...'Sword of Damocles' and 'Everything I've got' show off everything great about McDermott's craft...I haven't listened to an album again and again like this for years..good thing it's a cd, if it was on vinyl, I'd be on my 3rd copy.."
The Best CD I've bought in over 5 years
Donna` | Delaware | 12/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw this guy by the name of Michael McDermott at a festival this summer and was blown away. I went out and bought his latest CD -- Ashes and was hooked. This album is amazing. His songs tell stories, far more intellectual than most stuff out there in the top 40 these days. He has a great voice. The band is awesome. Since I bought this CD, I have acquired most of his catalog of earlier CDs over the past 5 or so months. I can't wait til the next one comes out. I love his live shows too--see him if you can. Simply put - MICHAEL MCDERMOTT IS THE BEST!!!"