Magnificent And Hypnotic Ashley Raines Blesses Us With “Old Time Religion”
lou flesh
Posted On May 23, 2017
It Could Be Worse is the latest album by roots scene veteran, Kansas City born and usually calling Colorado home Ashley Raines. He’s a true pro, playing out with artists like Jason Isbell, and working with David Baerwald, who just happened to produce the gorgeous and gritty first single “Old Time Religion.”
His bourbon-bold and blissful vocals breathe through the whole album, a very euphoric affair featuring a confidence and caliber of material easily the equal of a legend like Tim Rose or fellow “desperate Western” singer Sean Rowe. These are art songs made up of traditional elements, but transcends mainstream genres by coming together like a classic album by Leonard Cohen or early Tom Waits.
First single “Old Time Religion” features production and musical accompaniment by likeminded cinematic-anthem craftsman David Baerwarld (from David + David; Sheryl Crow’s Tuesday Night Music Club). Raines was an industry guest on the DIY Panel of the 2009 Durango Songwriters Expo, received an LA Music Award for his “In Lue Of Flowers” Tour, and was a featured performer at the 2013 first annual Monterey Americana Festival.
This new release which comes out on August 25th is chock full of soulful meanings and narrative gems. You can’t help but be wrapped up in these masterful riveting ballads.
