Search - Ashley MacIsaac :: Pride

There's two things seriously wrong with this CD

o dubhthaigh | north rustico, pei, canada | 10/24/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"1.: Ashley sings

2.: Ashley doesn't play the fiddle



That's egregious on both counts, particulalrly when the material has as its subject matter, A's homosexual shenanigns, and the material is lame to boot. His bravado is certainly not the x-rated mysoginy of everyone in rap and hip-hop, but it still is something no one really has been waiting to hear. I'm not sure why the gay community in general feels the need for another Freddie Mercury, but Ashley, on the strength of this release, is definitely off the list. Categorically in need of a better lyricist, a better tunesmith, and a better manager to remind him to stick to the fiddle, bi-polar Ashley continues to woo and alienate anyone who'd really like to see him become recognized for the prodigious amount of talent he has. His recent LIVE AT THE SAVOY is one of the finest and purest traditional Cape Breton releases you'll ever hear. There was a time with HOW ARE YOU TODAY where Ashley seemed in command of the bridge that made crossing into rock from a Scots-Cape Breton tradition an exciting place to be. He has recoiled from that in the course of his rock-oriented efforts, and more's the pity. It just isn't very good, regardless of the sexual politics.

Even if the decision is made to torpedo a career with material like this, he ought to hire someone who can sing it. Flat and un-tuneful is a sad monker for one of the best fiddle players ever. Avoid this. It's worse than Johnny Cunningham's Raindogs."

A Bold Move that hits and misses

Geminiguy | Bloomington, IN | 03/28/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Bitch" opens the album of new material by famous gay in a kilt Ashley MacIsaac, and it indicates that this album is going to be a strange departure indeed. Considering what I am used to hearing from him... more classical than grunge, this is a bold departure... kind of punk meets... well, anti-melody.

That said, Bitch is nothing to scoff at. The song, after multiple listens is quite catchy (and in my car stereo it actually is pump worthy)

I particualrly enjoy "Just Because" which seems to borrow its melody from the likes of the Bravery and a lyrical style from Ashlee Simpson. As a matter of fact, most of the writing on this release seems to be a tad bit teen-ish and considering it has a "parental advisory" sticker slapped on it, that isn't really a good thing.

The thing I really like about "Pride" is that the voice that made me like him in the first place (heard on "Lay Me Down" from his self titled album) pops up throughout the album. He does not have a conventional pop-rock voice and perhaps that is one reason he is being dissed by other reviewers. But I have to say that I enjoy that voice and while it seems like he strains to get the notes out... it is a strain that I find endearing and entertaining. This album is no masterpiece, but with a few sprinkles of glittery fun and a gothic tinged "Because I Love You", this album is not a complet waste in my collection. It is a bold departure from the celtic intrumental he has enchanted many with... and I hope he continues to branch out and polish his edge (and improve those ltrics... stat). This album is not for everyone... note it is heavily influenced by punk and alternative rock... but for someone like me who has an ecclectic taste in music, this is fun spin for sure."

Not his usual fare, but not to be dismissed.

J. Nelson | Washington DC | 04/13/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Honestly, I enjoy MacIsaac's singing voice as much as I enjoy his fiddle playing. His voice reminds me of Rob Dougan's-- A bit rough with a raw quality that evokes a visceral reaction in the listener-- and I've found that the music on this album can go with me in the car, in my office, or when I'm out walking. Perhaps my appreciation of it has been influenced by my admiration for MacIsaac and his courage in making an album that is so different from anything else he's produced, but I think this album has its own merits and I liked it just as much as his other musical endeavors."