Ashton Shepherd: A Tale of Two Videos
I thought I knew Ashton Shepherd. But now, I realize there's another side to her. I know this, because I've just seen the second video for her debut single "Takin' Off This Pain." The first one was the epitome of a Shaun Silva video.
It captured the pure country storyline of guy-gets-girl, girl-realizes-she-is-so-much-better-off-without-guy, girl-leaves-guy. Complete with the slamming of the rickety screen door and the furious packing of the suitcase (with clothes ripped down from the clothesline).
But now there's a new one.
It seems accidental, as if some people were goofing around with a video camera during an impromptu visit down to her hometown of Leroy, Ala. Her hair's in a ponytail, her son's wandering around, and the set could very well be the Pickin' Shed she sings about on her new album. The credits at the end of the video list Becky Fluke, one of the best photographers in Nashville, and Danny Clinch, another outstanding portrait guy.
In a perfect world, record labels would always make two videos for every single. That would get kind of pricey, I know. But for a new artist, it sure does show you both sides. If, in fact, they have two sides.
In Shepherd's case, it shows the video-viewing world that she's not just a one-dimensional country music puppet. She sounds just as good on the slick video as she does on the down-home one. And anyone willing to go on camera in a baggy T-shirt and a messy ponytail has to be about as genuine as they come.
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Brody says:
Gotta give her props for the Last of the Breed t-shirt she’s sportin’ on the bridge, too :P
E Foster says:
Wow, what an awesome voice! She was great when we saw her in Washington state at the Fair. Go Ashton, were pullin’ for ya’!
Liz says:
I love Ashton Shepherd. Its so good to find other people who feel the same. She is really talented and has a good voice. I hope we keep seeing her videos and may she make two for every song.
kayefun says:
Love Ashton Shephard - Liked the first video I saw the very best and think I understand why they made a second video (and while a second one not necessary for just me to become a fan) - anything that keeps this woman and her music around, I’ll say a big “YES” to.
faith fan says:
I like Ashton alot too and would love to see “real” footage of other artists doing a second version. What if Faith hill did one of Mississipi Girl where she really was wearing an old ball cap, or if Trace adkins did on for Honky Tonk Badonkadonk and they showed what girls behinds really look like in some honky tonk south of the ol mason-dixon line! Just a few suggestions.
hotelmotel says:
How exactly does the second video show that “she’s not a one-dimensional country music puppet?”
Is it really true that “And anyone willing to go on camera in a baggy T-shirt and a messy ponytail has to be about as genuine as they come?”
Aaron V says:
I live in one of those small towns so if I had to say which of the videos I like better I would say the “real” one. It seems more real than the first even though I know it ain’t like a contest. She’s hot and can sing no matter what kind of tshirt or ponytail shes got on.
American Idol Infuriates John Rich — The 9513 says:
[...] Alison Bonaguro says the second video for Ashton Shepherd’s “Takin’ Off This Pain” shows another side to the budding country singer. [...]
YouTube Vidoes! says:
Thanks for the informative post.. and thanks for adding our comment to the blog. I am subscribing to your feed so I don\’t miss the next post!