St. Paul Pioneer Press - Hear This - The Ashtray Hearts
by Amy Carlson

• Personnel: Dan Richmond, vocals/guitar; Brad Augustine, accordion/piano; Ryan Huber Scheife, bass; John Jerry, drums; Aaron Schmidt, trumpet/piano/vocals; Steve Yernberg, guitar/banjo/piano/vocals.

• Background: Making their debut in the winter of 2001 in the Turf Club's Clown Lounge, the members of the Ashtray Hearts had all known each other through school and friends before forming the band. Led by singer/songwriter Dan Richmond, who also doubles as KFAI's programming director, the band has steadily made a strong name for itself on the local scene, even grabbing a spot on First Avenue's "Best New Band of 2001" showcase.

• Recordings: Richmond's label, Free Election, has released the Ashtray Hearts' first 7-inch single and its debut CD, "Old Numbers," recorded and mixed by former Accident Clearinghouse members Jon Tranberry and Quillan Roe at OBT.

Also on the label is the "Apartment Music" compilation of local musicians — the Ashtray Hearts, Kid Dakota, the Owls, Quillan Roe and Mike Brady, Florida and Work of Saws.

• Concept: "It really depends on the moment, the mood and topic matter," said Richmond. "Some songs are about very specific experiences and people I know. And others are completely made up out of things I've observed in other people. But I think there is a general — at least on this record, 'Old Numbers' — theme of people coming in and out of your life. And in the last few years, whether it be romantic or otherwise, people have come in and out of my life. And I've gone in and out of others'. So by just keeping track of those emotions and feelings, they came through in the songs."

• Review: With heartbreaking phrases like "I gave away everything that I promised you," "It's easier to leave than be left behind" and "Are you still sad when you wake up," the Ashtray Hearts paint beautiful landscapes, haunting and sorrowful. Richmond's aching vocals combined with touching words are a knockout.

Songs like "Still Shaking," with its lovely banjo intro, and the slow accordion whine on "Country Bar" are gorgeous indie/rootsy/folksy tunes. "Old Numbers" is an emotionally draining experience, conjuring feelings of lost loves, regretful acts and precious memories.

Live, Richmond and Schmidt's harmonies make for a sweetly intense listen.