The Sheepdogs - 3 album discography

If you like:
CCR
The Doors
Van Morrison
Steve Miller band

Skip this one if you don't like:
Classic rock
Blues rock



The Sheepdogs is a modern day classic rock throwback.  It's an old fashioned bluesy rock band, though there are hints of modern influences, especially in the first album.  But for the most part, the sound has remained constant over three albums and sets a retro tone reminiscent of old school Canadian and American southern/blues rock bands.
The guitarist, Leot Hanson, sounds like something you'd hear from Steve Miller Band.  The vocalist would fit in alongside their fellow countrymen CCR.  Overall, the band also has some similar styles as Van Morrison and The Doors, too. 
The vocals are a big part of their retro sound.  It almost sounds like singer Ewan Currie uses old equipment to match their old sound.  They might use other lo-fi techniques (using digital methods to give it an older sound), or it might just be his voice alone.  The rest of the band, including bassist Ryan Gullen and drummer Sam Corbett, frequently provide back up vocals.

Combine all of that, and a focus on melody, harmony and groove, and it makes for a great sound. 



Trying to Grow 2007

While it's still primarily classic rock sounding, there are a couple songs that sound more like post-punk Brit rock than anything else.  "Hang on to Yourself", for one, is catchy and the backup vocals repeat the same line throughout.  Even the theme (keep your love to yourself) seems Brit pop.  "You Never Listen" also has this style, especially in the guitar playing.  While it's not that far off of their main style, it shows that they can pull from other influences.

The best song on this album is "Heading Down".  It's a classic sounding rock song with a choppy piano.  Check here to listen.

"Tonight" shows a more haunting, gloomy side.  It also has quite the picking guitar solo in the middle.  Similarly, "Shine On" is a slower classic rock melody with a psychedelic tint, especially in the guitar solo.  It reminds me of the Animals' song "House of the Rising Sun" with the mournful singing.




Learn and Burn 2010

This is their best album by far and is packed with jamming songs.  It starts out with "The One You Belong To", a good song for listeners who like a strong guitar.
It blends into "Please Don't Lead Me On".  Here, the modern Brit sound from the last album has been replaced by a slight Beatles style, though still heavily framed by their North American influences.

"I Don't Know" is straight up old fashioned rock.  It's a contender for their best song overall, and has a CCR influence.  "I Don't Get By" is also a great song, it features swooning guitar and a picked guitar, giving it a western sound.
There is influence from The Doors in this album, noticeably in "Learn and Burn", which is a mellow smooth song.  "Right On" might also demonstrate some of their influence.

"Southern Dreaming" is a lighthearted song with electric guitar picking.  The vocals are scarce on this song and it makes for a good feeling song."Rollo Tomasi" is their Van Morrison influenced song.  While his voice is nowhere near as suave as Morrison's, the horns and piano create a classy sound.

"Catfish 2 Boogaloo" is a more rocking, jamming song.  I'm putting this song up because, while there are better songs on this album, this track will appeal to just about anyone.

The Sheepdogs 2012

Their latest, self titled, album stays consistent with the previous one.  One major difference is in the guitars.  They use more distortion and so it sometimes has a newer feel to it.  "Feeling Good" is a great song that features some of the distortion.  Overall, even though the first couple of albums featured numerous guitar solos, they just seem more prominent in this album.

"Alright Ok" is a good song that is more traditional rock.  Similarly, "The Way it Is" hits just a little harder than most of their songs.

Some of the songs show a heavy blues influence, such as "Ewan's Blues" and "Is Your Dream Worth Dying For?"
I can hear some of The Rolling Stones in "While We're Young".

Obviously they have a long history of rock n roll to draw from, and they stay true to their roots while maintaining a new sound.

Check out this music video for "Feeling Good", apparently inspired by the movie Team America.