Here’s what the press has had to say
about “Long Story Short”:

“If you like some of the original roots rockers, guys such as Gram Parsons, Chris Hillman, and Neil Young, then you'll enjoy David Simpkins. But perhaps the musician most similar to Simpkins is Bill Mallonee of Vigilantes of Love. And like Mallonee, Simpkins is an under-rated talent. Consistent throughout the disc are Simpkins' thoughtful, poignant lyrics. If you make the conscious effort to truly hear the music and lyrics of this CD, you'll certainly be rewarded for your effort.”

— Tim Jackson, the editor and publisher of New River Voice

“Simpkins used to rip it up with Visible Shivers, a hapless roots-rock band that beat the boards for a decade before the odds beat them in 2000. 'Long Story Short' amplifies the folk and old-time country elements of his former outfit, tones down the barroom guitars in favor of strummed acoustic and Doug Bickel's Hammond organ, lays back on the beat, and gives center stage to Simpkins' careworn and earnest vocals. This is grown-up music, consumed with loss and regret; even comparatively upbeat numbers have a bittersweet edge. But a crisp, urgent rhythm section and sweet, crackling guitar twang provide counterweight to David's morosity and make 'Long Story Short' a true pleasure. Overall, this is a terrific album.”

— Jim Santo, Demo Universe

“There's nice production on this neo-folk record. That's apparently due to Reel2Reel Studios in Blacksburg. Simpkins dresses Long Story Short in family recollection and nostalgia, with old photos and ancestral listings making things feel more 'real.' Portions of this album are really good, with warm melodies dressed up in Daniel Lanois-style atmospherics. Recommended.”

— Mason Adams, Roanoke (VA) Times "Inside Out"

“Simpkins is a singer/songwriter with a legitimate folk pedigree. He has photos of his grandfather and seven siblings playing instruments with his own father. If for some reason the photos don't convince you that Simpkins is legit, then the songs will. The songs are built on acoustic guitar and Simpkins' voice but there is some great sounding drums, bass, electric guitars and Hammond B3 organ. Simpkins has a straightforward writing and singing style and it's very effective. He doesn't get maudlin or precious; he just tells it like it is while he and the band play their hearts out. Fans of well-written and played folk/rock will really enjoy Simpkins’ ‘Long Story Short.’“

— Stacey Board, musesmuse.com

“David Simpkins’ ‘Long Story Short.’ is pure Americana, but reminiscent of Canada’s Neil Young and groups like Poco and Crazy Horse. Don’t let this sway you too much, though -- Simpkins is able to blend Americana, country, folk, and even a bit of bayou blues into his songs. Track pick: ‘From Baltimore’ — a straightforward heartfelt country ballad. Who can argue with images like ‘The highway cries / the wipers sigh...’”

— Kenny Hart, singing-songwriter.kennyhart.com

“Accomplished solo debut from Virginian Simpkins. His years performing have honed his skills to a point where the writing, arrangements, and performances are of a high enough standard.”

— Pete Gow, AmericanaUK.com

“David Simpkins' songwriting ability is definitely the star of the show. The rambling 'Something New,' the pretty 'From Baltimore,' and the mysterious 'Lighthouse' are some of the best songs on this album. Simpkins has a real talent for capturing moments in song. Long Story Short is a great album -- Simpkins should be proud.”

— Greg Yost, musicmonthly.com

“David Simpkins is a heartland folkie with the urge to rock. He has a craggy voice and sings in a rough and emotive style. Though these songs are acoustic-based, they're fleshed out with lots of electric guitar, bass and drums, plus a healthy dose of swelling Hammond B3 organ. A highlight is 'After Glory,' a Dylanesque fast shuffle ... The album ends on another strong note, the slow-burning rocker ‘Lighthouse.’”

— Gary Whitehouse, greenmanreview.com

“This disc blends much of what David Simpkins has learned over the years with hints of Neil Young's more recent work. Both artists' work echoes the voices of autumn — mellow and recognizant of the fact that life is brittle. Both artists have embraced these changes but still refuse to give into winter. ... And given these varied influences and thoughts, David manages the consistency that only a true musical warrior can conjure.”

— Todd Smith, sharkbitten.com

“Just as perceptive, straightforward and lilting as his vocals, Simpkins’ sound is rural and deeply rooted in older sounds but with a modern twang that buzzes with confidence in its own originality.”

— Genevieve Will, indie-music.com

“This is as good an Americana CD as I've heard in a long, long time. Simpkins' music comes from the heart in a style that reaches back to Neil Young, Gene Clark (ex-Byrds), Bruce Springsteen, and others. The music is personal, challenging, and expansive. And don't forget intense. David isn't a simplistic, three-chords-and-the-truth-type; he doesn't think in those terms. Yet, in tunes like 'From Baltimore' (my personal favorite) and 'Something New,' he can be direct, simple, and stunningly effective.”

— Mike Clark, The Loafer (Johnson City TN)

Here are press quotes referring to
the Visible Shivers’ releases:

Virginia’s Visible Shivers puts one in the mind of ... a sound fraught with a rural, hard-driving roots swagger with a sweet, heartfelt country touch. ...‘Little Noises’ benefits greatly from the strong songwriting vision and voices of David Simpkins and Lee and Kirsten Worley .... Of the three, Simpkins’ voice emerges as the most resonant and rich ...”

— From the Ottawa (Canada) X Press

“Somewhere deep inside the music of the Visible Shivers beats the heart of Merle Haggard. Funny thing is, he’s apparently been out drinking with Tom Petty and Lou Reed. ... Among the band’s three singers, David Simpkins is by far the standout. ... Simpkins contributes heavily ... providing both the album’s best singing and its most intriguing elements ...”

— From the Tallahassee (FL) Democrat

A decade into a career that has produced four independent recordings and a raft of good reviews throughout the mid-Appalachian empire, ‘Little Noises’ is the Blacksburg, Va., quintet’s most consistent effort to date. ... Dwelling in the shadows, songwriters Lee Worley, Kirsten Worley and David Simpkins manage to juggle the slippery surfaces of light and right....”

— From the Sarasota (FL) Herald-Tribune

“Visible Shivers... have a great grasp on that whole new alt-country, folk-inspired sound. Or as they like to call it, ‘Americana.’ ...Not to mention the lyrics read like they were written with T.S. Eliot hanging over their shoulders....”

— From SwizzleStick.com

“...A lot of bands have dubbed their sound Americana... All have incorporated a strong folkish sensibility to their playing and strong storytelling in their lyrics. Visible Shivers also used those elements to make a fine, reflective CD. ..[David Simpkins’] The Fear Inside establishes a neo-country feel with a steel-guitarish wash in the background and a laconic delivery on the vocals. The simplistic arrangement of the song helps deliver its message better than a jumble of instruments could....”

— From the Baltimore-Washington Music Monthly