In a genre where storytelling and song-craft remain paramount, Shindell proves himself as one of the folk world's most gifted songsmiths. In a concert review, The New York Times' Ann Powers wrote: "Occasionally, an artist has a night that makes even skeptics think, 'O.K., maybe he is the best.'" A bold statement, that illustrates the lasting impression that Shindell's songs have made — both on critics and on fans of his work.