"Smeed was one of the happiest performers in recent memory for me. He was constantly smiling and seemed genuinely appreciative of the applause. His music was perfect for the cowboy bar. He mixed straight forward country (not Kenny Chesney country, the good kind) with some blues songs and some more upbeat numbers. He was even able to mix in a Townes Van Zant cover. Some very well played lap steel guitar was delivered in heavy doses and Smeed’s set was all the better for it." ~ Vocals on Top 9/16/11

“I was driving on a sunny Saturday morning, listening to this fine music over and over, when it occurred to me that Sky Smeed deserves one of my highest compliments: he reminds me of Gram Parsons.” ~ Chip Withrow

“A rollicking bunch of songs, with Smeed stretching emotionally, compositionally, and hitting every mark full stride.” ~ Paul Rapp, Metroland

“On his new CD, Mill River, his third, Sky Smeed really hits his stride. He’s always been a good songwriter and an effective vocalist, but this time out, Smeed attacks the baker’s dozen tracks, eleven which are self-penned, with the sort of ferocity and aggression that, frankly, we didn’t even know he had inside. The result is a torrid journey through country-influenced rock that at once sounds fresh while at the same time recalling John Mellencamp’s finest earliest efforts.”
~ Seth Rogovoy, Berkshire Living Magazine/
WAMC Northeast Public Radio Network

“Sky Smeed’s ability to put a story to song often makes me think of Jim Croce, Steve Forbert, Ryan Adams/Whiskeytown with a dash of Uncle Tupelo. Mill River offers a more upbeat approach to the music , one that will get folks on the dance floor. Both robinhoodradio.com and WKZE have added the album to current rotation. His cover of Jimmy Reeds Shame Shame Shame has already had radio listeners calling in!” ~ Tim Schaefer, WKZE-F.M.