From a review of Amos Got Soul: "‘Amos Got Soul’ begins with a soft rock song, followed up by a reggae track in ‘Doodle Li’, then a country-esque ditty before moving onto the titular song which is very adult contemporary. This diversity is the philosophy of the album and is indicative of Plaehn’s numerous musical encounters and transformations in his musical life, from blues to Cajun and mariachi funk. Then, all of a sudden, the title ‘Amos Got Soul’ makes so much sense as you recognise Plaehn’s ability to transfer seamlessly between these soulful, melodic types of music. But, true to the music he loved since he was in high school, Plaehn’s album explores melancholic themes of love and loss – the blues in the definitive sense of the word. Sounding a lot like Lyle Lovett but with a Muddy Waters mystique, Plaehn’s understanding of authentic soul radiates throughout “Amos Got Soul” in his cadence, lyrics and production. There is no concerted effort to embrace contemporary themes or instrumentation yet the album doesn’t sound any less relevant as the style of the album remains very timeless and great to listen to." Daniel Davidson-Amadi, Music-News.com, 06/27/2013 From a review of Amos Got Soul: "Plaehn is also tough to peg as a vocalist. There are moments when Todd Rundgren's 70s soul comes immediately to mind, such as with this album's title cut, which is quite keyboard-y and singer/songwriter-y. However, the more gospel-oriented "Pray, Jesus" finds Plaehn sounding a bit like James Taylor, in all his 70s singer/songwriter glory. ... The overriding impression is that Dave Plaehn is a gentle soul, and Amos God Soul has the ability to leave the listener with a peaceful sense of well being. And there's nothing wrong with that." Dan MacIntosh, antimusic From a review of Smokin: "Dave Plaehn has made a fine solo debut SMOKIN', showing a talented hand at a variety of arrangement approaches ...", R. Borgerson, Prairie Sun, Peoria, IL From a review of Mouth Full of Blues: "An Iowan worth watching and listening to, Plaehn's nearly flawless six-song EP is mostly reworked versions of (now) traditional tunes...Plaehn, who is a sure-mouthed harp player, also wisely covers Tony Glover's '65 blues 'Don't Let Your Right Hand Know What Your Left Hand Do'. Trying his own hand on 'Satisfying Man,' the Iowan make a Mose Allison go at a bluesy number right up the urban back alley. The instrumental backing is first rate, but it's Plaehn's able-bodied singing and soulful sense of hymnody and rural blues forms that give this rounder it's wings...'Vigilante Man' will make you soar." Martin Keller, City Pages, Minneapolis From a review of Crazy Man: "I clearly remember that when airplaying your previous record, the one with Jeff Hino [Can't Get My Rest], one of the things that impressed me the most was diversity of material you have chosen to record. It was all full of blues, but they were different shades of blues, quite unique. "Crazy Man" goes one step further, coming out of the blues but reaching something new. This is roots music at it's most enjoyable form - well-crafted songs played by a group of talented musicians and sung with an angel-like voice. You are a fantastic harmonica player and your acoustic tone, especially on those low harps is jaw dropping, but I so much admire you as a vocalist. The way your voice sounds is beautiful and you know how to make a song sound interesting. "Crazy Man" is a solid effort! I am sure that your new disc will meet with a lot of positive feedback, just like it happened with that previous Plaehn/Hino CD. Thank you again for sharing your music with my listeners." Przemek Draheim Poland From a review of Crazy Man: "Very good album. Great voice. This album is worth every penny. Amazing production. Recieved [sic] a lot of airplay allready. All songs are diamonds to listen to." Greetings Harry Boerman Veluwe FM Netherlands