Search - Samples :: Here & Somewhere Else

A disappointment

wbiffl@dhha.org | Denver, CO | 05/23/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Having seen The Samples in concert soon after moving to Colorado in 1990, I religiously bought every one of their albums as soon as it was released. One or more of them are always on my CD changer in my home, car or office. This album, however, has been disappointing- while some reviewers say the band has "matured," I think they've grown tired. In fact, their lack of energy corresponds with their signing with a major label. None of the songs offers the kind of boost I have been accustomed to."

Return to Form Wherever the Place May Be

M. Swinney | Flower Mound, TX | 07/30/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Samples (what is left of them) are back with W.A.R. records and the 2nd marriage is a welcome respite from their misguided foray into major label output. The Samples hailing out of Boulder Colorado gained a cult-like local following in the early 90's and even made it to the big time--that is being featured as the musical track to a Warren Miller Ski flick. Success did not suit them well, as their creative light began to flicker and fade with the release of "Autopilot" in '94 and the low point with their MCA release, the dismally flat "Outpost" in '96. Gone now are two of their members, Al Laughlin and Jeep MacNichol (he of the golden sticks); gone also is the MCA label, but back is their creative spark and a return to their original musical talent. I was prepared to be disappointed upon buying "Here and Somewhere Else", but this CD actually sounds good.It's not surprising that the Samples sound remains since Andy Sheldon and Sean Kelly had always been the songwriting force behind the Samples breezy, mountain clean, enviro-charged, semi-eclectic, quasi-world music, Stingish vocals brand of music. For Samples fans, this doesn't compete with "The Last Drag" or "No Room" but I don't think you'll be disappointed. Some of the best tracks are the eastern-tinged horn ska-driven lightness of "We All Move On," the new-age enviro anthem of "Hypocrite", and the cool reggae groove of "The Birds of Paradise" A low point on this CD though is the track that falls between track 5 and 6 (call it 5 and 1/2), but not listed on the jacket possibly titled, "Pretty Little Girl." It's an exercise in everything to avoid and stay away from in songwriting pitfalls. Sean Kelly falls into rhyming his lines 3 or 4 times just for the sake of rhyming, with no lyrical value to the song whatsoever. It's pure cheese. Skip this dismal little ditty and overall you've got a solid listen. The folk mountain air cool of "Going Through Changes" perhaps sums it up for the new Samples. There have been some changes made and they sound like it's for the better. If you are a Sample devotee, pick this one up. If you are new to the group, go get "No Room" or "The Last Drag.""

Excellent but surprising

M. Swinney | 07/29/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having expected a highly energetic release from the Samples due to the infusion of new energy and talent from their new members, I was initially a bit surprised by this new album.However, after about 2 listens to the CD, I came to be blown away. Both Sean Kelly and Andy Sheldon's inciteful lyrics and the solid musical foundation that the album is built around will impress longtime and new Samples fans alike. The first 2 tracks, "We All Move On" and "Anymore" and several others are bound to become "Samples classics". The band has really tightened musically, and this album seems a foreshadowing of what is yet to come. In the meantime, this album gives listeners alot of great new material and even the bonus of CD-ROM graphics (interviews, song summaries, etc.)...overall a great effort on the Samples part...buy it. You won't be disappointed.By the way, I would also highly recommend seeing the band live. After seeing them last wee! k, I can tell you that they have more energy than in the past few years. It's a great time for Samps fans!- Barry Fischer"