Sam Prekop

Sam Prekop | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 9, 1999)
• Original Release Date: February 9, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Thrill Jockey
• ASIN: B00000GBRB
• Also Available in: Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,079 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars it's oh so peaceful here, July 16, 2004

By 

Max Serota (Santa Cruz, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sam Prekop (Audio CD)

Ok this may sound cheesy: Sam Prekop is perfect for long walks on the beach at sunset in the summer. Okay, the cheesy part is over.

The story goes like this. I bought this album at the start of summer 2003. Having just moved 2 blocks from the beach, I made a promise to walk along the coast during sunset at least once a week. It would have meant nothing without Sam Prekop.

The light and airy feel to the record makes things fresh while relaxed. There are definitely Brazilian influences in the rhythm section, adding a unique pulse to the record. But the overall mood is relaxed and at times meditative.

Sam's voice is unique and has had an interesting progression. On this record, he doesn't sound like Shrimp Boat Sam Prekop or early Sea And Cake Sam Prekop. Here we find him whispering melodies, sharing secrets with us. The album was made right before The Sea And Cake's Oui, and you can tell. Nothing loud. Nothing rushed. A simple grace.

The three instrumental tracks have a trance-like effect on the listener. "Faces And People" is full of layers and loops and slowly builds into an electronic trance, while "A Cloud To The Back" and "Smaller Rivers" are acoustic and feel as gentle as lullabies.

I cherish this album. It is a great thing to have when feeling reflective. It consistently gives a sense of peace, which in my opinion is the best thing music can do for us.

-Max
(hi google)

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A work of genuine beauty, April 30, 2004

By 

TheQuietCritic "c7" (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sam Prekop (Audio CD)

I first heard this CD when a friend of mine played it with the promise, "You'll like this." I was surprised, not only that he was right, but also at how quickly I took to it. From the first few notes of the opening song, I was in love. The CD has a soft and gentle feel to it, yet it's not easy listening. The first two songs have an undercurrent of bossa nova, and several others are percussive, yet not in a loud or agressive way. I particularly enjoy "So Shy", with a laidback funky groove straight out of '70's Philly soul, complete with a beautiful bittersweet string coda. Another interesting piece is "Faces and People", with production by Jim O'Rourke, built on loops and some beautiful muted trumpet work from Rob Mazurek, a prominent member of the Chicago Underground Duo, Trio, and Quartet, as well as Isotope 217. But most outstanding of all is Sam Prekop himself. His vocals, while not having a lot of range, are warm and accessible., and very soft, kind of an American answer to Joao Gilberto. His rhythm guitar work is also very good, propulsive yet delicate. Anyone looking for a musical breath of fresh air will surely appreciate this CD.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars all good., June 6, 2004

By 

Andrew S. Toomajian (Montague, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sam Prekop (Audio CD)

this is better, more thouroghly realized, more diverse, and more interesting, than anything ive heard from the sea and cake. sam prekop's solo debut easily ranks in any top ten list for the year. after two years of listening to it, i find myself constantly referencing it to other people, they will play me the postal service, and im like, 'yeah, have you heard sam prekop's album?' they play me the flaming lips, and im like, 'sure, thats good, you ought to check out this great sam prekop cd i have...' theyll play me milt jackson on the vibes and ill say, 'this kinda reminds me of this great record by this guy sam prekop..' everyone from jazz heads to phish fans finds something to like here. the hushed indie rock style is present but not in a contrived way, the soft grooves we have come to expect from the wonderful thrill jockey label are here too, but varied enough to stay interesting. this is really one of my favorite records of all time. check it out.