Customer Reviews

Sam Prekop

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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)

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.

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.

This is a light quiet record you can put on when you just want to relax and lay on the couch to gaze in your own thoughts. Its light vocals by Prekop and jazz guitar strings and lounge feel. This may just be like The Sea & cake but its still great. The cover art is also beautiful. The whole package is just like a nice dream. Theres not much to say just go get it.

i have this on vinyl because i'm so with it and when i come back from a bar with an ugly girl, after drinking cheap scotch all night, i put this record on...and the sultry sounds of hip chicago lounge rock and sam's laid back crooning makes 'em buck wild. after side a (a killer side) i don't have to do any work. thank you sam, although i'd lighten up on the corny instrumental jazz numbers, for blowing in our ears. you should write me man--i could put you on to some things. anyway, super cool record and check out the awesome cover work by encyclopedia brown!

Sam Prekop explores familiar territory here with this solo release. it is similar both to the Sea and Cake and Sghrimp Boat. Lush dense melodies with soft murmured lyrics and layered string arrangements The music is both soothing and complex.
This is excellent music very soothing and soft without ever being boring or cheesy as "lounge" music often is.

Strongly recommended to fans of the Sea and Cake. Archer Prewitt and Jim O 'Rourke also contributre on this album.

The feathery touch of this spare, beautiful music affects you with such sublime bliss that you may be surprised by your own smile...

A lot of musicians try to mix different styles, yet very few of them can do it properly. Sam Prekop has cooked a very nice dish, never heard something like this before. A CD for a warm rainy weather :-)

This is a great chill out album in that Nick Drake kind of indie rock style. It's not going to blow your mind or anything, but it's perfect for what it is. Just sit back and relax, light some candles, stare at the ceiling, get a back massage, have someone feed you grapes, then fall asleep on the couch and drool on the pillows. Works for me!

I just bought this and have listened several times a day. It is like nothing I've ever heard before - I can float away with the sounds but also feel very alive and aware. It feels slightly Brazilian, very nature filled - as if the trees made music. Full of soft rhythms, dreamy, luscious, wonderfully intriguing melodies, gentle but works it's way into your soul as it sways. I'm so glad I was told about Sam.