Customer Reviews

Samples

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first bought this album eight years ago as a freshman in college. Lucky for me, I live within travelling distance to Boulder, therefore, I was able to see this band live on several occasions. Although the band has become a staple in the college Greek scene, this album still remains in the top five of my all time favorite records. "Birth of Words" is, in my humble opinion, one of the most beautifully poignant tunes ever recorded. "Could it Be" as well, is so simply elegant...The Samples had to struggle in later years to surpass the innocent beauty of their debut album.

Anyone who likes The Police, The Outfield, Cutting Crew, XTC or Naked Eyes, will most undoubtedly enjoy this debut from The Samples. This is a fresh new sound combining all of the elements of the previously mentioned artists, yet it's a style and sound all their own. I first purchased this on Cassette back when it first came out, and I was hooked! By the time it was released on CD, I already had every available release on cassette. Needless to say, I have upgraded to CD, and let me tell you, I never get tired of listening to it. "Feel Us Shaking" has to be my all time favorite track, "Ocean Of War", "Close To The Fires", are a close second and third. All in all, the entire CD is a great investment. Enjoy!!

This album has been released and re-released so many times it's hard to believe. But I guess that's a testament to how good it is.

Originally released in 1988, this CD started as a self-release by the band. Very quickly, they signed with Arista records who wanted them to change their sound a bit to get more radio play. The band said no way and left the label. After that, the independent label W.A.R? (What Are Records?) signed them and re-released the album. Interestingly, after a number of releases with that label, they left to sign with MCA. After only one album (Outpost), they returned to W.A.R? They're either still with W.A.R.? or they may be self-releasing their new material again. I forget.

Anyway, this debut album sounds something like a cross between XTC and the Police to me, not a bad thing at all. Highlights include the brilliant "Birth Of Words," one of the finest breakup songs ever written (reworked in less successful fashion for "Outpost"); "Close To The Fires," a song about the environment, and "Feel Us Shaking," another relationship song, also reworked in inferior fashion for the hodgepodge W.A.R.? debut, "Underwater People."

But really there isn't a clunker in the bunch. At ten songs, they limited it to only their best material I suppose, something which cannot be said for albums past their second album for W.A.R.?, the even superior "No Room."

All in all a great album by a relatively unknown band. Give it a try.

In 12 years of listening to The Samples and attending shows around the country, this album (their first) remains their best and my personal favourite. From basic reggae beats, Jeep's incredible percussion splashes and skills, Charles' acoustic and mandolin talents, to Sean Kelly's Sting-like vocals, every song on this album is outstanding and tells its own story. This band's music is so easy to fall in love with, and this is their must have album! Despite numerous personnel, management, and label changes, The Samples continue to write great songs and are touring as I type! Check them out when they visit your state or town ... it's a show you'll never forget!

I've been listening to the samples since I was about 8 years old. After 7 years of liking the samples, I sitll think that they are one of the best bands to ever hit this planet. I love the guitar in all of the songs, and I think that the lyrics in most of the songs are really deep. It's one of those cd's that you can listen to 15 times over and not get sick of it.

This band is the best kept secret in the music industry. Anyone who knows who the Samples are and what they are all about, knows how impressive this cd is.

This is the best introductory cd of the Samples. It contains many of their earliest songs ever written and eases one into some of their more recent recordings. This cd was originally released in 1989 and still is one of my all time favorites. By far the best band to come out of Boulder...and just to let everyone know, they got their name because when they first started making music for a living, they did not have much money at all. The fact is the only food they could afford were the samples handed out in grocery stores up on the hill in Boulder.

Well, I just happened to stumble in here out of curiosity, figured I'd throw in my 2 cents. I have the original release of this cd from 1989, and take my word for it, the cd is in some sorry shape. Of course, that's probably because I've listened to this cd more than any other...far more. So, if you are new to this band, I highly recommend this cd. Now, for those who have mentioned it before, The Samples aren't mainstream because they don't want to be. Before MCA came around, they had time and again turned down offers from major labels. It's was and remains to be a conscious decision on their part. That alone ought to attract anyone to their music.

I've been listening to the Samples since 89' and this is a band where the original is clearly the best work. While I am also a fan of Last Drag and No Room, the Samples orginal is amazing from start to finish and has been in my play deck for over 15 years. Awesome stuff.

I, too, have gone through many copies of this disc because of overwear. I first heard this album back in 1990 when my boss, who was from Colorado, used to play it at my job. I instantly fell for this album. The music is simple, yet it speaks loudly of many social issues. I have continued to follow the Samples and buy their music. I recommend this album to anyone who needs to listen to something to take them away from it all.