What in Samhill

Highway 9 | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 7, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000663XH
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #220,701 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Few bands could get away with "Sadly, our song is on the radio" as a song’s chorus--in a less accomplished band’s repertoire, the line would nearly scream for snide agreement from all the sarcastic wits listening. Instead, Highway 9’s What in Samhill pulls off the almost impossible: it silences any opposition with tough, finely crafted, melodic songs that fit together seamlessly and stand solidly on their own. The five-man band, formerly known as Samhill, changed their name to give homage to their Jersey roots. And indeed, the geography of sound first mapped out by blue-collar legend Bruce Springsteen is expertly traveled on this release. Peter Scherer’s voice is a lead to be reckoned with, beautifully conjuring the Eagles’ best harmonies. But after a few listens, it is Gordon Brown’s songwriting that’s most striking. Whether in "Heroine," an aching portrait of a son’s difficult love for his mother, or the love-gone-bad "Tug of War" ("I’m no winner, and she’s no reward"), the songs resist relying on attitude or bravado. Instead, they possess the marked confidence of having scraped through hard times and survived, with a story to tell. --Laura Etling

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Harmonies that take you places, June 10, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: What in Samhill (Audio CD)

Highway 9 lyrics,harmonies and instrumentation captures the listener on many levels. The songs deal with change, growth, love and the strength it takes to go thru it. The harmonies are memorable and stay in your head and heart. The instrumentation pulls you up and moving. To compare Highway 9's vocals to Springstein or Henley gives you only an idea how wonderful the sound must be However, the sound is Highway 9's alone rooted in the American landscape no matter where your from you'll find yourself in it.............

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars well worth a listen, June 3, 2002

By 

Mr. Samuel Millar (Greenisland, Co Antrim United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What in Samhill (Audio CD)

I bought this cd as I enjoy alternative country. I was a little disappointed as I would have preferred some more twang. Apart from that it had a lot going for it. The songs are all written by one band member A MIGHTY BIG PLUS IN MY VIEW. The music style is a bit Eagleish with the singer sounding like Don Henley. The tracks are varied with melodic vocals mixed with plenty of guitar work. It is a very sound album with good lyrics and the fact that I would have preferred more of a country influence does not detract from it in any way. If you like the Eagles especially Don Henley GO FOR IT.

5.0 out of 5 stars Talented songwriting from GB, September 19, 2003

By 

Genene (Boca Raton, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What in Samhill (Audio CD)

Those familiar with Mr. Reality already know the tremendous talent Highway 9 has in songwriter/guitarist Gordon Brown. He has an ability to translate human experiences - from the pain of lost or broken relationships to the faith that keeps people afloat - into thoughtful lyrics that leave you with the comforting feeling that you are understood. The melodies stay in your head long after the CD has stopped playing -- a true sign of good songwriting. Make sure you also check out the EP with "Stand Here Waiting."