Cruel Inventions

Sam Phillips

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 29, 1992)
• Original Release Date: May 28, 1991
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Virgin Records Us
• ASIN: B000000WHT
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  DVD Audio
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #116,208 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Quietly, almost imperceptibly, Southern California thrush Sam Phillips has built up an exceptional body of work. Cruel Inventions is but the third in a gently swelling series of consistently creative, intriguingly off-center pop-rock recordings. As with all of her "Sam" recordings (prior to the mid '80s, she'd achieved considerable success in Christian music circles under her given name, Leslie Phillips), this 10-song set from 1991 is branded by a kind of chamber psychedelia (courtesy of her hubby, producer T Bone Burnett). With Van Dyke Parks, Marc Ribot, and special guest Elvis Costello helping to shape the soundscape, Phillips wafts above the cushioned din, gazing down on scenes that inspire incongruously harsh denouements. Songs such as "Lying," "Raised on Promises," and "Now I Can't Find the Door" leave one feeling unsettled...and enthralled. --Steven Stolder

Product Description
T-bone Burnett producing then-wife Sam Phillips in her second effort for Virgin Records pulled out all the stops by inviting Elvis Costello and Van Dyke Parks to participate. Mixed to 1/2" analog master tape by Tchad Blake and Kevin Killen, this Rik Pekkonen, Joe Schiff, Stacy Baird recording will satisfy all your female Pop vocal desires with tunes like "Lying", "Go Down", "Private Storm", and "Raised On Promises" among others. Mastered by Bernie Grundman, this 24/96 kHz DAD release is just like listening to the master tape. Get it! --This text refers to the DVD Audio edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lyrical, smooth and plaintive voice, adding up to a great CD, June 4, 2000

By	Tung Yin (Iowa City, IA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Sam Phillips is probably best known for three things: (1) she used to put out Christian music under her given name, Leslie Phillips; (2) she's married to rock producer T-Bone Burnett; and (3) she played the icily mute assassin and girlfriend to Jeremy Irons in "Die Hard 3." All of which is fine, except that it overshadows her fabulous work as a contemporary singer and songwriter.

Under her nickname "Sam," she's released a number of CDs, starting with 1989's "The Indescribable Wow," 1992's "Cruel Inventions," 1995's "Martinis and Bikinis," and others.

Her CDs show a definite progression, starting with the soft crooning sounds of "Indescribable" to the more subtle and plaintive songs of "Inventions," to a more Beatles like sound of "Martinis and Bikinis." Depending on what you're looking for, then, "Cruel Inventions" may not be to your liking.

What "Cruel Inventions" offers is a collection of dreamy meditations accompanied by incredibly catchy musical arrangements. Phillip's voice is pure and heartfelt, almost like a less scratchy version of Kim Carnes.

Best of all, the quality of songs is pretty even throughout; if you like any of the songs on the CD, you're likely to like most or all of them.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Sam's best, October 22, 1999

By A Customer

Contrary to the thoughts of some, Sam Phillips has NOT abandoned her faith when she chose to leave the Contemporary Christian music field. She simply grew tired of the smug and confining nature of the genre that refused to allow her to grow as an artist. Like her husband and producer T Bone Burnett and their good friend Bruce Cockbrun, Sam's faith is still very much in evidence in many of her songs. She merely does not hit the listener over the head with it has is usually in the nature of the Contemporary Christian genre.

With "Cruel Inventions," Sam has created one of the best albums of either phase of her career. The melodies are catchy and unforgettable, the lyrics thought provoking and relevant. Others may wish to keep Sam in a box, refusing to let her grow, but many of her fans welcome her artistic muse.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sam is one of the Music Industry's best-kept secrets., November 11, 1999

By	"sweethev" (Canada) - See all my reviews

"Cruel Inventions" is not only Sam's best album, but one of the best in the industry. With her intelligent lyrics, articulate musical styles, and a darkened dreamlike mood, she is a role-model for many female artist who don't want the "girlie" stereotype. I have loved this album for years and continue to do so. Songs like "Tripping Over Gravity" and "Lying" are musical gems, and the entire album sparkles with creativity.