Eyebrows are raised as yet another punk rock band skips off to major label land. They'll probably have to spend the next six months justifying their move in every interview they do, as if they had just sold their little si... more »sters into prostitution and needed to provide some sort of explanation for their heinous crime. Samiam want to make their living off playing punk rock--is that so wrong? Maybe it's not as black and white as that though; after all, there is the music to consider. How has this deal with Atlantic changed the band, other than providing them with a greater recording and video budget? Frankly, like Green Day, their music has always been well suited for a clean, loud sound, and producer Lou Giordano has done a fine job on Clumsy. The songs sparkle with powerful explosions of well-manicured, but suitably distorted power-chords, and vocalist Jason Beebout's gruff, throaty voice gives an edge to much of the material. Though they're often mentioned in the same breath as their Berkeley brethren, Green Day and Jawbreaker, they most resemble the latter, similarly drawing their influences from the sonic rage of H(sker D( rather than popped-up Buzzcocks. Clumsy is a fine album, brimming with power, emotion and a sincerity that is hard to deny. It is also, musically, a very potent album that shows no sign of commercial contrivance or compromise. From the enormous punch of the opening "As We're Told" to the fitful spasms of "Time by the Dime" that close the album, Samiam deliver a fantastic set of songs that are undeniably catchy and appealing without ever losing sight of that elusive, fading punk rock spirit. --Adem Tepedelen« less
Eyebrows are raised as yet another punk rock band skips off to major label land. They'll probably have to spend the next six months justifying their move in every interview they do, as if they had just sold their little sisters into prostitution and needed to provide some sort of explanation for their heinous crime. Samiam want to make their living off playing punk rock--is that so wrong? Maybe it's not as black and white as that though; after all, there is the music to consider. How has this deal with Atlantic changed the band, other than providing them with a greater recording and video budget? Frankly, like Green Day, their music has always been well suited for a clean, loud sound, and producer Lou Giordano has done a fine job on Clumsy. The songs sparkle with powerful explosions of well-manicured, but suitably distorted power-chords, and vocalist Jason Beebout's gruff, throaty voice gives an edge to much of the material. Though they're often mentioned in the same breath as their Berkeley brethren, Green Day and Jawbreaker, they most resemble the latter, similarly drawing their influences from the sonic rage of H(sker D( rather than popped-up Buzzcocks. Clumsy is a fine album, brimming with power, emotion and a sincerity that is hard to deny. It is also, musically, a very potent album that shows no sign of commercial contrivance or compromise. From the enormous punch of the opening "As We're Told" to the fitful spasms of "Time by the Dime" that close the album, Samiam deliver a fantastic set of songs that are undeniably catchy and appealing without ever losing sight of that elusive, fading punk rock spirit. --Adem Tepedelen
"And the result is: Samiam's excellent non-crybaby emotional rock. If you like to tap your foot or dance while you empathize, then this here band are your guyz. One of my TWO favorite Samiam releases (the other being 'You Are Freaking Me Out'); This one is the more emo-slanted one, 'Freaking' is the more rock-slanted one. Both of them simply contain better, more concise songs, and cleaner production than their earlier releases. After you hear this CD, you'll have a little less patience for off-key whiny singers - trust me."
PRONOUNCED SAM I AM ! GREAT ALBUM!
! MR. KNOW IT ALL ;-b | TRI STATE AREA | 08/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My favorite album by this band is "Billy". This is because it was the first album I heard and owned by these guys. Finding it in a bargain bin was the best bargain I ever had and I have a great deal of respect for this band. They never got their due and you should be buying this as you read my review! Great album!"
Hands down....
K. Frenette | Roslindale, MA United States | 04/30/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"one of my top ten favorite albums of all time. someone handed me this CD for free back in 1995 and i'm so glad they did. this is one of the few CDs that i can definately say changed my life and changed how i approached music. and if you like this band, you should check out Boston's Sometimes She Burns."
POWERFUL!!
K. Frenette | 03/27/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was so happy to find that Samiam didn't "sell out" when they made the move to Major Label-dom (or is it 'dumb'?)... I was a devoted fan from the beginning and this ranks as one of the best Albums. For a major label debut, it was probably too innovative for radio-play. This is classic Samiam - old school fans will love it. See this band live!"