Search - Samples :: Last Drag

I Love This Band--I Love This Album

Richard D. Hodgson | Madera, CA United States | 10/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a fan of The Samples for several years now. I first bought their "Outpost" CD as an experiment, and then went on to pick up every Samples disc I could find. They represent a sound that's been all but missing for a long time in mainstream rock and roll. Real songs, played by real musicians who really don't seem to care an awful lot if they never get any airplay. They can rock with the best of them when they want to (check out the live CD, "Underwater People"), and then display a quiet sensitivity rarely found in rock music since at least the 70's, without sounding at all dated. The musicianship and songwriting are unsurpassed by anyone I can name. There isn't a Samples album I don't like, but this is my personal favorite. They really don't rock very hard on this album-- it's mostly kind of spacey, with touches of psychedelia just beneath the surface-- and it's absolutely great. If you're unfamiliar with this band, buy this CD. If you don't instantly love it, send it to me-- because if it's possible to wear out a CD, I'm gonna need another copy someday."

THE BEST SAMPLES CD

Richard D. Hodgson | 07/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must admit I am a huge fan of The Police so I am somewhat biased because these guys don't sound exactly like The Police but the way Sean sings and the mix of reggae and pop reminds me of them. This in no way diminishes how great this band is. Sean Kelly is an amazing songwriter as well as the other members in the band who contribute songs and arrangements. The lineup has changed over the years but this lineup (the original) is by far the best. Sean, Jeep (drums), Andy (bass) and Al (keyboards) are all fantastic on this CD. I recommend all of the Samples CD's but especially the first 4 (Samples, Last Room, Last Drag, AutoPilot) as these are the best. The best of these four is The Last Drag. Not a bad song on here and the songs are so varied as is the case on all their CD's that you never get bored and can listen to this CD constantly. Highlights for me are the beautiful "Everytime", "Streets In the Rain", "Taxi", "Carry On", "Misery" and "The Last Drag". Please do yourself a favor and try out this band, they will not dissapoint. Also if you haven't been to one of their shows, it is well worth it, great live band as they tour constantly to get their music across to their hugely devoted fan base."

The Best Album by one of the all-time great bands!

dolfancf | Newark, DE United States | 06/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Samples are, without a doubt, musical and lyrical geniuses. Their loyalty to their fans, the environment, and originality have made them worshiped by their fans. They've NEVER sold out and their dedication to making great original music has sadly kept them off the mass airwaves.
Their entire repitoire including No Room, Autopilot, and Return to Earth are all gems. This is the "desert island" cd for me, though. The original mambers are all here. Sean Kelly and Andy Sheldon are the "Lennon/McCartney" of the band. "LSR", "Everytime" and "Prophet of Doom" are three of the BEST songs EVER written. Jeep adds genius drumbeats and his "Misery" is mesmerizing (his best is "Water Rush" on Autopilot is my favorite Jeep song). Al adds the perfect offbeat keyboard chords to Sean's guitar riffs and Andy's reggae influenced basslines. (His keyboard riff on "Taxi" is also incredible).
To sum it up, this was the band at it's finest and if you want an hour long CD with influences of folk, rock, pop, reggae, ska, jazz, and psychedelia...this will blow your mind.
Check out their website for more info on the band."