Search - Samples :: No Room

Best album by the best underappreciated band...

j. | 09/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Samples, believe it or not, have been around for 20 years. And, on top of that, they've had the curse of being friends with a lot of bands that make it big (Dave Matthews Band, Hootie and the Blowfish), while they simply sit back and watch. Although the group is past its prime now, there was a time when they were one of the hottest college bar bands in the nation. Their devoted fan base has always been a combination of neo-hippy earthy types and college frat guys, and it is basically the constant touring that has kept this band alive (lets be honest, it's certainly not the album sales).



That being said, this is the band's finest album. Over the years, most of their songs and albums have been nailed with a barrage of criticism for sounding too similar, but this album ventures away from that. The band uses primarily acoustic guitars with subtle drums and pipes/keyboards to convey messages of everything from environmental awareness to alienation. The calm acoustic guitar on "Giants," sharply contrasts the pulsating electric riff of "Pain," for example, and that's the type of diversity that many Samples' albums lack. Although the production and general mixing of the album sounds a little dated at times (a little too "early 90s,"), it's still a solid album any way you look at it. The highlights include the aformentioned "Pain" and "Did You Ever Look So Nice," possibly the bands most popular song to date.



Be sure to also check out the Samples live album, "Transmissions from the Sea of Tranquility," for a glimpse at the band playing in the environment that suits them best, their live show."

The Best Samples album out there

Bennet J | Tucson, AZ | 06/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You will find more classics on this album than on any others. When It's Raining, Summertime, Did You Ever Look So Nice, Another Disaster, Stone Tears, Nothing Lasts For Long are all greats. For all the years they've been around it amazes me how many people don't know of The Samples. I guess they aren't for everyone, but there's always that certain someone who (like me) hears them the first time and gets hooked."

The Samples Best Album

Bennet J | 04/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"By far the best Samples recording available. A must own for anyone who has ever heard the band."