How about a little of "Sting
meets the Grateful Dead"?
With their relaxed, slightly jazzy pop, the Samples have become one
of the most popular touring bands of the early '90s. After a bad experience
with a major label, the band began releasing their own records independently,
building support through a grass-roots network of fans. Through constant
touring, the Samples were able to keep building their network of fans. They
were also busy in the studio, recording three albums between 1992 and 1993.
With none of their albums deviating from their folky, Sting-meets-the Grateful
Dead pop, their albums — which also include 1994's Autopilot, 1996's Outpost
and 1997's Transmissions From the Sea of Tranquility live set — are virtually
indistinguishable from each other. However, none of them are bad — each
record has a couple of first-rate songs, showing why they are concert favorites
across the country. Here and Somewhere Else followed in 1998. —
Stephen Thomas Erlewine |
