By Gabriel
Sam Roberts
emember how thrilling and satisfying Tom Petty's music was from the 80s? You probably wouldn't like music at all if you didn't appreciate at least some of The Beatles' work. Did Pearl Jam's emotional, real-world songwriting ever strike a chord with you in the 90's and early 00's? Can you imagine a new artist that has the passion of youth in his footsteps, the blazing classical sound of Petty while integrating the pop and harmonies of the Fab Four? Is it possible that such a musician could almost replace Pearl Jam if it ever had a place in your heart? Allow me to submit Sam Roberts. I found out about this Canadian secret from a mixed CD from another Canadian – the only Canadian I've ever met, as matter of fact. What are the chances? "Hard Road" is a classic rock song from his first album, maybe the most poignant and heartfelt anthem I've heard in the past decade or more. It's so good that I made my wedding photographer place it into the soundtrack of our wedding DVD. (As a guy, stuff like that shouldn't matter.) As a firm believer that The Beatles are the end-all-be-all of music, I can easily point out every riff, hook and harmony that he references in his songs. Some might consider it blasphemous but I think it's about time someone figured out how to modernize their sound. (Dr. Dog does this more recently but I find it to be less subtle and more repackaged. Still like them, though.)
Sam has made only three albums and I can promise that each one holds something special. We Were Born In A Flame is a crazy-out-of-gate first album. Every feeling is worn on the sleeve. Songs about hardship, brotherhood, love, and disenchantment. Chemical City works harder to earn your love. A slow-burn of an album it seems a little off-putting that this looks like a psychedelic homage on the surface. Make your way 2/3 through the album to find the wandering, "where did it all go wrong" trio of "An American Draft Dodger in Thunder Bay," "The Bootleg Saint," and "The Resistance." The latest album, Love At The End of The World, took far too long to come out but it seemed to arrive timely to explain its relevance. Sam Roberts always questions the purpose of conflict in his writing but this comes at a time when almost everyone else questions it, as well. Also in the mix you'll find "Them Kids," a direct shot at what the music industry–and the audience–has come to. It will make you question downloading your next album. The record ends with "Detroit '67," which might be the best bar song that I wish was actually a bar song. It reminds me of old Billy Joel songs, thick in nostalgia and sing-along parts. He might not be the savior of rock as we knew it, but he's the closest I've found.
Rocket From The Crypt
Rocket From The Crypt is dead, long live Rocket From The Crypt! RFTC was recommended to me in the 11th grade in 1995. (Do your homework and you'll find a rich history that lead up to Rocket and everything after. See my posts on The Night Marchers and Obits for references.) Rocket, in my opinion and many others, was one of the best (punk) rock bands EVER. The odds of me liking this band when I learned of it were slim because of the horn section. If you recall the trendy music of that time it was ska. I hate ska. Ska is shit. Withdrawing from hasty measures, I gave them a chance. The horns are merely supporting elements (not said to devalue them). Overall, Rocket has the best riffs ever. Can I interest you in a little chunk with your rock and roll meal today? Enjoy fast, driving music that happens to sound great while actually driving? Any interest in kicking ass while wielding a guitar with fire shooting out of it? There's not a lot to be said about the music because it's so simple. John Reis writes short, precise rock songs that make you want to grease your hair back, get in a switchblade fight, kick a dude in the balls, and peel away in a black car with flames painted on the hood and a tiger sitting in the back seat. Let's not complicate things. No need to get emotional. Stitch some gems into your nice dress clothes, choreograph your horn section, lean into your guitar, and ask that your drummer beat his drumkit like a stray dog. I can't say enough good things about Rocket From The Crypt. They are legendary and didn't get the attention they deserved.
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