Comments on: Samiam "Clumsy" CD

By: Terrible Juan

Terrible Juan — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 06:10:23 +0000

I was introduced to Samiam via BMX videos. Many of the RIDE BMX Magazine videos have their songs in them. I liked what I heard and downloaded all that could from them. I've been listening to them for about 10 years now. Definitely one of my favorite bands.

By: Pete

Pete — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 00:03:08 +0000

'Clumsy' was my introduction to the band around the mid 90s but Samiam never clicked for me until a friend copied me a tape with the first album and 'Soar'. There is something very special about how this band sounded over their first three albums. I think in many ways it's because the drumming is so good, David Ayer (2nd drummer) keeps the spirit of Moving Targets and Grant Hart alive with a really quick and driving style. I prefer the vocal delivery and lyrics in the earlier output also, Jason Beebout is so earnest and sincere. The guitar interplay is something else to be noted, it's obviously very influenced by D.C. bands but I read an older interview where Sergie said at this point they were listening to Sonic Youth's 'Sister' heavily. 'You are Freaking me out' is a really cool album, they had a few problems getting that one out.. I was fed up of waiting! I know there was a CD released called 'The New Red years' which was a compilation from their first three records. Don't overlook this stuff :)

By: Tim

Tim — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 23:11:55 +0000

don't know why they mixed the guitars so weak on whatever's got you down. it takes away a lot of their punch. and jason's voice seems to have aged alot since astray. regardless there are some very good songs on the album.

By: Adam G

Adam G — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:05:55 +0000

Yes, I also think the production is very strange on "Whatever's Got You Down". The way the vocals are tracked sounds like a demo take! Almost sounds like they mailed Jason the music and said "sing over this at home when you get a free moment"!

Another thing I've also noticed about Samiam is that the third track on every album is awesome. Go back and take a look and you'll see what I mean.

By: JL

JL — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:58:58 +0000

I saw them also on tour with Texas Is The Reason. Great live band. You should also check out Solea. The band has the singer of TITR and guitarist of Samiam (Sergie). Especially their s/t album is really good. "Clumsy" really throws me back in time, this is my favorite Samiam album. They don't really have bad albums, even the last one's OK though the production is pretty weird.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:07:02 +0000

* "As We're Told"

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:06:10 +0000

Chalk up one dude for whom this is the first introduction to the band. I've heard the name thrown around, but couldn't distinguish it from Samian or whatever, always thought they must be unremarkable. Boy, was I wrong. I've downloaded the entire album off some blog and was hooked right from "What We're Told". Unstoppable shit. Like someone else remarked, the vocals are what pushes this band to the top. I don't like the "carefree" stuff like "She's a Part of Me" as much, but the more somber/doleful shit hits right home with me. Not that there's a direct comparison between the two, but Samiam and By a Thread are two best finds of this general type of sound that I've come across on this site. So, once again - thanks.

By: Adam G

Adam G — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 03:23:40 +0000

Incredible band. I first heard them back in '96 when I saw them headline in Leeds, England, with Texas Is The Reason supporting. All their releases are great (although their most recent album was slightly disappointing and sounded a little tired). Clumsy was one of the albums that completely expanded the type of music I listen to and I still remember the first time I put it on my stereo aged 18. I've always thought Samiam have a fairly unique sound in the way James Brogan plays his lead guitar phrases over the songs – often emulated but never bettered.

By: Andrew vd Berg

Andrew vd Berg — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 02:42:59 +0000

Very underrated band, as i can recall that in the Netherlands when these guys would come, not a lot of people would attend the shows. Still, this is one great record, fitting to be played in the morning during the autumn season. It has that kind of mood and their strongest asset is the voice of Jason Beebout. With any other singer the songs, would probably be just half as good and that says an awful lot. Samiam can be compared to Jawbreaker, and even Lemonheads (warmth of the vocals). Great great band

Andrew

By: Birkir

Birkir — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:48:53 +0000

Such a good album. I go from this on and Astray… back and forth. Cohesive and consistent releases and their best in my opinion.