navigate
in winter..
.. it's like drinking black coffee trying to stay warm and keeping the cold out. the rain falls, the wind blows. some of you even get to see snow.in autumn..
.. it's a backyard in the suburbs, and hundreds leaves covering the green grass.in summer..
.. it's a night-time thing. out on the balcony (porch) with some beers and your friends.in spring..
.. it's the hope for a brighter day.Album Reviews
Stories You Wouldn't Believe
Sam Shinazzi “Stories You Wouldn't Believe”
(Laughing Outlaw Records 2005)
Sydney based singer/songwriter Sam Shinazzi releases his third release on the excellent Laughing Outlaw Records label in September 2005. Sam has opened shows for Evan Dando, Josh Rouse, Hayden and Augie March in the US & Australia - he is due in the UK later this year.
What will determine Sam's route will be his song writing, and with the abundance of singer song-writers in the Americana 'mould' the question is do Sam's songs stand out and do you return to play them again and again? On first listen the songs drift in and out, but on second listen they start taking hold of you, and with a full band in support the songs are superbly produced. On 'Scotty Come Home' Sam sees Natalie Merchant in an ex or current girl friend - it's a terrific song with a wonderful chorus.
Treading familiar territory as his fellow country man Karl Broadie - it all depends how much you like that sort of stuff. Overall the songs carry the motion, fine melodies and strong poignant lyrics winning the day. Dedicating the record to Elliot Smith, Sam's influences can be heard throughout this fine record. I'm not sure if he's different enough to stand out, but 'Stories You Wouldn't Believe' is good place to find out.
AR - 8 out of 10