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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)
Sometimes, in this over-digitised, over-produced and over-hyped world it's refreshing to listen to something that has an honest-to-goodness simplicity about it. Sam Shinazzi's second album is like that.
Twelve straightforward songs that stand or fall by certain principles - the music is unadorned by any unnecessary elaboration; no smart-ass sampling, electronic tomfoolery or so-called cutting edge worldview. Just Sam, his voice and guitar and straightforward bass, drums and keys backing.
The songs start and they finish. They use major chords and minor chords. Now, the more cynical of you might think; 'Hang on, that means it's plain boring.' But that could not be further from the truth. Because sometimes the simple way is the best way. After all, rock music doesn't have to be rocket science, does it?
Occasionally there is a slight diversion into country rock - the mandolin on 'My Friend And A Free Day" provides a lovely counterpoint while "Scotty Come Home"'s lyrics - namechecking Natalie Merchant and 10,000 Maniacs in a song of love and loss - has an addictive guitar figure that bears repeated listening. Stories You Wouldn't Believe is at times mellow, poignant and melancholy, but has an honest, almost home-made charm to it. After creating quite a buzz in Australia, Sam - who has played alongside Bonnie Prince Billy, Evan Dando, Josh Rouse and the Pernice Brothers - toured the US earlier this year, playing in New York, Los Angeles and Washington D.C.
Later this year he plans to stop off in the UK. You should check him out if you get then chance. Meanwhile, grab a copy of this old-fashioned, intensely personal and curiously satisfying album. Then maybe you'll believe the stories about him.
John Stacey
Erasing Clouds