Somewhere between the monster success of Counting Crows and Sting's early solo work lies a band called The Samples. While they never achieved the status of their counterparts, The Samples have rung up over 1 million sales over the last fifteen years, mainly on the strength of touring and a sound that thrilled college rockers who wanted an alternative to the mainstream.
"When It's Raining" and "Birth of Worlds" are probably The Samples' best known songs, and they are here. "Feel Us Shaking" could be the hit the Counting Crows never recorded, and "Did You Ever Look So Nice" mixes Adam Duritz's rawness with the smoothness of a Blue Turtles-era Sting vocal.
"Taking Us Home" is more of a traditional Irish tune flavored with a Roots-style jam feel. "Still Water" recalls Alan Parsons at his best.
"Nitrous Fall" is the joker in the deck, with a slow, almost draggy feel to it, backed with a reggae soundtrack. It truly sounds like nothing else here.
Disc Two is part DVD, part a collection of live tracks, demos, and solo work from Jeep MacNichol and Andy Sheldon. There are four music videos, and a documentary piece called "Ten Wheels" that traces the band's early days, as well as a "Where Are They Now?" update.
At their best, The Samples strike you as one of those bands that could have been much bigger. At other times, they come across as a radio friendly, adult-oriented pop band that is OK to listen to, but is easily forgotten. And that is too bad. There is a lot of material here that shows they probably deserved better.
music -- 4 tocks
DVD -- 3.5 tocks
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