You know, I kinda feel sorry for the bands of the 1990's. Can you imagine if the technology that exists today had been around then? I was looking for some YouTube of the band, the Samples, for today's post and hard a hard time finding stuff. And, what I did find is pretty poor quality. There are SO many incredible 90's bands that just because they never went "mainstream" or didn't have the opportunity to be heard like bands today, were pushed to the side. The Samples are one of them. I don't think the Samples EVER made it on MTV. Ever. Speaking of MTV. What the heck? When did MTV become so drenched in reality show filth and to me, a guide on to how to look, act and sound IDENTICAL to those around you? Kids, like what you like. Don't like what you don't like. Think for yourselves. What moves you? What touches your soul when it comes to music? Not sure or don't know what that is for you? Then find THAT out and be genuine about it.
Back in my day, I remember MTV showing actual music videos too. I can't remember the last time I saw a music video on MTV. Oh wait, yes I do. Thomas, my first-born was a baby and in the middle of the night when he'd wake up to eat, I'd feed him in bed and watch music videos without sound. Why without sound? Because that TV didn't have any. I would read the closed-captions on the music videos and sit there in silence, feeding my child. I never knew exactly what Gwen Stefani's song "Bananas" was saying until those late-night feedings. Why did we have that TV, you might be thinking? To read the news, weather and music videos in closed-captions in bed, of course.
Anyway, enough of that and onto the Samples. So, this band started in Boulder, CO, a LONG time ago, but now call Vermont home. They've had band members come and go through the years, but, Sean Kelly has remained the Samples front-man the entire time. I've always thought he looked a bit like Kurt Cobain. Anyway, I was having breakfast with a young friend, Kaitlin, in her early twenties recently and she was telling me about how much she had enjoyed hearing about Gillian Welch via this blog. So, that inspired me to give highlight here to more great music that kids of the 2000's may not be privy to, but need to know about to be well-rounded, none-the-less.
"Did You Ever Look So Nice" is one of my all-time favorite Samples songs. It was written around fifteen years ago. When I listen to it now, yep ... still good. The quality of this video is mediocre, it cuts the song off too (seeing this song live could last 10 glorious minutes) and the rigmarole I went through to get it here ... well, let's just say I love y'all. Oh, and be warned. These fans are dancers. Anyway, that YouTube video is meant to get you interested, so go listen to their MySpace (one of the links up there) and then, go to iTunes and buy one of their records. YES, the whole record. That's also what we did in my day. We bought the WHOLE dang thing.
Another thing: Sean Kelly plays private acoustic shows now. It's his life-blood. The band broke apart in the last few years and this is the way he makes his living. So, click that Sean Kelly name up there, buy some tickets to a show, buy a CD and maybe even a t-shirt if you like them. Don't go to Forever 21 just one time and you can help a brother and an incredible band out. I still rock my old-school Colorado license plate Samples tee with pride. LOVE the Samples. Hope you do too. Out for now.
