I don’t know how, but I had a Sam Champion song in my iTunes library called “You Can’t See The Stars In This Town” prior to buying their new release Heavenly Bender. Like other lonely songs that sit without an album to call home in my library, it is a mediocre song that– more than anything– holds promise of other good material. (Unlike smitch, I’m prone to keeping singles like this around on my hard drive. The reason being that they’re effectively post-it notes, reminding me that, hey, these guys are probably worth hearing more of at some point.)
Sam Champion is an indie rock band from Brooklyn and they pretty much look just like every other indie rock band from Brooklyn. Their sound, though, is notable because it– well, because it doesn’t suck. Exhibits A and B below.
I’ve heard them be compared to Pavement, but I don’t see it at all. Maybe it’s a comparison that’s left over from their first album, which I haven’t heard beyond the track I mentioned above. “Dead Moon”, to me, sounds almost like it could be classified as psychadelia, and “Jealous Shakes” has a chorus that can’t really be described as anything other than straight-up rocking (with a bridge that, for some reason, reminds of Gorillaz… that’s probably way out of left field and makes no sense… never mind). Same goes for the track the follows it on the album: “There Was A Doubt”. These songs are fun, if not particularly challenging or startling or fresh. I bet these guys would be really fun to see live.
It’s always good to have some straightforward, unpretentious rock to keep in the back pocket. Never know when you’re gonna need it.
“Dead Moon” by Sam Champion
“Jealous Shakes” by Sam Champion
Both songs from Heavenly Bender. Buy it on eMusic.
I see what you mean about not being necessarily challenging or fresh, but still fun. The first song definitely has a classic rock feel, maybe a little pinch of Santana. And you’re right about the Gorillaz-accented bridge on the second song. I think it’s because Gorillaz uses that harmonica sound on one of their songs, though I can’t think of which one.
Speaking of gay weather men, try this on for size.
Ha! Nice clip.
And you’re right about the harmonica being what reminded me of Gorillaz. It’s the same exact sound effect on it and playing similar notes as on a track on their first album. I lack the motivation to sift through and find which one, though.
Just did– it’s “Clint Eastwood.”