About This Blog

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Hey all, I decided to start this blog as a way to tell people about music that doesn't really get a lot of attention but that I think really deserves it! I format my entries in the form of reviews. Hopefully, I can help point you in the direction of some great music that you wouldn't have found otherwise. I know it always makes my day when I find a new band to listen to :) Hope you enjoy! Feel free to leave comments and suggest albums for me to review. Keep in mind these are just my opinions!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

"Zuni" by Sam Bradley


It was winter break, and I was in the mood for new music. Now that I think about it, I'm always in the mood for new music. It just happened to be winter break at the time.

Enter one of my cousins and her husband! They introduced me to this album, "Zuni," by Sam Bradley. A note right off the bat. You need to have an album named "Zuni" in your library... are there many cooler words around? I dont think so. On to the music!

Bradley uses acoustic guitar, piano, bass, some string work and some sparse drums to create simple musical landscapes that sound warm and intimate. This is not an arena sound. Instead, this music is perfect to listen to in a small room--just you, your thoughts, and maybe a fire, depending on the weather.

In essence, he creates warm beds of sound on top of which his soulful voice can soar and cavort on top of.

Though a couple of the songs on this short album are light and frivolous ("Passport" is a joyful, morally shady, honky-tonk piano-filled three minutes of absolute fun), most of these songs course with a lot of raw emotion. There's some accusation, some questioning, and plenty of self-reflection. Yes, the album is short, but it most certainly isn't lacking thoughtful lyrics.

This album isn't a super light listen, nor is it like "The Age of Adz," an album which takes the listener and flings him or her out of their comfort zone. It's right in the middle, a hearty listen that won't force you to study it for six hours.

He definitely deserves more attention than he's been getting! Download the album and you definitely will be glad you did.

My favorite three songs are "Wide Open," "Passport," and "Sea Blue."

Here's a link to his Myspace!

http://www.myspace.com/sambradley

Until next time, enjoy some new music!

Andrew

Posted by Andrew at 5:16 PM

15 comments:

  1. DeJanuary 6, 2011 at 2:54 AM

    Well said Andrew! There is no one quite like Sam Bradley. His music is honest and tasteful. Sam is also a pretty amazing man.:-)

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 6, 2011 at 3:00 AM

    Andrew,

    I don't know who you are but I am more than happy that you stumbled upon Sam. Welcome to my Universe...;-)

    On top of that you've put it beautifully into words. By the way , I've veen to the US recently and I disagree...Sam's album is not just for small rooms. Listen to his album on an Interstate at night and the songs get a whole different meaning.

    Rica

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  3. UnknownJanuary 6, 2011 at 4:38 AM

    I love when people discover Sam its like receiving a gift you didn't think to ask for. Everyone has their own interpretation of his incredible music, and I can't help but enjoy hearing everyone's thoughts. His music always falls instep with my mood no matter what kind of day I have had. So glad your were introduced Sam hope you can make it out to see him live one day soon.

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  4. cerwinJanuary 6, 2011 at 5:30 AM

    I'm so glad u found Sam & are giving him this shout out! He is such an incredible musician. I was in such awe when watching him perform in person! He delivers his lyrics with such soulful & raw emotion. I spent time with Sam after one of his shows he is not only a great musician but an incredible person! He was so humble, very funny and just an overall great person. I felt so comfortable like I had known him my entire life. I wish Sam great success as he deserves to be mainstream! Hopefully, your blog will reach many and everyone can join in on some Sam love;)

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  5. vianopolisJanuary 6, 2011 at 5:47 AM

    Great review! I'm very new to Sam! I am loving EVERY minute of discovery!

    Cheers,
    Rebecca

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  6. UnknownJanuary 6, 2011 at 6:02 AM

    SAM BRADLEY is one of my favourite musician ever! My fav songs are "DETAILS" , "TOO FAR GONE" , "WHISKEY",and "SEA BLUE".
    Sam is also a wonderful, nice, sweet, handsome man! cheers from austria xxx

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  7. bandmumJanuary 6, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    Thanks for the review, Andrew! It's always great to find new music, especially when it inspires you to then share it with others. I think you'll find yourself sharing Sam's music for a long time. :)

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  8. AnonymousJanuary 6, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    I also love Zuni! Details & Wide Open are my picks and he is also TERRIFIC live :) Love the site Andrew, finding new music to love is like Christmas everyday.

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  9. UnknownJanuary 6, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    I too am new to Sam Bradley's music. I downloaded Zuni a month ago and love several songs, No One and Me, Scared, Lights and Details are probably my favorites.

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  10. AddictJanuary 6, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Thanks for the review Andrew. You're absolutely right in that he deserves much more attention than he's already getting . His live performances are amazing. The type of thing one would travel very far to hear =). He is an incredible musician and song writer and I can't wait to hear more from him! Thank you, thank you. Xx. <3

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  11. AmalicynJanuary 6, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    Welcome to the many listeners who know what good music and good artists sound like :)
    Thank you from a long time fan, glad to see someone discovering Sam and spreading the word.

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  12. AnonymousJanuary 6, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    Thanks for spreading the word about Sam, great review! I've been a fan for quite awhile, and Sam just gets better and better. Zuni is a great example of that. Wonderful guy inside and out. If you get a chance, go see him live, there's nothing like it!

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  13. UnknownJanuary 7, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    Hey Andrew, I run a site that does reviews and things too. We are hopeful to set up something for Sam on there too would be great to use this and maybe collaborate on other artists?? my site is
    http://chordsandcandles.jimdo.com/
    there is a contact us for for you to get in touch with me on the site, would be great to work with you.. excellent article btw.. I was lucky enough to bump into Sam yesterday which was pretty cool!

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  14. UnknownJanuary 9, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    Very great initiative Andrew ! Many talented people often stay in shadow. I'm looking for a long time Sam's albums in French stores, but he's not yet well known here. So I join you, from France, trying to help to put Sam's albums in light.
    Anne

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  15. BrinaJanuary 16, 2011 at 12:37 AM

    I too was recently turn on to Sam Bradley! And I must say I too was impressed but his Talent! He is also one of the coolest guys, I have ever met! I think it is so awesome that you did a post on him! You Rock! My too favorites by Sam are "lights" & "passport"

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