What in Samhill?

what in samhill?

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Few bands could get away with "Sadly, our song is on the radio" as a song's chorus--in a less accomplished band's repertoire, the line would nearly scream for snide agreement from all the sarcastic wits listening. Instead, Highway 9's What in Samhill pulls off the almost impossible: it silences any opposition with tough, finely crafted, melodic songs that fit together seamlessly and stand solidly on their own. The five-man band, formerly known as Samhill, changed their name to give homage to their Jersey roots. And indeed, the geography of sound first mapped out by blue-collar legend Bruce Springsteen is expertly traveled on this release. Peter Scherer's voice is a lead to be reckoned with, beautifully conjuring the Eagles' best harmonies. But after a few listens, it is Gordon Brown's songwriting that's most striking. Whether in "Heroine," an aching portrait of a son's difficult love for his mother, or the love-gone-bad "Tug of War" ("I'm no winner, and she's no reward"), the songs resist relying on attitude or bravado. Instead, they possess the marked confidence of having scraped through hard times and survived, with a story to tell. --Laura Etling

What in Samhill,Highway 9,Sony,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

What in Samhill?

What in Samhill?

Average customer rating:

Talented songwriting from GB
different from high school, huh?
Harmonies that take you places
well worth a listen
Fun Alt. Country CD

What in Samhill?
Highway 9
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Mr. Reality

ASIN: B0000663XH
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

Between Your Eyes and Mine
Sadly
Tug Of War
Break
Yesterday Came Out All Wrong
Casanova
Ain't Nothin' But Love
Had Enough
Pain & Suffering
Say You're Mine
Heroine
Quicksand Town

Amazon.com

Few bands could get away with "Sadly, our song is on the radio" as a song's chorus--in a less accomplished band's repertoire, the line would nearly scream for snide agreement from all the sarcastic wits listening. Instead, Highway 9's What in Samhill pulls off the almost impossible: it silences any opposition with tough, finely crafted, melodic songs that fit together seamlessly and stand solidly on their own. The five-man band, formerly known as Samhill, changed their name to give homage to their Jersey roots. And indeed, the geography of sound first mapped out by blue-collar legend Bruce Springsteen is expertly traveled on this release. Peter Scherer's voice is a lead to be reckoned with, beautifully conjuring the Eagles' best harmonies. But after a few listens, it is Gordon Brown's songwriting that's most striking. Whether in "Heroine," an aching portrait of a son's difficult love for his mother, or the love-gone-bad "Tug of War" ("I'm no winner, and she's no reward"), the songs resist relying on attitude or bravado. Instead, they possess the marked confidence of having scraped through hard times and survived, with a story to tell. --Laura Etling

Customer Reviews:

Talented songwriting from GB.......2003-09-19

Those familiar with Mr. Reality already know the tremendous talent Highway 9 has in songwriter/guitarist Gordon Brown. He has an ability to translate human experiences - from the pain of lost or broken relationships to the faith that keeps people afloat - into thoughtful lyrics that leave you with the comforting feeling that you are understood. The melodies stay in your head long after the CD has stopped playing -- a true sign of good songwriting. Make sure you also check out the EP with "Stand Here Waiting."

different from high school, huh?.......2003-02-11

I knew Gordon Brown in High School...man, things have changed. This stuff is great and Gordon has matured into a great musician. I don't any of the other guys...excpet Rob, so no comment on the others and stuff...but man, this is like totally way cool.

Harmonies that take you places.......2002-06-11

Highway 9 lyrics,harmonies and instrumentation captures the listener on many levels. The songs deal with change, growth, love and the strength it takes to go thru it. The harmonies are memorable and stay in your head and heart. The instrumentation pulls you up and moving. To compare Highway 9's vocals to Springstein or Henley gives you only an idea how wonderful the sound must be However, the sound is Highway 9's alone rooted in the American landscape no matter where your from you'll find yourself in it.............

well worth a listen.......2002-06-04

I bought this cd as I enjoy alternative country. I was a little disappointed as I would have preferred some more twang. Apart from that it had a lot going for it. The songs are all written by one band member A MIGHTY BIG PLUS IN MY VIEW. The music style is a bit Eagleish with the singer sounding like Don Henley. The tracks are varied with melodic vocals mixed with plenty of guitar work. It is a very sound album with good lyrics and the fact that I would have preferred more of a country influence does not detract from it in any way. If you like the Eagles especially Don Henley GO FOR IT.

Fun Alt. Country CD.......2002-05-14

I listened to this CD for the first time without any preconceptions. I had never heard of the band before, but I liked the title, so I gave it a listen. I'm glad I did, too because this was a very pleasant surprise.

They sort of remind me of a less cartoonish Refreshments. Upbeat, driving alt. country/rock that's a good tonic to cure a foul mood.

It sounds a little overproduced in places (particularly "Yesterday Came Out All Wrong" which seems like it would be more evocative without the strings... I'm curious to hear the acoustic version) but nonetheless fun to listen to. They definately sound like a band who would kick your butt live.

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